Gourmet fish tartlet with microgreens and pink sauce served on a black plate
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Enjoy Seasonal Cumbrian Dining at our Restaurant in Borrowdale

Return from the trails to the welcome of hearty meals and local flavours. At the Royal Oak, you’ll experience the very best of Lake District dining at our restaurant in Borrowdale. Led by Head Chef David Lee, our kitchen celebrates the best of Cumbrian ingredients with a regularly changing menu shaped by the seasons. With a focus on quality over quantity, dishes are thoughtfully prepared using fresh, local produce to create memorable food in Borrowdale, from comforting afternoon tea to indulgent evening meals.

Dinner is available for both hotel guests and non-residents. We recommend reserving your table in advance. 
Guests staying on a Bed & Breakfast basis who wish to add dinner to their stay should do so at least 7 days before arrival, as we cannot guarantee availability after this point.

 

Contact Us to Book 

Cosy restaurant dining area with wooden tables set with wine glasses, plates and cutlery beside a tufted leather banquette.

The Nook

For a refined dining experience, our main restaurant The Nook offers an elegant, welcoming setting inspired by the landscapes of the Lake District. Enjoy our seasonal menu, where fresh ingredients take centre stage, in a timeless setting suitable for those marking a special occasion or simply looking a memorable meal in Borrowdale.

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Cosy dining area with a painted mountain landscape mural, distressed bench, wooden table and wall clock.

Poets Corner

Offering a more relaxed approach to dining, Poet’s Corner is a characterful space full of ambient, country charm. Ideal for returning walkers and diners looking for casual dining in Borrowdale, it’s the perfect place to sit back and tuck into breakfast or enjoy a comforting evening meal. It’s also our dedicated dog-friendly restaurant space, so your pet can settle down after a day’s exploring too.

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A bartender pours pale beer from a polished brass tap into a tilted pint glass.

Bar

At the heart of the hotel, our traditional bar is the perfect place to enjoy a drink or a well earnt rest after exploring the Lake District. Settle in by the fire with a drink from our local solection, including favourites from one of Cumbria’s longest established breweries, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a classic village inn.

Cosy lounge with a fireplace, patterned orange wallpaper, leather chairs and warm lamps

Lounge & Snug

Our lounge provides a comfortable space to enjoy the quieter moments of your stay. Perfect for relaxing with a morning coffee or sharing stories with fellow walkers, it offers a welcoming corner of the hotel to pause and soak up the atmosphere.

Full English breakfast plate with bacon, sausage, black pudding, baked beans, poached egg, hash brown, tomato and mushroom.

Breakfast

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, packed with ingredients from local producers.
Start the day right with a choice of full English breakfast, poached eggs and avocado on sourdough toast, classic eggs benedict or scrambled eggs with smoked salmon on toast. We also have cereals, Greek yoghurt, croissants, pain au chocolat, rye miller bread and local jams and honey. 

Our beverages from Cumbrian-based expert tea and coffee merchant Farrers, whose blends are designed to impress. Don’t forget there is free tea/coffee all day for residents, so just help yourself!

 

Breakfast

Freshly baked fruit scones on a wooden board with jam, clotted cream and tea.

 

Afternoon Tea & Scones 

Immerse yourself in the wonderful British tradition of afternoon tea at the Royal Oak. Every afternoon, between 3pm and 5pm, hotel guests are invited to enjoy complimentary, freshly baked scones and a warming cup of tea. It’s a simple, much-loved tradition and the ideal way to welcome in the evening and savour an authentic taste of the Lake District.

Stylish restaurant dining area with wooden tables, upholstered booth seating and place settings.

Group Bookings

Gather with family and friends to enjoy quality, seasonal dining at the Royal Oak. We warmly welcome groups and kindly ask that you book in advance to avoid disappointment. If you’re staying with us, booking is still recommended to secure your table. 

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Small curly-haired brown dog wearing a harness indoors

Dog-Friendly Dining

Our dog-friendly dining spaces are one of the many reasons we’re a firm favourite for walkers and their walking companions. The Royal Oak is a perfect place for those looking to settle in after a day on the trails and enjoying a hearty meal alongside your dog.

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