When you picture Cumbria, the Lake District’s fells and lakes may come first. But this region is also a powerhouse of flavour. From centuries-old recipes to Michelin-starred innovation, Cumbrian food and drink celebrates a county shaped by farming, community, and the land itself.
Traditional Dishes of Cumbria
Cumberland Sausage
The most iconic dish, Cumberland sausage is chunky, peppery, and usually sold in a coiled length. Protected by PGI status, it’s a true taste of the county.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Often credited to the Sharrow Bay Hotel, sticky toffee pudding is a sweet, comforting dessert that has become a British classic, but remains proudly Cumbrian at heart.
Grasmere Gingerbread
Created by Sarah Nelson in 1854, Grasmere Gingerbread is a unique mix of cake and biscuit. The recipe is still secret and only available in Grasmere village.
Kendal Mint Cake
This sugary, minty energy bar has fuelled fell walkers and even Everest climbers. It’s simple, but deeply tied to Cumbrian outdoor life.
Lyth Valley Damsons
Damsons from the Lyth Valley are turned into jams, chutneys, and gins. Damson gin is especially loved as a warming winter drink.
Cumbrian Drinks
Real Ales & Breweries
Local breweries like Hawkshead Brewery, Jennings, and Fell Brewery craft traditional ales and experimental beers, reflecting Cumbria’s strong pub culture.
Gin, Whisky & Spirits
The Lakes Distillery near Bassenthwaite is internationally recognised for its gin, vodka, and single malt whisky. Smaller distillers across Cumbria produce craft spirits flavoured with local botanicals.
Farmhouse Ciders & Juices
Cumbrian orchards produce small-batch ciders and fresh apple juices, often sold at farm shops and markets.
Modern Food Scene
Cumbria is home to Michelin-starred restaurants like L’Enclume in Cartmel, but good food is everywhere—from family-run tearooms to innovative cafés. Farmers’ markets in Penrith, Kendal, and Keswick showcase cheeses, breads, pies, and chutneys made with Cumbrian ingredients. Herdwick lamb, Morecambe Bay shrimp, and locally foraged produce highlight the connection between food and landscape.
Where to Taste Cumbria
- Pubs & Inns: Fireside meals and local ales in centuries-old settings.
- Farm Shops: Tebay Services and Low Sizergh Barn combine shopping with farm life.
- Food Festivals: Taste Cumbria and other annual events celebrate the region’s producers.
- Tearooms & Cafés: Perfect for gingerbread, cream teas, and Cumbrian bakes.
Why Food Matters in Cumbria
Cumbrian food is heritage on a plate. Each dish tells a story—of farmers, bakers, and communities shaped by landscape and tradition. Today, old recipes stand alongside new ideas, making Cumbria a county where food is both comfort and adventure.
Plan Your Culinary Journey
- Explore village shops and markets for authentic treats.
- Visit distilleries and breweries for tours and tastings.
- Book a table at a country inn or Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Take home artisan goods to savour the flavours of Cumbria.
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