A taste of the Lakes

The Lake District has been producing some of the nation’s favourite food and drink for hundreds of years. From age-old delicacies like the Cumberland sausage to craft ales made by the up-and-coming Keswick Brewing Co., here’s some of the top food and drink to try in the Lake District.

Grasmere Gingerbread

For years, Grasmere Gingerbread has been delighting food lovers from all over the world with its sweet and spicy taste and unique texture. Still made using Victorian cook Sarah Nelson’s original recipe from 1854, this sweet treat is sold at the traditional Grasmere Gingerbread shop nestled in a cosy corner of the village of the same name. You can also pick a variety of ginger-themed toffees, fudges, conserves and gifts while you’re there.

Cranstons Cumberland sausage

No visit to the Lake District would be complete without tasting a traditional Cumberland sausage. This coiled-shaped Lakeland delicacy has been eaten by locals for over 500 years and features roughly chopped pork and a selection of herbs and spices.

For some of the finest sausages in the land, head down to Cranstons butchers in Penrith where you’ll find a selection of Cumberland and speciality sausages, as well as bacon, cooked meats, and freshly baked pies.

Kendal Mint Cake

Kendal Mint Cake has been a staple accompaniment to all manner of expeditions for over a century and even made it to the top of Everest in 1953! These peppermint flavoured bars are still made in the Lakeland town of Kendal and are stocked in shops across the National Park and beyond.

If you’re planning to tackle one of the Lake District’s popular walking routes during your stay, be sure to take some Mint Cake along with you for an essential energy boost and an authentic taste of Cumbria.

Keswick Brewery

Exploring the Lakes can be thirsty work, so where better to enjoy a refreshing pint than at the Keswick Brewery? This local producer has been brewing a selection of craft beers since 2006, and have a shop and bar at their brewery in Keswick.

If you fancy learning a little more about the ins and outs of the brewery, why not embark on one of their brewery tours? The hour-long sessions offer insight into how their unique craft beers are made, and you’ll also have the chance to sample some of their delicious beers in the Flying Fox Bar.

Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding

Cartmel Village Shop’s Sticky Toffee Puddings are handmade in the village of Cartmel in the south of the Lake District. The Village Shop has been producing puddings for over 20 years, and they’ve become so well known, they’re now sold in the likes of Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Fortnum & Mason.

Their puddings have also attracted attention from celebrity chefs including Rick Stein, Nigella Lawson, Jean-Christophe Novelli and Antony Worrall Thompson. So, if you fancy seeing what all the fuss is about, why not head down and pick up a pudding (or two!) to take home?

Whether you’re a proper foodie or just fancy trying something new, take a look at our accommodation at Whitbarrow and start planning your perfect break in the Lakes.