Brunch is arguably the best meal available in our opinion. Fancy a Full English? No problem. A healthy, fresh and fancy avocado on toast? It’s there. Waffles? Croissants? Fruit-and-maple syrup-smothered pancakes? Check. Sweet or savoury, lavish or laid back, calorie-laden or healthy, brunch has something to suit everyone.
The international day of the pancake (otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday!) is just around the corner. Eggs? Check. Flour? Check…. ah, anyone fancy going out for brunch instead?!
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite brunch cafes in the Lakes District to give you food for thought…who says you can’t get double the pancakes in by having Shrove Tuesday at home, and then nipping out for a sneaky brunch at the weekend? Every day is a brunch opportunity…
Homeground Kitchen, Windermere
Set in the heart of Windermere, Homeground is one of those brunch spots that cater to everything you crave. For example, it has a counter full of sweet treats, so a coffee and cinnamon bun might fit the bill. (Alternatively, we like the approach of going out for a savoury breakfast, having a walk or wander around town, and then coming back for coffee and cake!) The menu racks up the brunch classics – such as a bacon sarnie (smoked back bacon on sourdough ciabatta) or Eggs Benny (sourdough ciabatta, smoked ham hock, spinach, two poached eggs, and hollandaise). But it also offers some more unusual and exciting brunches, from Cornbread (smoked cheddar and parmesan cornbread, sour cream, zhoug, smashed avocado, poached egg, streaky bacon/field mushrooms, smokey seasoning, pickled red onion and lovage. Phew. That’s a real mouthful.
Walk-ins only. Open 9-5 pm, closed Wednesdays.
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https://www.homegroundcafe.co.uk/
Bakehouse Born & Bread, Greenodd
This Greenodd bakery has so much to offer. Set on a little industrial estate on the outskirts of town, the trendy interiors combine with really friendly service and an amazing roster of eats. Known for their wonderful bakes, they have upped the ante and delivered an outstanding brunch menu too. Your classic ‘Big Brekky’ offerings (vegan available too) sit alongside internationally-inspired dishes like Duck Bibimbap (orange and gochujang-glazed duck, beansprouts, crispy nori rice cake, kimchi, crispy garlic, fried egg & crispy kale), Ionian Eggs (poached eggs with roasted garlic whipped feta, scorched cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, lemon & thyme oil served with sourdough toast) and Bene & Bubble (maple-glazed ham, poached eggs, bubble & squeak cakes, orange hollandaise and root vegetable crisps). For bakes, think massive sticky cinnamon buns, sugar-covered doughnuts, and sweet treats like nutmeg egg custard, carrot cake, and more, alongside awesome freshly baked bread.
Walk-ins only. Open Tuesday – Saturday 9-3 pm, Sunday 10-2.30 pm.
www.bakehousebornandbread.co.uk
More?, Staveley
This popular cafe has become a Cumbrian institution, supplying cafes up and down the county and even getting products into our fave fancy supermarket, Booth’s. Based in Staveley’s Mill Yard (in good company, with the likes of Hawkshead Brewery & Beer Hall, The Blind Chocolatier, Inov8, and massive cycle store Wheelbase – you might end up whiling away several hours, and emptying your wallet!), More? is the one-stop-shop you need before (and/or after!) a bracing walk out of Staveley centre up to the beautiful tarms of Gurnal Dubs and Potters Tarn high above.
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Opt for one of their fresh almond croissants, pain au choc or sweet bakes, or plump for a brekkie bonanza (which could easily spill over into lunch) such as our fave – the Bombay Bhaji Bap (smoked bacon, ketchup, Mr Vikki’s mango chutney, homemade onion bhaji bits, fried Arlington egg, milk roll), or a Croissant Croque Madame (butter croissant, roast ham, cheese, bechamel sauce, fried Arlington white egg, parmesan). There are great options for the veggie and vegan-inclined, from the Falafel & Hummus Sandwich to the Vegan Halloumi & Chilli Jam and the BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Ciabatta. Just make sure to pick up any sweet treats from the counter when you order, because they fly out of the door! Keep an eye out for their sourdough pizza oven too, which opens in the summer – the perfect end to your day, especially if you grab a can of craft beer from next door Hawkshead!
Open Mon – Thurs 8-4 pm (last hot food 3.30 pm), Fri, Sat & Sun 8-5 pm (last hot food order 4 pm).
https://www.moreartisan.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR01ZVzkDqwt9Di6WDLCDrT8ZOY7WYHsACavfBUflkCTNhnL_hE1BLemHlo
Joey’s Cafe, Wray Castle
Joey’s has several Lakes venues, with a gorgeous little cabin at Hill Top (of Beatrix Potter fame) also well worth a visit. You’d never know this comfy and tasty cafe at Wray Castle is a plant-based eatery, as the chocker menu wouldn’t strike even the most ardent carnivore as limited. For brunch, think French Toast (Joey’s sourdough, Morello cherry purée, whipped cr**m, cinnamon-roasted almonds) or Brekkie Burrito (scrambled tofu, queso sauce, potato hash, refried beans, & Pico de Gallo). Pick yourself up a tasty pasty or cake and you’re set for a full day of exploring.
Open 9.30-4.30 pm.
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Chester’s By the River, Ambleside
An absolute fave for its loyal followers, Chesters by the River overlooks (as its name suggests) the River Brathay, serving up a tasty menu of mostly veggie dishes. Using biodegradable disposables allows you to nip in and grab a takeaway if the fleeting Lake District sun offers you its shining face! Enjoy their enticing bakes (think rhubarb & custard brioche, apricot glaze), or a wholesome and tasty savoury option such as sweet potato & carrot fritter (peas, feta, poached egg) or carrot & coriander soup with baguette. Brekkie, brunch, or lunch – you decide.
Walk-ins only.
Bakery & shop open 9-4pm.
https://www.chestersbytheriver.co.uk/index.html
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