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.

My wife and I found this a very relaxing friendly pub, we had some lovely food on our first day, very filling and pleasantly served, we enjoyed the food and the friendly atmosphere here that we were back the following day for food, I will definitely be back again for the steak and ale pie. Thank you for 2 enjoyable days

Great pub with good food, gets really busy and is dog friendly.

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.

Beautiful environment; complete supporting facilities! There are plenty of parking spaces and food markets! There is a pier where you can take a boat trip on the lake or sit or lie on the grass to enjoy the sunshine! It gives people a comfortable and pleasant place! Downwind to the bridge house for a glance is also close!

Great fish and chips, and a memorable experience overall! The bloke serving was absolutely full of beans and gave us a good laugh while we were waiting for our food. It's doesn't cost extra to sit in and eat, and for some reason there's a free-to-play arcade machine in the back corner. It has quite a chaotic atmosphere, but I really enjoyed it and will definitely be back next time I'm in Keswick :)

The Lake Road Inn is a bit noisy, even on a Sunday evening, but it's still a very friendly pub. The food was a mix of fantastic (the beef burgers) to somewhat disappointing (the over- cooked chips), but all in all a great experience!

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.

Excellent sushi the chips were charcoaled beautifully haven't had any as nice since I went to that chippy opposite the spoons about 4 years ago