The Yan

There’s a sense of true dedication about this family-run ‘bistro with beds’ found up an easy-to-miss track off the main road from Grasmere to Keswick. Noted for its ‘relaxed environment’, the ‘most incredible warm, friendly staff’ and ‘stunning food fully reflective of the Lake District’, it's a godsend for those looking for a simple bite, a hearty meal after a hike, or a special occasion.  

An industrious kitchen produces daily menus specialising in fiercely local produce, including a mighty ‘brekkie’ offered to all-comers in the morning, as well as ‘out of this world’ Sunday roasts. At dinner, local beef can appear in several guises, including slow-cooked brisket in a creamy hash, while Grasmere Herdwick lamb stars in the signature shepherd’s pie topped with cheesy mash. Elsewhere, Cumbrian pork belly, marinated in soy sauce, ginger, garlic and chilli, comes in a crispy baguette with pickled carrots, radish and cucumber, fresh coriander and soy mayo. There’s a good vegetarian choice, too – especially a platter (ideal for sharing) that could offer leek tarte tatin, a salad of roast beets, green beans, asparagus and toasted seeds, crispy sliced potatoes, caramelised fennel and a beetroot pesto.

With such hefty portions, you might want to skip a starter (say, salmon croquettes) or dessert (summer meringue with locally produced Three Hills raspberry and white chocolate gelato). As for drinks, there are non-alcoholic spritzes made with a changing roster of homemade fruit cordials, plus on-trend cocktails and a short list of global wines.