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The best restaurants to dine at in Cartmel holiday cottages

The best restaurants to dine at in Cartmel

Kim 06 January 2022

Most famous for its delicious Sticky Toffee Pudding, this wonderful village in the south of Cumbria has plenty of other treats to titillate your tastebuds too! This selection of Cartmel restaurants will keep you well fed throughout your stay at one of our holiday cottages and will provide you with plenty of options to suit everyone in your group.

Take a look at our pick of the best restaurants in Cartmel, with everything from exquisite fine dining to cosy pub grub!

Cottages in Cartmel

L’Enclume

L’EnclumeImage credit: L'Enclume

L’Enclume is one of two Cartmel Michelin star restaurants and, with a two-star Michelin rating, it’s the top-rated restaurant in Cumbria! Much of the food comes from its very own farm, so you can be sure of absolute freshness, too.

Other accolades include ‘number one restaurant in the UK’ (The Good Food Guide 2020) and five AA Rosettes.

Cavendish Arms

Cavendish Arms

With a friendly atmosphere and brilliant food, the Cavendish Arms is a 450-year-old coaching inn that really makes the most of its character. Enjoy the wood burner while you admire the low beams and antique furniture, and imagine the many people who have passed through its doors. When you’ve finished daydreaming, you can order from a menu that includes the best of British food, sourced locally as far as possible. When the sun is shining, take yourself outside to sit in their riverside beer garden.

Rogan & Co

Rogan & CoImage credit: Rogan & Co

Rogan & Co is the second of the two Michelin restaurants in Cartmel - both of which are owned by chef superstar Simon Rogan! With a one-star Michelin rating and a ‘relaxed neighbourhood’ vibe, you can sit back and enjoy some incredible food without having to worry about standing on ceremony.

The Engine Inn

The Engine Inn

Though you may have to hop in the car for this one, or pop in as part of a pleasant walk, The Engine Inn is worth a visit. It’s found in Cark, just a 10-minute drive away from Cartmel, and is for anyone with a good appetite as it serves huge portions of hearty rustic food. The staff are known for being incredibly friendly and the seasonal menu makes the most of local produce.

The King’s Arms

The King’s Arms Cartmel

One of several Cartmel pubs, The Kings Arms sits by the river, right on the main square. It has a small but tasty menu, and a wonderfully warm atmosphere. Recently refurbished, the pub feels modern without sacrificing any of its characterful charm. You can also catch live music performances on certain evenings, and their selection of beers will help refresh you after a day out and about. Visit on a Sunday if you can to make the most of their top-quality Sunday roasts!

The Pig and Whistle

The Pig and Whistle in Cartmel

 The Pig and Whistle is so friendly and welcoming that you may want to stay forever! Choose your favourite place to sit: in front of the fire, out in the beer garden, in the bistro, or in a cosy nook. There’s a good-sized menu of locally sourced food, which is constantly updated to keep it fresh and interesting. It’s also very family friendly with two children’s menus available to suit different age groups!

Uplands Inn

Uplands Inn

Sitting in an elevated position on the outskirts of Cartmel, Uplands Inn offers a formal restaurant where you can sit back and really enjoy your meal. Fresh ingredients are bought daily to provide you with the tastiest meals possible. You can relax with a drink in the lounge before or after eating, or head to the outdoor seating area for wonderful coastal views.

Priory Hotel

Priory Hotel

Looking as good as it tastes, the food at the Priory Hotel is varied and reasonably priced - and it’s delicious too! The three-course Sunday dinner is a must if you’re visiting over the weekend and their ever-changing specials board is full of culinary delights. The staff will keep you well looked after with their attentive and friendly service: what’s not to like!

Aulis at L’Enclume

Aulis at L'EnclumeImage credit: Aulis at L'Enclume

Of all the places to eat in Cartmel, this is the most exclusive! Part of  L’Enclume, Aulis is “the chef’s table” where all the Michelin-starred magic happens. It has seating for only six people, where you’ll head behind the scenes of the popular restaurant. Take a mouth-watering glimpse at upcoming menu items, admire the care that goes into the food creations, and enjoy an interactive dining experience like no other!

Self-catering holiday cottages

Are you ready for a foodie holiday in Cartmel? Take a look at all our fabulous self-catering holiday cottages in and around the village and get ready to treat yourself to some culinary delights! You can also continue reading with our selection of Lake District food and drink guides.

Cottages in Cartmel

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.

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