The best places to eat and drink in Ennerdale Bridge

Ennerdale Bridge is likely the Lake District’s most remote area, meaning there are a limited number of places to eat and drink. However, what the area lacks in numbers it makes up for in quality! Ennerdale valley is home to two traditional Lakeland pubs and one café serving exceptional food and drink surrounded by equally exceptional scenery…

  • Fox and Hounds Inn

Open Monday- Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 12pm-11pm. Food is served daily from 12pm-9pm

The Fox and Hounds Inn is tucked away in the Ennerdale valley and is currently owned by the local community who purchased it in 2011. The community pub radiates a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and serves five ever-changing real ales from local breweries including the Ennerdale Brewery and Jennings. They also serve Bedrock Gin, which is distilled just outside of Keswick.  The pub serves a traditional, Cumbrian menu complete with local favourites such as Cumberland sausage and mash, burgers, gammon steak and a varied daily specials board. There are also some vegan and vegetarian options too! The pubs home cooked, locally produced food can be enjoyed in the pubs cosy interior featuring flagstone floors, exposed beams and a real fire. During the summer months, you may choose to eat and drink in the delightful beer garden, which can be accessed via a small footbridge over a pretty stream.

  • The Shepherds Arms 

Open everyday 12pm-11pm, food is served between 12pm-9pm in the summer months. Winter hours tend to be 5pm-9pm 

The Shepherds Arms is a remote pub in the Ennerdale valley that prides itself of serving traditional Cumbrian ale and wholesome pub grub. The pub is popular amongst hikers due to its location amongst the fells and the on the Coast to Coast walking route. The archaic pub originated as a farmers house, where the resident farmer would sell beer to passing travellers. The pub has maintained its character and charm and is still a cosy place to enjoy beer today!  The pub serves ales from local breweries including Cumbrian Legendary Ales, Ennerdale, Hawkshead, Hesket Newmarket, and Keswick. Accompany your ale with a plate of homely, Cumbrian grub including Cumberland sausage, Lake District lamb pasty, Cumbrian rib eye steak plus much more local favorites. 

  • The Gather Café 

Open everyday 10am-4pm

The Gather Café is a community owned and run café and shop in Ennerdale Bridge which was launched in 2016. The café is set in a modern, wooden building overlooking the countryside fells, providing an idyllic backdrop to enjoy with a cup of coffee and a cake. As well as acting as a café, the building is also a shop and community rooms with showers and an information area providing details of local walks, businesses’, landmarks and activities in the region. The café serves a range of food from classic breakfasts to sandwiches, soups, paninis and jacket potatoes which can be enjoyed inside the café or as a takeout.