Great places for vegetarians to eat in The Lake District

It’s national vegetarian week! So we thought we would take the opportunity to share with you some of our favourite places to eat. There are so many great choices for vegetarians in the Lake District we are truly spoiled for choice. 

Chesters by the river

You can find Chesters at Skelwith Bridge, just a stones throw from our head office at Elterwater. We often pop down there for lunch! Skelwith Bridge is known as the gateway to the Langdale valley. Perched on the edge of the river, you can take a leisurely walk to Elterwater along the mostly flat trail, passing the waterfall and rock features where you can climb down onto the rock formation and take a great photo! The café is dog and child friendly and has the option of indoor or outdoor seating. On a fine day, sitting on the balcony beside the river is delightful. The food ranges from salads, fritattas, to lentil dahls and woodfired pizzas. There is always a great range of delicious cakes for afters if you have room.  The food is all exceptionally tasty and fresh, often selling out if you don’t get there quick enough!

If you don’t want a sit down meal, there is a handy deli where you can pick up a range of the cold options to make a great mezze.  

As an added attraction, next door to Chesters is a charming homewares shop and deli. 

Zeffirellis and Fellinis

Zeffirellis and Fellinis are family owned restaurants and an independent cinema based in Ambleside. The restaurants make for a great pre cinema treat (cinema packages are available) but they are also worthy of an independent visit. 

Zeffirellis hosts a mixture of meat and non-meat options, iincluding vegetarian, vegan and gluten free cooking. Meanwhile, Fellinis is focused on providing its clientele with a full vegetarian dining experience, created with locally home grown ingredients.

The menu is based on Mediterranean influences, including pizzas and pastas, using fresh ingredients and tasty recipes. This makes for a great evening meal option. 

Wilf's Staveley

Situated in the famous Staveley Mill Yard, Wilf’s is a favourite with locals and tourists alike. Based in an old bobbin loft with some of the old line workings still in place, there is traditional table seating areas plus a cosy sofa area inside and outside decking overlooking the river Kent for warmer days. Open from 9-5, Wilfs serves the day market, whether you pop in for breakfast or a hearty meal after a nice walk or bike ride in the Lakes or the more less well known but equally scenic Kentmere Valley. 

Wilfs also hosts a range of local events such as slide and supper talks. 

Although the food is not just vegetarian, there are a great range of options. Our personal favourite is the veg chilli!

You can read more about Staveley here

Waterside Café Kendal 

Based by the riverside in Kendal, the Waterside café is a family run vegetarian and vegan cafe offering delicious homemade food. Recently refurbished, the café has a contemporary dining area with views over the river, a lovely outdoor terrace for the warmer days and a child friendly zone with play area. There is also free Wi-Fi available. Just a few minutes walk from the town centre and car parking, the menu offers vegan, wheat and gluten free options which are freshly prepared on premises daily using largely organic and Fairtrade ingredients - all the food is sourced locally! The Waterside is open for breakfasts and lunches daily. 

Greens Café, Grasmere

Green's Cafe Grasmere was launched in 2007 and has developed a loyal following. 

Based in the heart of beautiful Grasmere, there are a host of vegetarian and vegan options on offer here. Greens serves breakfasts and lunch, and a wide selection of cakes and pastries baked freshly on the premises. The menu is prepared daily in-house, and where possible, using seasonal ingredients provided by local suppliers.

They also specialise in catering for specific diets ,offering multiple gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian options, catering for special requirements on request also. Dogs and children are welcome here too! 

With all these choices, one thing is for sure, vegetarians will never need to go hungry on a trip to the Lake District!