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Local Gem

Mathilde’s Café

Cumbria, Grasmere - Scandinavian - Café

After stocking up on Grasmere's famous gingerbread, head across the village for something more substantial. Attached to the Heaton Cooper Studio, Mathilde's is an ode to the Norwegian wife of landscape painter Alfred Heaton Cooper. Floor-to-ceiling windows take in the stunning fells, while contemporary, clean-lined interiors create a sense of calm. The menu lightly reflects the Scandinavian heritage with cinnamon buns, Swedish meatball smørrebrød with lingonberry or, perhaps, a salad of smoked mackerel, nashi pear and buckwheat. For a sweet treat before nosing round the homeware shop, try one of their deliciously creative cakes. 

A Brown

6 July 2026

Called in for brunch with two friends, on their recommendation, and tried the rooschti - rosti, smoked salmon and pickled cucumber. Excellent selection of flavours, beautifully presented. We'll definitely be back.

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