Cumbria's Finest Food Producers: A Local's Guide to Artisan Treasures
After decades of exploring every fell and valley in our beloved county, I've discovered that Cumbria's landscape doesn't just feed the soul with its breathtaking views. It nourishes us in the most literal sense too, thanks to a remarkable community of food producers who've turned our pristine environment into something truly delicious.
The Cheese Masters of the Fells
Let's start with what might be Cumbria's greatest culinary gift to the world: our cheeses. Thornby Moor Dairy, nestled between Penrith and the northern lakes, has been quietly revolutionising British cheesemaking. Their Cumberland Farmhouse is a thing of beauty, with its golden rind and complex, nutty flavour that speaks of the herb-rich pastures where their cows graze. You can visit their farm shop, though I'd recommend calling ahead as parking can be limited during peak season.
Down in Cartmel, the village famous for its sticky toffee pudding and medieval priory, you'll find Cartmel Cheeses crafting some of the most innovative varieties in the county. Their St. Jude, washed in locally brewed ale, has won more awards than I can count. The shop sits right in the village square, with decent parking just off the main road, though it fills up quickly on weekends when the Cartmel races are on.
But perhaps my favourite discovery has been Thornby Moor's sister operation near Coniston. Here, overlooking the fells that Ruskin loved so dearly, they're producing a goat's cheese that rivals anything from the Loire Valley. The creamy texture and delicate tang seem to capture something of the mountain air itself.
Liquid Gold: Cumbria's Craft Beer Revolution
If you think Cumbria is all about bitter and mild, you're in for a pleasant surprise. The craft beer scene here has exploded over the past decade, with producers taking inspiration from our pristine water sources and innovative brewing techniques.
Hawkshead Brewery, originally based near the village that gave Wordsworth his schooling, has become something of a legend. Their Lakeland Gold is the perfect pint after a day walking the Langdale Pikes, crisp and refreshing with just enough hop character to remind you why British beer is still the world's best. They've recently moved to a larger facility near Staveley, with an excellent visitor centre and brewery tours available most weekends. Booking is essential, and there's ample parking on site.
In Borrowdale, that most secluded of valleys, you'll find Yew Tree Brewery producing some of the most characterful ales in the county. Their Borrowdale Bitter, brewed with water from streams that flow off Scafell Pike, has a mineral complexity that reflects its mountain origins. The brewery itself is tiny, tucked away near Rosthwaite, but you can find their beers in pubs throughout the valley.
Over in Keswick, the Keswick Brewing Company has been making waves with their experimental approach. Their seasonal specials often incorporate local ingredients like Lakeland honey or even fell-grown herbs. The brewery tap is open Thursday through Sunday, with limited street parking nearby, so I'd recommend walking from the main town car parks.
Sweet Traditions and Modern Innovations
No discussion of Cumbrian food producers would be complete without mentioning Sarah Nelson's Grasmere Gingerbread. This isn't just a tourist attraction; it's a living piece of culinary history. The secret recipe, locked away in the bank vault since 1854, produces a confection that's part biscuit, part cake, and entirely addictive. The tiny shop by St. Oswald's Church can get crowded, especially when the coach tours arrive, but it's worth the wait. There's no dedicated parking, but Grasmere's main car park is just a short walk away.
For something more contemporary, head to Cartmel for L'Enclume's sister operation, Rogan & Co. While not strictly a producer, chef Simon Rogan has revolutionised how we think about Cumbrian ingredients. His Our Farm project supplies not just his restaurants but increasingly other establishments across the county with hyperlocal, foraged, and carefully cultivated ingredients.
The Artisan Spirit
Cumbria's newest addition to the artisan food scene might surprise you: gin. The Lakes Distillery, situated on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake near Keswick, produces The Lakes Gin using botanicals that include locally foraged juniper and bilberry leaves. Their visitor centre offers tours and tastings, with spectacular views across the water to Skiddaw. The car park can accommodate coaches, so it's well-equipped for visitors, though I'd recommend booking tours in advance during summer months.
Near Ullswater, another distillery has been experimenting with whisky production, using the pristine lake water and aging their spirits in the cool, humid conditions that our climate provides naturally.
Planning Your Culinary Tour
If you're planning to visit several producers, I'd suggest starting early and allowing plenty of time for parking, especially around Ambleside and Bowness during peak season. Many of the smaller producers operate limited hours, so calling ahead is always wise.
The best approach is to plan a circular route. You might start in Kirkby Lonsdale in the south, work your way through Cartmel, up the western side through Coniston, across to Grasmere and Keswick, then back down via Ullswater. This gives you a perfect excuse to experience the full diversity of our county's landscape while discovering the passionate people who are putting Cumbrian food on the national map.
These producers aren't just businesses; they're custodians of our landscape and champions of our local food culture. Each one has a story to tell, and frankly, each one deserves your support. After all, they're not just feeding us; they're helping to keep our farming communities alive and our traditions thriving for future generations.
