New On The Vine Cumbria & Lake District

Ristorante Adriano is situated right in the heart of Carlisle, opposite the Civic Centre on Rickergate and just two minutes walk from the city centre. Owner Franco Bertoletti opened Carlisle’s very first Italian restaurant (Franco’s) in 1974 and has been involved with many of the town’s other Italians since then. Adriano opened in 2004 in a former pub with a long history, including an overnight stay by poet Robert Burns in 1787. It seats 130 and is open for lunch and dinner every day (except Sunday lunch) serving traditional Italian food. There’s a separate lounge area too where you can enjoying a relaxing drink before or after your meal. Happy Hour provides good value at lunch and early evening and Adriano can cater for parties from 6 to 100 people with special menus available on request. ...more information

Rickergate - Carlisle - CA3 8XP - 0871 5297084

Amigos is something of a rarity in Cumbria -- namely a Mexican restaurant. It's so named because it was founded by two long-term friends and although one has now left, the restaurant is still run by its original chef patron. Amigos has a distinctive exterior with the 19th century terrace painted black and adorned with Mexican emblems. The venue is on two floors with the basement a bar area which is open to non-diners. The intimate ground-floor restaurants seats 40 people. The food here is well-priced with fajitas a popular choice. Good vegetarian and kids' menus too. Open from 6pm, Tuesday to Saturday. ...more information

30 Cavendish Street - Ulverston - LA12 7AD - 0871 811 4670

The Angel Inn is perched on the side of a hill in the centre of Bowness. It's got a great al fresco dining area, but it's the stylish and modern interior which is the real draw for this Lakeland pub and hotel. The food better than your average pub grub with an experienced, award-winning chef taking care over presentation. The Angel Inn has 11 ensuite rooms starting from £80. ...more information

Helm Road - Bowness-in-Windermere - Windermere - LA23 3BU - 0871 811 4635

From its position on the eastern shore of Windermere, the Beech Hill Hotel enjoys unparalelled views out over the lake and Coniston Old Man beyond. It's a wonderfully romantic setting for dining and the Beech Hill's two-AA-rosetted restaurant, with its outdoor terrace, does not disappoint. Menus change monthly, using the best of local Cumbrian produce. In summer, you can also 'take tea' down at the hotel's private beach and jetty. The Beech Hill has 58 rooms, each individually decorated, as well as a heated indoor pool, sauna and solarium. ...more information

Newby Bridge Road - Windermere - LA23 3LR - 0871 811 4637

The Belsfield Hotel was built in 1845 as the private residence of a prominent local ore miner. It was turned into a hotel in the 1900s and the property boasts fantastic views out over Lake Windermere as well as its own private jetty. The restaurant here is called Moonwaters and is suitably grand in style with imposing chandeliers. The cuisine is traditional British with a three-course Table D'hote menu. The Belsfield's facilities include a heated indoor pool, sauna and extensive conference and wedding suites. ...more information

Kendal Road - Bowness-on-Windermere - Windermere - LA23 3EL - 0870 6096109 

Now in its 20th year, Beswicks is one restaurant that has stood the test of time, winning awards for both its food and wine. It's housed in a Queen Anne building in Broughton-in-Furness and is furnished in period style. Beswicks serves British food with a French twist and is famous for its duck, steak and game. In classic French style, the award-winning cheeseboard is served before dessert and the wine list here extends to 110 bins. The surrounding area has plenty of attractions including Muncaster Castle, the Eskdale Railway and Lake Coniston. ...more information

Langholme House - The Square - Broughton-in-Furness - LA20 6JF - 0871 5297161

The Black Swan Inn at Culgaith is a gastropub with rooms in the heart of Cumbria’s Eden Valley, between Penrith and Appleby. It’s a tranquil location and one that’s ideal for visits to the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the bustling market town of Carlisle. The menu is modern British in style with a firm focus on local Cumbrian produce – so much so that plans are underway to open the Black Swan’s own on-site smokehouse during 2008. This traditional inn dates back to the seventeenth century and the original oak beams are a feature of the bar area, along with the open fires. You can eat in either of two rooms with chalkboard specials supplementing the main menu choices. The Black Swan also has seven en-suite rooms -- recently refurbished to a high standard -- making this a great base from which to explore the area. The inn also owns trout and salmon fishing rights on a stretch of the River Eden. ...more information

Culgaith - Penrith - CA10 1QW - 0871 5297177

Built as a private residence in 1860, the Borrowdale Gates Hotel enjoys a stunning location in one of the Lake District's most beautiful valleys. The hotel sits in two acres of wooded gardens on the edge of the hamlet of Grange and many of the ensuite bedrooms enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding fells. The restaurant here has long enjoyed a reputation for fine food, marrying local Lakeland produce with classic French cuisine. ...more information

Grange-in-Borrowdale - Keswick - CA12 5UQ - 0871 811 4665

The Britannia Inn is a classic Lakeland inn, steeped in tradition, with a history stretching back two centuries, although the building itself dates back 500 years. It's in the heart of walking country, surrounded by the Langdale fells. The Britannia is one of the best al fresco dining venues in the Lakes, with more seating outside than in. Cuisine is Modern British and they have won CAMRA awards for the cask ales here. If you wish to stay over, there are nine en-suite rooms. ...more information

Elterwater - Ambleside - LA22 9HP - 0871 811 4671

This former grand summer house was built in the 1830s in the picturesque Lakeland valley of Troutbeck. In later life it fell into disrepair but has been restored to its former glories. Broadoaks Country House Hotel is a luxury boutique venue with 14 individually designed bedrooms, most with jacuzzis and four-poster beds, and peaceful manicured gardens with an outside seating area. The award-winning Michelin-recommended kitchen at Broadoaks is headed by chef Taran Baxter. The menu changes daily and in the recently refurbished Oaks Restaurant the chef’s signature dishes are available along side each evening’s house menu on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Sunday lunch at Broadoaks is a decadent feast of either three or four courses. Quality local meats are served in a traditional way with a selection of market vegetables and roast potatoes silver served to your table. Relax for the afternoon with lunch and coffee on the terrace, the perfect way to wind down the week. Special dietary requirements are happily catered for at Broadoaks and if you are planning a special event, they can create a bespoke menu printed and personalised for you. Broadoaks also serves light lunches and afternoon teas. ...more information

Bridge Lane - Troutbeck - Windermere - LA23 1LA - 0871 811 4654

Chang Thai is a stylish, contemporary Thai restaurant in the heart of Kendal. The décor of dark burgundy matched with intricate wood panelling works well in this intimate 30-seater restaurant. The chef patron is from the northeast of Thailand which has a strong influence on the food served here with a major difference the use of more fresh herbs and spices than you might expect. Open seven nights a week as well as for Friday and Saturday lunch. ...more information

54 Stramongate - Kendal - LA9 4BD - 0871 5297320

Crosby Lodge dates back to 1805 and enjoys a fantastic setting overlooking mature parkland and the River Eden. It’s a peaceful location but only five minutes from the M6 and well situated for visits to Carlisle, Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish Borders and the Lake District. Crosby Lodge has been owned and run by the Sedgwick family since 1970 and has built up a reputation as a haven of luxury and tranquillity. It’s furnished throughout with Georgian period pieces and has 11 ensuite bedrooms and a restaurant that’s open for lunch and dinner with a la carte, table d’hote and light lunch menus to choose from. It’s a beautiful spot for a wedding and can cater for up to 65 guests and has a civil wedding licence. ...more information

Crosby-on-Eden - Carlisle - CA6 4QZ - 0871 5297391

Crown Court House at Dalton-in-Furness is an ideal choice for that special occasion or simply social dining with friends. Situated in the borough of Barrow, it’s a former police station and county courthouse that dates back to 1879. Owner Tim Bell restored this limestone building into a café, restaurant and bakery. Service is always friendly and the food is international with Italian specialities. The wine list is carefully selected to fully complement the menu and the coffee is the finest Italian Lavazza with Swiss Movenpick best ice cream and sorbets. Crown Court House uses only fresh produce and the on-site bakery kitchen prepares scones, cakes and desserts every day. There is a choice of three dining areas – the Café Bar with its cosy fireplaces and leather sofas, the Dalton Room decorated with murals by a local artist, and the original panelled Court Room. Rooms are available for private functions and there is also a Crown Court Diners Club loyalty scheme. ...more information

Tudor Square - Dalton-in-Furness - Barrow-in-Furness - LA15 8RQ - 0871 9614088

The Eden Vale Inn is situated in the village of Bolton, near Appleby, which is famous for its annual horse fair. This country inn is notable the exciting range of speciality meats on offer – where else can you dine on impala, kangaroo, ostrich, crocodile, and even sometimes rattlesnake? There is a separate restaurant, a bar area and four ensuite rooms. Choose from the a la carte, bar menu, specials board or try the good-value lunch and early doors menus. ...more information

Bolton - Appleby - CA16 6AU - 0871 5297496

If you're in search of fantastic views over Lake Windermere, the two-AA-rosetted Terrace Restaurant at the Fayrer Garden House Hotel in Bowness delivers in style. It's a fine dining affair with a five-course dinner (priced at £35) served in elegant surroundings and matched with a 110-bin wine list. The three-star hotel sits in its own grounds and has 20 well-appointed rooms. There are also regular food and wine weekends arranged throughout the year. ...more information

Lyth Valley Road - Bowness - Windermere - LA23 3JP - 0871 811 4656

The landlords of the Fenwick Arms, Brian and Elaine Rey, have had many years experience running successful gastropubs around the country. But they shot to fame when Gordon Ramsay visited with his TV crew and helped them turn this Lancashire pub's fortunes around. It was also the start of their Campaign For Real Gravy. The Fenwick Arms is in Claughton, near Lancaster, and the traditional, character-filled pub has a lounge with trademark roaring fire at one end and a quaint dining room at the other. ...more information

Lancaster Road - Claughton - Kirkby Lonsdale - LA2 9LA - 0871 811 4678

Gilpin Lodge sits high above Bowness on the road to Crook and close to Windermere Golf Club. A Lakeland country house built in 1901, it’s been family run by the Cunliffes since 1987 with the second generation now at the helm. The three-AA-rosetted restaurant is run by Executive Head Chef Chris Meredith and emphasises fresh seasonal produce sourced both locally and direct from France. Lunch and dinner are served in four dining rooms, each with its own character and style. The sumptuous bedrooms here are individually designed and furnished and Gilpin Lodge is set in 20 private acres of country garden, moor and woodland. ...more information

Crook Road - Windermere - LA23 3NE - 0871 811 4640

The Glen Rothay gets its name from the river which runs past the hotel into nearby Rydal Water, which it overlooks. Originally known as David’s Inn, and then Ivy Cottage, this Grade II-listed coaching inn dates right back to 1624 and was a familiar haunt for Wordsworth when he lived nearby at Rydal Mount. It remains a favourite with passing walkers. The hotel’s Badger Bar is named after the set of badgers that live on the hill behind and are fed every day. If you’re in need of sustenance you can eat here in either the restaurant, the bar or outside in the beer garden. The food is British, homemade and local with the Badger Pie a favourite (don’t worry, there are no badgers in it!). The hotel has eight bedrooms, all en suite, with great views out over the Lakeland landscape. ...more information

- Rydal - LA22 9LR - 0871 5297601

The Glen Rothay gets its name from the river which runs past the hotel into nearby Rydal Water, which it overlooks. Originally known as David’s Inn, and then Ivy Cottage, this Grade II-listed coaching inn dates right back to 1624 and was a familiar haunt for Wordsworth when he lived nearby at Rydal Mount. It remains a favourite with passing walkers. The hotel’s Badger Bar is named after the set of badgers that live on the hill behind and are fed every day. If you’re in need of sustenance you can eat here in either the restaurant, the bar or outside in the beer garden. The food is British, homemade and local with the Badger Pie a favourite (don’t worry, there are no badgers in it!). The hotel has eight bedrooms, all en suite, with great views out over the Lakeland landscape. ...more information

Rydal - Ambleside - LA22 9LR - 0871 5297601

The Highfield Hotel and Restaurant enjoys magnificent views out over Derwent Water and beyond. The building dates back to 1886 and retains many Victorian features including turrets, balconies and bay windows. It's been a hotel since the 1940s and has 19 en-suite rooms, all with DVD and TV, as well as free wifi internet access. The restaurant boasts two AA rosettes with a Modern British menu that changes daily and uses the best-quality Cumbrian produce. ...more information

The Heads - Keswick - CA12 5ER - 0871 811 4641

Hipping Hall near Kirkby Lonsdale is one of the northwest's select group of fine dining 'restaurants with rooms' . The building has been sensitively restored, matching contemporary style with classic features, and while most of the structure dates back to the 17th century, the restaurant itself, which has a wonderful walk-in fireplace, is Tudor. The food is classic British with a French twist brought to you by former Young Chef Of The Year Jason Birkbeck. Choose from the a la carte or a tasting menu. Hipping Hall has nine bedrooms, three of them in a separate cottage annexe, and all are individually furnished to a high standard. ...more information

Cowan Bridge - Kirkby Lonsdale - LA6 2JJ - 0871 811 4677

Just off the main street in Windermere, Jerichos is a multi-award-winning British restaurant run by chef-patron Chris Blaydes and wife Jo. Chris's two-AA-rosette cooking uses the freshest seasonal produce to deliver a small but perfectly formed menu. The restaurant seats just 36 with a choice of four starters and five mains, complemented by a 60-bin wine list. Jerichos has an upmarket feel and accepts bookings for private parties. ...more information

College Road - Windermere - LA23 1BX - 0871 811 4642