Discover Food & Drink in Carlisle, The Western Lake District and Coast

Covering a vast swathe of Cumbria, the region of Cumberland takes in city, coast, countryside and lakes, each with it bringing incredible flavours and styles, drawing inspiration from the land and sea. 

From the coast at Whitehaven which was once a bustling trading harbour bringing in flavours from the Caribbean and Americas including sugar and spice, to the many breweries and distilleries that have sprung up throughout the region, there is something for everyone.

The finest food can be found at some of the area’s Michelin starred restaurants (there are four in total) or for those on a budget many cafes and restaurants show off the creative skills of local artisans alongside the global tastes from those who have made Cumberland their home.

Alternatively why not opt for traditional pub food which is widely available, or stop off in one of the seaside towns for a classic portion of fish and chips by the beach!

Cumbria’s flagship Taste Cumbria Food Festival hails from Cockermouth, celebrating everything from the Cumberland sausage to Lakes Gin.  Meanwhile in Carlisle, the only city in the area, a more cosmopolitan vibe runs through the many bars and restaurants which celebrate food from every culture: Greece and Italy to India and Thailand, with everything in between.

It’s not just in the pubs, cafes and restaurants that Cumberland’s food and drink can be enjoyed.  Pop into one of the many artisan shops and pick up some local beer, grab some Wild and Fruitful Jam for your breakfast or purchase some award winning bacon from Cranstons.

If craft gins, whiskeys and ales are more your style then why not take a tour of Lakes Distillery or Keswick Brewery and sample some of their unique flavours, while purchasing a bottle or two to take home.

Take a tour through our itineraries for inspiration for your next holiday, mini break or day out in this culturally diverse region and celebrate with us the tastes and flavours of Cumberland.

The Cumberland Food & Drink Programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by Cumberland Council and Sellafield.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus