Fell Foodie reveals his top 10 places to dine in Cumbria

“The county has a lot of amazing places to eat right now, everything from cafes to pubs to relaxed restaurants, doing great food with quality produce,” said Harrison. “And if you want fine-dining, Cumbria now has more Michelin stars than any other area outside London."

After enjoying a successful stint in York's hospitality sector, Ward suffered a breakdown, grappling with alcoholism and depression, leading him back home and onto a new path of recovery.

Climbing fells and cooking outdoor meals in Cumbria, he began sharing his mental health journey on social media, quickly amassing a large following and creating his Fell Foodie persona.

In new his book, 'Cook Out', which is set to be published in October, Harrison offers a collection of delectable adventure recipes and crucial tips for cooking outdoors.

But when he's not working, his palate savours the variety of Cumbria's food landscape.

“Cumbria prides itself on its produce, and for such a small population the variety is vast,” said Harrison. “In Cumbria we have coffee roasting, preserves, fantastic smoked meats, creators and suppliers and farming. Also, a great coastline, it’s not just the Lake District.

“There are top restaurants, and there’s a great café culture. And it’s not just run of the mill machine coffee, often it is artisan, and they are creating fresh produce, which sometimes isn’t the case in this country as a whole.”

Fell Foodie has compiled a list of his ten favourite places to eat, all accessible by bus routes and costing only £2 for a single fare until October 31 due to the Government's £2 bus fare cap scheme.

Copper Pot, Ambleside

According to Fell Foodie, this eatery is distinguished by its "fantastic homemade food" and atmosphere.

He said: "They always have the warmest welcome for everyone, locals and tourists. They use local suppliers and the quality and consistency is always there. I often take people who are visiting. There’s a nice garden for sunny days."

Dogs are also welcome.

Copper Pot can be accessed via bus routes 505, 555, 599 and 516.

Homeground Coffee and Kitchen, Windermere

Noted for its cosmopolitan café vibes and delicious menu, Fell Foodie lauds this spot as a must-visit.

He said: "The sort of place you can imagine in Manchester or London. A cosmopolitan café doing things right. Always a really busy spot and a gorgeous environment to be in. The menu is delicious."

Fell Foodie recommends The Homeground sarnie, complete with avocado and chutney, two types of bacon and hash browns.

Homeground Coffee and Kitchen can be accessed via bus routes 505, 516, 555, 599 and 755.

Moon and Sixpence Coffeehouse, Cockermouth

Fell Foodie outside of The Moon & Sixpence Coffeehouse (Image: Fell Foodie)

At the heart of the town, this café is celebrated for its coffee knowledge and freshly ground local Carvetii Coffee.

Fell Foodie said: "The owner is so knowledgeable about coffee. Very welcoming and right in the centre of town. They have Carvetii Coffee which is ground and roasted in Threlkeld and by the shores of the idyllic Derwentwater in Keswick too. A haven for a coffee break."

Moon and Sixpence Coffeehouse can be accessed via bus routes X4, X5 and 600.

The Peddler, Whitehaven

The Peddler (Image: Harry Atkinson)

This maritime-themed restaurant serves fresh local produce and seafood.

Fell Foodie said: "Based in the old bus station near the harbour, which has undergone a multi-million development as part of the gentrification of the area. It is a fabulous maritime themed restaurant and café. They do local produce and fresh seafood; food done well."

Fell Foodie recommends trying their 'enormous' loaded flat breads.

The Peddler can be accessed via bus routes 1, 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 29 and 30.

The Chopping Block, Penrith

This small café is believed to source 'the highest quality ingredients' from the area.

Fell Foodie said: "It is also a high-end butchery specialising in things like salt aged steaks, and a deli farm shop; they work closely with local producers and have a good record of only dealing with ethical farmers who take animal welfare seriously."

The Chopping Block can be reached via bus routes 104, X4, X5, 508 and 563.

Bassenthwaite Lake Station

This café built into the restored station offers a 'quirky' dining environment.

Fell Foodie said: "A café in the restored station on the former Keswick to Cockermouth railway line. "There’s a café on the station and also in an old train carriage, plus another carriage where you can have wonderful Afternoon Tea. "The carriage was used in the 2017 film Murder on the Orient Express and is a real step back in time."

You can access Bassenthwaite Lake Station via bus route X5.

Bakehouse Born and Bread, Ulverston

Kirsty Postlethwaite and Chris Small, owners of Bakehouse Born and Bread

Fell Foodie said: "Great spot to head to if you are going to the Western Lakes or down to Arnside. The first impression is it is on an industrial estate. But it’s a cosy café where they bake all their own cakes and some of the best bread you can get in the area. "You can’t not have a cake, there are huge custard slices and doorstop brownies... the temptation is huge and it’s worth succumbing."

You can get to Born and Bread via bus routes 6 and X6.

Fellpack, Keswick

Starting operation as a food pack, this business has since grown into a café and bistro that serves 'comforting' and 'nourishing' dishes.

Fell Foodie said: "It all began around the idea of packs of food to take up the fells, which quickly turned into a café and then bistro. They do comforting nourishing dishes with vegan and veggie options and some great curries and chillies. Definitely worth booking in advance."

He recommends hitting up their street food truck if you can't get a reservation in the summer.

You can reach Fellpack via bus routes 73, 77, 77A, 78, 554, 555, X4 and X5.

Giannis, Carlisle

Gianni's in Carlisle (Image: Google Maps)

Giannis is one of Carlisle's oldest Italian restaurants.

Fell Foodie said: "Going with my heart for this one. "Hospitality done the right way with excellent service, never fails to be enjoyable. I remember going with my gran, and I still go now. The taste of Italy."

Giannis can be reached via all bus services to Carlisle Bus Station.

Comida Food, Kendal

This food spot takes pride in its Spanish tapas.

Fell Foodie said: "They have a big window onto the street and a nice ambience with an open plan kitchen. I like the synergy with food outdoors and sharing platters; I like that tapas feel and the community food approach."

He recommends taking a 'gang' along and ordering lots from the menu.

Comida can be reached via bus services X6, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, X6, 6C, 505, 555, 599 and 755.