The best places to eat and drink in Ambleside

Ambleside is one of the most popular Lakeland towns, meaning there are plenty of places to grab a quick lunch and a pint or a homely evening meal with a glass of wine, there’s something to suit every taste here…

  • The Priest Hole Restaurant

Open Tuesday-Sunday 12pm-8:30pm 

The Priest Hole Restaurant is part of Kelsick Old Hall; one of the oldest buildings in Ambleside. The restaurant features original elements of the historic interior creating a traditional atmosphere and serves fresh, home-made food with a traditional Cumbrian/British menu, washed down with tastefully selected wines or locally brewed ales and beers! The restaurant also has an outdoor terrace for alfresco meals on warmer days. 

  • The Lily Bar 

Open Sunday-Thursday 12pm-12am, Friday & Saturday 12pm-1am 

For a fun night out with good beer, good food and good music, look no further than Ambleside’s Lily Bar. The bar serves a wide selection of local cask ales, wines and spirits accompanied with hearty food and a unique, lively atmosphere. Live music performances are held every Friday and Saturday night and quiz takes place on Wednesday evenings. 

  • Lucy’s of Ambleside 

Open Tuesday- Sunday 5pm-10pm 

A unique eatery founded by a local chef over 25 years ago, Lucy’s of Ambleside (or also known as Lucy’s on a Plate) is tucked away within the quaint streets of Ambleside and offers a cosy dining area with an open fire and small tables. The restaurant is renowned for creating a daily, personalised menu and are often happy to create a dish that suits you! The menu generally follows a Cumbrian theme however often puts a twist on classics, incorporating international flavours into dishes such as their ‘Spiced Snapper’ dish which includes Cajun spices. The restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients when possible as is popular amongst local vegetarian and vegans for their extensive plant-based dishes and openness to creating bespoke dishes. 

  • Bar eS 

Open Sunday- Thursday 5pm-11pm, Friday 5pm-12pm, Saturday 4pm-12pm 

Inspired by Mexican cuisine, Bar eS provides a picking menu of tapas dishes cooked using fresh ingredients, colourful cocktails, craft beers and spirits all in a relaxed, rustic interior in the heart of Ambleside. Vegan options are also available and the bar is dog friendly. 

  • The Flying Fleece 

Open everyday 12pm-11pm, food served 12pm-9pm

A traditional Lakeland pub situated along Stock Beck in Ambleside, the Flying Fleece offers a fantastic selection of seasonal food, local real ales, world wines and premium lagers and ciders. Enjoy a lunchtime snack and pint beside the bars cosy fire or a relaxed evening meal with a glass wine in the restaurant area. Classic dishes include fish and chips, pie of the day, burgers and beef and chicken dishes. The pub is popular on a Sunday for its traditional Sunday Roasts! For sunny summer days, enjoy a drink and a bite to eat on the beautiful outside terrace lined with pretty flowers and looking onto the iconic Bridge House.