to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Written by: Janie
From the vibrant city of Carlisle with streets full of international cuisine through to traditional inns in rural locations, you can find great vegetarian and vegan food right across Carlisle, the Western Lake District and Coast.
Taking part in Veganuary? No problem! Read on for our top recommendations on where you can enjoy 100% plant-based dishes as you travel around the region:
Jump to:
- Raven's Nest, Whitehaven
- Café Ambio, Whinlatter
- Lingholm Kitchen & Walled garden, Portinscale
- The Strands, Nether Wasdale
- Lyzzick Hall Hotel, Keswick
- Casa Romana, Carlisle
- Sage & Vine, Carlisle
- Dosa Chaska, Nethertown, Egremont
- Lake Road Brunch, Keswick
- Cafe Bar 26, Keswick
Raven’s Nest, Whitehaven
The Raven’s Nest, Whitehaven ©Josh MacAlister
Co-owners Bex and Neil have put their heart and soul into this quirky venue brimming with classic retro vibes. A sustainable, speciality tea & coffee and cocktail bar, the Raven’s Nest offers a full veggie menu, designed to be treats without meats. With small bites to a wide range of platters to satisfy every taste and appetite, this is a spot where you can just hang out and spend quality time with friends. Their bright orange exterior will catch your eye on the streets of Whitehaven, and a warm and friendly welcome will greet you as soon as you step inside.
Don’t miss:
The cheese or hummus platters for sharing and the selection of unique cocktails.
Café Ambio, Whinlatter
Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind after a long walk or cycle, or simply want to soak up peaceful surroundings, Café Ambio provides the perfect setting. In the heart of Whinlatter – England’s only true mountain forest – enjoy a hot cuppa in this friendly and inviting venue. Their menu features a variety of options for vegans and vegetarians – tuck into the delicious Ambio vegetarian breakfast or savour the vegan hummus & falafel bowl. From hiking and biking trails to wildlife spotting and tree-top adventures, there’s also plenty to keep you entertained before or after your cosy café stop.
Don’t miss:
The vegan lentil dhal, with new potatoes, spinach, chickpeas, pomegranate dressing and warm flatbread – delicious!
The Lingholm Kitchen and Walled Garden, Portinscale, Keswick
A popular destination for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, the Lingholm Kitchen and Walled Garden serves fresh artisan breads from their own bakery and real barista coffee from a local roaster. Fresh produce also comes directly from their grounds where their team of gardeners take great pride in growing organically. Their extensive menu clearly marks all the delicious options available for vegans and vegetarians including the veggie brunch bowl, the mushroom carbonara and the Lingholm vegetable curry. Settle down to enjoy your meal in this beautiful and peaceful setting with excellent views over the mountains of the Skiddaw massif!
Don’t miss:
Avocado toast for breakfast and then the parsnip falafel burger for lunch – all vegan!
The Strands Inn, Nether Wasdale
©The Strands Inn, Nether Wasdale
Nestled in the tranquil village of Nether Wasdale at the entrance to the stunning Wasdale valley, the Strands Inn was built in 18th century and retains many original features, with log fires and wooden beams throughout. There is plenty of hearty home cooked food on the menu and the inn even brews its own beer at its very own micro-brewery on-site. Their distillery is another recent edition – you can purchase Strands Dry Gin at the bar. They are also known for their award-winning vegan food offering a plant-based twist to traditional pub classics – make sure you try the vegan roast dinner, the vegan lasagne or the vegan chilli.
Don’t miss:
The vegan fish & chips! Made from marinated banana blossom and battered in a vegan beer batter to taste and flake like a traditional fish & chips, served with house tartar sauce and mushy peas.
Lyzzick Hall Hotel, Keswick
©Lyzzick Hall Hotel
With a dining room beautifully furnished with gleaming cutlery, crisp white linen napkins and candles, get ready for a superb experience at the elegant Lyzzick Hall Hotel near Keswick. Open to non-residents for lunch and dinner throughout the year, choose 2 or 3 courses from their delicious set vegetarian & vegan menu in their restaurant – and let their talented and experienced chefs treat you with only the finest ingredients, sourced locally wherever possible. Sit back and relax in the tranquil setting on the lower slopes of Skiddaw, and enjoy the stunning views from the terrace.
Don’t miss:
The roast butternut squash & spinach puff pastry tart for a main course and then the homemade ice cream for dessert – all vegan and vegetarian.
Casa Romana, Carlisle
©Casa Romana, Carlisle
Enjoy the best of Italy and Cumbria at the Casa Romana in Carlisle. With 30 years of experience in Italian cuisine, their team is still passionate about cooking fresh, traditional and innovative dishes for their customers. They even had a great review from Guardian food critic, and Carlisle native, Grace Dent who encouraged them to “change absolutely nothing”. Their famous happy hour is available at lunchtimes and early evening Monday to Friday and then also all Saturday afternoon from 11.45 to 18:00. Upon request, they offer a large range of dishes that can be served vegan friendly.
Don’t miss:
The mushroom cannelloni, pizza gusto and risotto arrosto are all extremely tasty options for vegans.
Sage & Vine, Carlisle
©Sage & Vine, Carlisle
Also in Carlisle, Sage & Vine is a new eatery specialising in Mediterranean tapas, mezze and pizza. Already receiving brilliant reviews, make sure you stop by to experience the friendly service and delicious food for yourself. Choose from 4 vegetarian pizzas, all served piping hot from the Valoriani wood-fired pizza oven. Add a sharing board, dips or a small plate to your order as well. The food is complemented by a good selection of wines, beers and cocktails. They are open for lunch and dinner – from Tuesday to Saturday, from 12:00 through to 21:00.
Don’t miss:
The veggie sharing board with Zucchini fritters, halloumi fries, banana blossom ‘fish’, sautéed wild mushrooms, cauliflower hummus
Dosa Chaska, Nethertown, Egremont
Experience the vibrant flavours of Indian cuisine with Dosa Chaska – a family-run business, serving authentic dishes using traditional recipes and the finest ingredients, that also cater for vegetarian and vegan diets. So far, they have taken their cottage food trailer to many events across the region – from the Taste Cumbria food & drink festival in Cockermouth to the Sausage festival at Muncaster Castle and the Mountain Festival in Keswick. Book onto their Indian Vegetarian Dining and Cooking Workshop events to dine, try your hand at cooking, and learn in-depth about authentic Indian cuisine and culture. Dosa Chaska is ready to promote well-being, cultural diversity and community – all through delicious food.
Don’t miss:
The green herbs dosa with vibrant green paste spread, spicy potatoes and paneer cheese, and then for a sweet treat, a benne biscuit – a traditional Indian cookie. Wash it all down with a masala tea!
Lake Road Brunch, Keswick
©Lake Road Brunch, copyright John Shedwick
A popular spot in the centre of Keswick, Lake Road Brunch has the ultimate menu to help curb any type of craving. From eggs benny to smashed avocados, feast your eyes on their extensive brunch menu which includes a whole host of scrumptious options just for vegans. Also known for their American style fluffy pancakes, choose from the forest fruits stack, the Biscoff and banana stack and more! You could even add a colourful cocktail or mocktail to your order. Lake Road Brunch is open daily for walk-ins but book in advance to guarantee yourself a table.
Don’t miss:
The Shakshuka – scrambled tofu in a traditional Middle Eastern tomato stew made with bell peppers, onions & garlic and served with sourdough flatbread, topped with coriander.
Cafe Bar 26, Keswick
©dcbaxter on Tripadvisor
Pay a visit to this 100% plant-based café bar for coffee, breakfast, lunch, cakes and desserts. Small plates include beetroot falafels with pink hummus and mint yoghurt, meatballs in a spiced tomato sauce and a trio of dips with homemade tortilla dips. Their flatbreads include spicy sausage with corn, pesto, tomato and red onion – and meatball marinara with onions, cheese sauce and pesto. Simply a must for any vegan visitor in Keswick.
Don’t miss:
Their Indonesian chickpea & coconut soup.
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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
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