The best places to eat and drink in Appleby

The market town of Appleby has a range of independent bars, cafes and restaurants to suit everyone’s tastes, from homely pub grub and warm coffee and cakes to Mediterranean cuisine and fine dining! Here is a list of the some of the best places to get you started…

  • Royal Oak Inn

Open everyday 11am-11pm food is served Mon-Fri 8:30am-3pm then 4:45pm-9pm and Sat & Sun 8:30am-9pm

Near the beautiful River Eden, in the town center, this traditional 17th century coaching inn offers real cask ales and the very popular restaurant serves good quality pub food, made using the finest ingredients from local suppliers. The Inn is the perfect place to relax after exploring the nearby towns, Lake District or the Pennines. The menu follows a classic Cumbrian theme with a twist serving local favourites  such as Fish and Chips and Beef and Ale Pie, alongside international cuisine options including Thai Green Curry and Risotto. Food can be enjoyed in the taproom, restaurant or the cosy lounge beside the open fire.

  • Ashiana 

Open Thursday-Tuesday 5pm-11pm

For a taste of India in Appleby, Ashiana is the place to go, serving authentic Indian dishes with fresh, quality ingredients. The curry house has an amazing reputation amongst locals, who describe the restaurant as one of the best in the Lakes! Enjoy flavoursome, authentic classic dishes amongst a contemporary interior in the heart of Appleby.

  • Angelo’s 

Open Tuesday-Saturday 5pm-11pm

Angelo’s is a new addition to Appleby, opening in 2021 and bringing a taste of Italy to the market town. The new venture is the work of a local businessman who listened to the desires of the local people who thought an Italian restaurant was needed in the town. Diners can enjoy authentic Italian food and drink consisting of a full Italian wine list, pizza and pasta dishes and traditional home-cooked food including a tuna dish with slow cooked onions and Mediterranean vegetables and saltimbocca, which is pork medallions cooked in a sweet wine and lemon sauce.

  • The Grapes

Open Thursday 12pm-6pm, Friday & Saturday 12pm-11:30pm. Sunday 12pm-8pm

The Grapes pub is probably the most photographed building in Appleby, featuring as a backdrop in countless images of the town’s annual horse show. Travellers often wash and display their horses in the stretch of the River Eden over the road from the pub. The pub itself is a small, traditional Jennings inn complete with a low ceiling and original oak beams. The pub is popular amongst locals and has a friendly, community feel. You can enjoy traditional a ‘pub grub’ lunch or dinner including Cumberland Sausage alongside a pint of hand pulled ale. 

  • Eden River Café 

Open everyday 8am-5pm

The Eden River Café is a quaint little tearoom serving a home-made lunch menu, breakfast, baristas coffee, milkshakes, wine, beers, cider and home-baked cakes, all in a beautiful riverside setting!