Lake District Cottages

Its starts when you arrive. We've re-created a range of traditional Cumbrian cakes to go with your welcome tea tray. Or even with the complimentary wine.

Cumbrian food and drink has experienced a remarkable renaissance in recent years. Organic local farms selling directly and at farmers markets, small scale production across the county of a wide range of distinctive prepared foods, ever-expanding Cumbrian produce retailers, and over twenty micro-breweries and specialist drink producers.

Increasingly this trend is reflected on the menus of the Lake District's many pubs and restaurants, and on the shelves of our food shops. Food writers now put Cumbria right at the forefront of the local food revolution - for many visitors making the most of this is one of the priorities of their stay.

We include here a selection of highlights, to tempt you to explore what is on offer more fully. A fuller web list of recommended pubs and restaurants will be emailed with your booking confirmation.

Monkhouse Hill has strong links with our local cooperative Hesket Newmarket Brewery. Draught beers can be ordered in advance through our Ordering Service, bottled versions are also available.

Upfront, on the way to Penrith from Monkhouse Hill, combines innovative (mainly) vegetarian food with an art gallery with rotating exhibitions of artists from Cumbria (at which you will be amazed) and beyond.

Enjoying a consistently high reputation for many years, the Pheasant at Bassenthwaite offers high quality dishes using Cumbrian produce in a refined (child free) environment. Do try the potted Silloth shrimps!

Don't forget to visit our unique pre-arrival ordering service before your visit - choose from delicious frozen meals from Dalemain, grocery starter packs, organic wines and Hesket Newmarket beers, Cumbrian speciality hampers, champagne breakfasts, luxury local chocolates etc

Caterer to royalty, celebrities, the City....and Monkhouse Hill. Memorable dinners and buffets for special celebrations from Frankie Grieve, our local event caterer - splendid food from Cumbrian produce for large groups prepared and served in your cottage.

The Old Crown, Britain's first co-operatively owned pub, combines the full range of Hesket Newmarket beers with a range of good quality home cooked food. Prince Charles (pub is the hub) is a regular visitor.

Enjoying an international reputation, Sharrow Bay on the shores of Ullswater was the first 'country house hotel'. Very special food, at very special prices, make it a venue ideal for that very special celebration.

You will find one of Cumbria's greatest local food enthusiasts at the Simply Good Taste Cafe and Deli in Keswick. Innovative new recipes and new interpretations of traditional dishes. A must for all foodies.

Choice Catering from Hesket Newmarket offers a diverse menu of home cooked meals freshly prepared and served in your cottage. From a romantic meal for two to a sit down dinner for twenty.

Part of the North Lakes Hotel, where you have complimentary Spa membership whilst at Monkhouse Hill, the Martindale Restaurant offers a Cumbrian inspired menu superior to many large hotels.

The Royal Oak at Welton, our nearest pub, is just one mile away. Operated by an experienced local couple, serving generous portions from an extensive menu. No website yet, book on 016974 76554

For those meals you wish to cook yourself, you won't find better local produce than at Cranstons Cumbrian food hall in Penrith. Barbecue sausages and burgers are particularly recommended.

It might not be Cumbrian, but Tesco in Carlisle will happily deliver to the cottages at Monkhouse Hill for those who want to avoid the start of holiday expedition to the supermarket. Register at www.tesco.com

Consistently popular with those in the know in Cumbria is the Royal Oak at Curthwaite. Expect a wide ranging menu of international dishes, served in a pleasant pub atmosphere a few miles from Monkhouse Hill.

Oddfellows front elev (Edit1).jpg (278751 bytes)

A Jennings house five minutes drive from Monkhouse Hill, the Oddfellows at Caldbeck is popular with locals and visitors alike, with a good standard of pub food and a dining area suitable for larger groups.

Recently refurbished to cutting edge design standards, the George and Dragon at Clifton offers equally cutting edge Cumbrian food, mostly from the adjacent Lowther estates, together with various local beers.

Unique amongst Keswick's numerous pub food offers, the Square Orange's cafe bar atmosphere, Hesket ales and the best pizzas this side of Naples (certain nights only) make it highly recommended.

For an inspirational day whilst in Cumbria, join Food & Company at Mirehouse for a cooking course or demonstration, using a unique blend of Cumbrian produce and international cuisine.

Andrew and Jennifer Collard, Monkhouse Hill, Sebergham, Caldbeck, Cumbria CA5 7HW Tel:016974 76254 cottages@monkhousehill.co.uk www.monkhousehill.co.uk

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