The best restaurants in South Lakeland North West

Having criticised this place (Stickle Barn is it's name) last year for its extortionate drinks prices, we chose to give it another go (having already popped in to the ever dependable ODG where we enjoyed great cask beers in the sun). It proved a much cheaper visit this time, however, as they had no cask beer on at all. Foreign lager and Guinness were available, in a place that purports to celebrate Cumbrian produce. Another 'Lakes' place bites the dust - but the Old Dungeon Ghyll is more than adequate compensation. Visit there instead.

I really wanted to be more impressed... but I just wasn't. Perfect location for walkers and a potentially cool vibe but don't be fooled by instagram! It was cold and lacked atmosphere- not ideal as 90% of customers were walkers. I was disappointed to know the Langdale gin was currently made in Essex, and food was average. We had two plates of loaded fries and while the toppings had a nice flavour and were warm, the chips underneath were stone cold. We'd had quite a wait which I didn't mind, but by this point we were too hungry to send it back. I might have mentioned it to a friendly waited if there was one to be seen, however no one checked in and it really felt the staff were happy to do the bare minimum. One guy lit a few candles and sat and had a pint on this side of the bar with some mates. I'd love to return in the hope it's better as it really feels it has so much potential.

The food was overpriced and underdelivered. Good music though 🙏. Lovely setting too. Beer selection could be better.

Extremely mean apply syrup with pancakes and LONG wait for food. Generally good quality food but mean with accompaniments and service average.

Popped here mid walk with the family. We had 2 fantastic “light” fish and chips. Which at £13 is the same as the chip chop. Big fresh fish, hot and crispy batter (not oily) and a big plate of real potato chunky chips. Kids meals were a great size (big enough for a young teenagers) fish for the boy and chicken goujons for the girls. Both ate the lot and it was very good value (also the option of chips or fries for the meals). Nice staff and relaxed comfortable vibes. Would definitely go again. I have no idea what the bad reviews are about the people posted. Also good Lilly’s coffee and the pot of tea was massive with 2 tea bags so happy to sit and chill.

Lovely coffee and snack. Friendly, helpful staff but, when paying my bill, very rude woman in chef's whites appeared and started to berate her colleagues about gaps in a cake display! Off putting for customers and unfair to staff who were rushed off their feet serving customers. Didn't know where to look. Save it for later Love - customers don't want to hear it!

The restaurant decoration and environment are 10/10, super cozy and uniquely decorated, nice rustic style. The staff was lovely. However, the food was not that great and overpriced… the steak was 6/10, a lot of fat and nerves, not enjoyable at all, the starter was £15 and we didn’t like it 4/10. They to a beautiful side, lobster mac and cheese, 10/10. If you’re looking for a good steak and worth the price this is not the place.

Fantastic location. Friendly, welcoming and great to take your dogs, there were 4 ilat the time we were there and the staff were more than happy to accommodate this. The food was excellent t and large portion meant it was extremely good value for money . Would recommend it to anyone

From the moment we walked in we were made very welcome. For a thursday night there was a good number of people already eating. Didnt have to wait too long for food to start turning up. Place was very clean and food was immaculate. We will certainly be returning next time we are in The Lakes. Cant recommend this place enough

6 of us visited and ate off the new autumn menu! Delicious! Staff were very friendly. All our meals were well cooked and presented. We will return and will recommend to others! Thank you!

Beautiful place, great wall decor. Generous and delicious meals. Wow factor was history of the building and amazing service from Stacey. Will definitely return and would recommend.

We were staying in Grasmere and headed here on our first night. It was very expensive, the starters were tiny for the money and our mains were tasteless. To top it off they charged us 95p for a tiny slice of sourdough! Making the small starter £9! The pub did feel cosy but definitely wouldn’t recommend for food.

Not great, lady serving said she was too busy to take an order without a table number - despite only 6 tables to choose from and my saying we would look out for it. Walked back downstairs out of building to garden to check table number then soup was salty and scone was damp (microwaved?)

Wonderful , welcoming Italian restaurant . We visited tonight with our Tibetan Terrier and she couldn’t have been made more welcome and was given her own blanket to lie on while we were there . It was lovely to see a home cooked Italian menu and the food was piping hot and oh so tasty . Special mention to Emma our lovely waitress for whom nothing was too much trouble . We will be back next time we are in Ambleside

Family dinner yesterday evening. Limited but good selection of food choices on the menu, a couple of which had sold out but what they did have was served promptly and satisfied five hungry people. I tried the Black Bass from the specials board. If it is indeed the Ship's chef that came up with that dish, they are genius! Really really enjoyed it. Good range of beers cellared excellently and served well. It's the first time we've been in the Ship since new management have been in place and the welcome and service are as good as we've come to appreciate at the Ship. Price point: there or thereabouts. Not too expensive for good food and drink provided well in a lovely, friendly environment. My dog was made most welcome too which is just as important.