Best Contemporary British Restaurants in Crosthwaite

A great dining experience (Sat tasting menu with the wine flight). The team at 8@Gazegill were so accommodating of my GF requirements. Can’t thank them enough. We shall be back.

An unforgettable evening – and that bread!! Tucked away in a beautiful location in Keswick, Cabin in the Woods is one of those places that turns a dinner into a truly memorable experience. From the moment we arrived, we knew we were in for something special. The staff were incredibly friendly, attentive and genuinely passionate about what they were serving. Every course came with its own little story, beautifully explained by the team, making the whole evening feel like a culinary journey rather than just a meal. And the food? Absolutely exquisite. Course after course, we were treated to incredible flavours, beautifully presented dishes and combinations that just worked perfectly. Each plate somehow managed to build on the last. But I have to give a special mention to THE BREAD! I never thought I’d be writing a restaurant review in which the bread deserves its own paragraph, but here we are. Quite simply, some of the best bread we’ve ever eaten. Out of this world good, and honestly worth a visit for that alone! Combine the exceptional food with the wonderful staff and stunning location, and you have all the ingredients for a fantastic evening. We left with full stomachs, big smiles and a new appreciation for just how memorable a piece of bread can be. An absolutely fantastic experience. We can’t wait to return!

Really enjoyed our visit to The Kicking Donkey. We were greeted straight away and the staff were friendly and attentive throughout. I had the vegetable chilli with rice and salad, which was lovely with a nice bit of spice, and my husband had the steak and chips which he thoroughly enjoyed. We somehow ended up with a bottle of rosé fizz too! 🍾 Lovely place, good food and a relaxed atmosphere. Around £63 including drinks and dessert, which we thought was reasonable. Definitely one we’ll return to.

Great food and brilliant setting. The live music came on as we were finishing our meal which just added to. Highly recommend and would return without hesitation

I had food here two nights as I was staying in the hotel. The food was excellent especially the puddings. Great service from friendly and welcoming staff