Lake District road trip

[WindFlower92]

DH is planning this for next week with FIL and BIL. I've been helping him plan as I know it better than him (not going up as we have 1yo DD and I start work next week). They're starting in Keswick and hoping to go all round; places like Buttermere, Ambleside and Grasmere. They like pubs and aren't too fussed about long walks, but want to find some nice views. Are there any pubs/places you would recommend? I don't know many as I tend to just go for long walks up mountain when I go, so tend to ignore the pubs outside of Keswick!

I don't know, but a lot of places like pubs and restaurants are insisting that everyone must book in advance at the moment, so bear that in mind.

Good point, will look into that @Alwaystheoddoneout

The Kirkstile Inn near Loweswater is lovely. I know they have been very busy with the EOTHO thing but that finishes at the end of the month doesn't it, so might be quieter. Anyway, for great views, good beer and food it scores pretty highly. A bit further away, the Shepherd's Arms in Ennerdale Bridge is fairly quiet but does excellent food, and the Wasdale Head Inn is a pretty iconic Lakeland pub but it has been crazily busy up there all summer. In the more touristy areas, the Kirkstone Pass Inn is one of my favourites though we tend to only go in the winter when its quieter. Going out from Keswick towards Windermere I like The Kings Head at Thirlspot, and in Bowness is the New Hall Inn aka The Hole In't Wall which is quite ancient and also does huge portions of food. Very popular with tourists though so it will be busy.
I think Keswick is a bit disappointing pubs wise but there is a lovely Italian called Casa Bella on Station Street if they fancy a change.
Must realised that this makes it sound like I spend half my life on pub crawls.....I hardly drink actually! I am keen on food though and could give a whole extra list of cafes and cake shops.....

As Always said, lots need you to book, and a few are closing for portions of the day to clean and prep for evening food customers, so that's also worth checking.

Thanks for those suggestions @MrsAvocet! Will check those out and see what they say about booking.

My husband always rated the queens head at tirril which is near pooley bridge

If they like coffee and donuts there is a shop in Keswick called BRUCE & LUKES
They serve the best donuts and coffee in the world.

I like the drunken duck

Unicorn Inn in Ambleside is lovely.

Thanks all! Definitely liking the sound of doughnuts @aShinyNewUsername!

The Unicorn in Ambleside is a great traditional pub.
Wilson's Arms in Torver (just outside of Coniston) is also very nice.
The Bridge Inn at Santon Bridge.
The pub at Wasdale Head.
The Black Cock in Broughton-in-Furness.
The Newfield Inn at Seathwaite.
The Brown Cow at Waberthwaite.

Last few are off the tourist track but lovely places and great food! You may need to book though as they've all been very busy recently 😊

Few more food choices for Keswick....( yes, I probably am food obsessed...)
The Wild Strawberry on Main Street - nice traditional cafe. Usually has good soup.
Laura in the Lakes - almost opposite the Wild Strawberry. One word....CAKES!
Kat's Kitchen - good vegan cafe just on the edge of town.
Old Keswickian -traditional fish and chip shop. Usually very good but I have to admit to being a bit disappointed on last couple of times I've been.
Merienda - plenty of healthy choices and good coffee and cakes.
The Chalet - Portinscale, outside of town on the far side of Derwentwater. Popular with cyclists and can ger crowded in good weather but very nice.
Luchinis Ice Cream Parlour - does what it says on the tin!
Siskins Cafe - at the visitor centre at the top of Whinlatter Pass. Nice place for lunch watching the birds having their lunch from some huge bird feeders they have outside the cafe. Its a really nice place generally actually you can go for a walk or hire a mountain bike and use the trails and you get to see some fabulous views without having to do anything too strenuous. If they are feeling energetic they could have a go at Go Ape. The other forestry commission visitor centre in the Lakes is at Grizedale and it has similar facilities and arguably better views but is a bit less convenient to get to.
Not a cafe, but I love the Old Friars chocolate shop in Keswick town centre.
I'm making myself feel hungry now!

Oh I can't believe I forgot to mention Cafe West at Keswick Museum which is in the park. Its run by a local charity called West House. They run several cafes and train young people with learning disabilities to work in the hospitality industry. As much food as possible is made using local products including some grown in their own market garden. There's nothing fancy about it but the food is always very high quality, extremely reasonably priced and served with a smile. The freshly made bread is to die for. In fact ignore all my previous recommendations and if its open, tell them to go for lunch at Cafe West - its a great place with a lovely atmosphere.

We like the Dirty Duck, just outside Ambleside, the Brittania at Elterwater. There are also two nice pubs at Ullswater, and lovely short walks with amazing views. All do good food and local beer
Love the Lake District! We were last there February half term when we had no idea lockdown was around the corner