The best restaurants serving British food in Keswick Allerdale North West

Doncha just love the word “Brossen”? Means fit to burst after a meal, in the local slang. And, whilst you might love the name, doncha just hate it when you’re the only customers in a restaurant. It means there’s zilch atmosphere and no-one else’s food to weigh up when it’s being brought to their table. Well, that was it on a Monday evening in the town centre – the only other occupied tables were just finishing off and waiting to pay as we sat down at 7.30. It’s a nice, modern room which starts its day as the Inn on the Square’s breakfast room (also available to non-residents) before becoming a “proper” restaurant as the day goes on. It’s bright, furnished in what I suppose is a Scandi style (think posh IKEA) with good sized tables , nicely spaced apart so, if anyone else had been there, they wouldn’t be ear-wigging your conversation. As suggested by the restaurant name, the menu is meat heavy and vegetarians will struggle to find much choice. But, for we omnivores, there’s plenty to go at. We both chose the same starter – a Cumbrian rarebit. Two thick slices of toast, topped with a proper rarebit. Cumbrian ale mixed with Torpenhow organic cheddar (from all of 13 miles away), with an onion and black garlic relish. It’s really nice. One of us did order steak as a main course . Well, I suppose one of you has to as you’re in a steakhouse. A flat iron accurately cooked as requested, but a tad lacking in flavour. It comes with a nicely griddled half of Little Gem and some roasted cherry tomatoes. And fries, of course. A chicken burger was loaded up with all sorts of stuff – chillies, onion, tomato, avocado and more of that organic cheddar. It comes with fries and a crisp onion ring. Only one of wanted dessert. Yes, that’d be me. A lovely blackberry and apple crumbel, with its own little jug of custard. It might have been the best dish of the evening. Service throughout had been attentive. Now, you might say that, as the only customers, it really should be attentive. But the guy was good and I’m sure he’d still do the business even when busy. On the dot of 8.30, there was an almighty crash. It was the shutters coming down in the kitchen. Yes, they were done for the evening and so were we.

Perfect meal! Steak was one of the best I've had and perfectly cooked, lamb shoulder was also super tasty good size portions and good pricing, lovely atmosphere, great service! And dogs allowed 😁

A fab little pub in the centre of Keswick! Super dog friendly which we love and the atmosphere and food are always super!! Great selection of beers too. Always a favourite to visit when in the area.

only one serving at lunch time, queuing out the door. Over 30 minutes to get a slice of pizza that was cold and was charged 3.80 for pizza and drink when sign said 3.35. Very bad, never again

Super fast and friendly service, very dog friendly and literally the best pizza I’ve ever had (and I’m a pizza lover) cannot recommend this place higher 😍

Stopped by chance during a circular walk. Good service and made to feel very welcome. The tea and coffee was appreciated as were the spotless WC! Will call again.

I fell and injured myself outside the hotel. The staff took it upon themselves to patch me up and arrange transport to the Penrith emergency room to be seen to. They were all so caring towards this old Aussie visitor and deserve all the congrats possible.

Rushed to get to the pub before they stopped serving food (8.45pm on blackboard outside) only to be told the kitchen closes 8.25pm on a Sunday! Remove your board on a Sunday if that’s your rules.

I had the best meal of my stay in Keswick here. I ate in town for the first two nights. Those venues had a livelier atmosphere but the food at the Pheasant was streets ahead. I walked to Crosthwaite from town which took about 20 mins and was very easy.. Went to the bar and was completely ignored by the man wiping glasses chatting to a colleague and thought I’d made a mistake coming. Then caught the attention of a waitress who seated me straightaway. Table service was friendly and efficient. Very good British food in large portions. I had the prawn cocktail and the pheasant which were well presented and delicious, No room for dessert though. The pub was full for diners ( a walk-in request was turned down ) but no-one having just drinks. I was one of three solo diners, the rest couples and friends. They are CARD only, no cash. It is much faster if you go up to the bar and pay rather than wait for the machine to come to you. The preset tipping options start at 12.5% but there’s also a custom option of you prefer to leave a different amount. Overall I would definitely return and recommend the Pheasant. It’s a great example of a pub that does good food without being a gastro pub. There’s also seating available outdoors.

Electric car users be aware that as well as the high kw charge for charging your car you are to pay for the use of the car park also or you will be hit with a £100 parking fine, as I did. Don’t even bother to contest it or you will get a standard reply from the manager declining. Won’t be back.

Handy place for a meal after sailing on the lake

Fish was cooked fresh, batter was lovely and crispy, couldn't fault it! We ate in, the tables were clean and it was nice to get in out of the elements. The free to play retro arcade machine at the back of the shop was pretty cool!

We were late off the hill and needed dinner. The Lake road was perfect. Very tasty and good portion size. The bar staff were friendly and helpful too 🙂

Visited the Royal Oak after they were closed for refurbishment and we were amazed at the fresh new look of place, we had there meat and fish platter with some Parmesan fries amazing quality and value for money staff as always very polite and engaging, we recommend anyone to give it a go while in Keswick also now have outside seating were enjoyed a drink in sun.

Fantastic Mother's Day Lunch; went as a family of 10 and staff could have been more helpful. Food arrived fresh, hot, plentiful and tasty. We felt very looked after and with three mums in our group we were all made to feel very special; thank you all for an amazing day. We will Be back!!