9 Traditional Cumbrian Food Dishes (& Drink) To Try
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Cumbria is a county in the northwest of England, which offers a tantalizing glimpse into its culinary heritage. Cumbrian classics and creative variations on local dishes are served in highly-acclaimed pubs and restaurants in the Lake District.
Cumbria boasts a rich array of locally sourced ingredients, such as Herdwick lamb and Morecambe Bay shrimps, creating a delectable tapestry of flavours that reflect the magic of the Lake District and Cumbrian villages.
From Cumberland sausage to Grasmere gingerbread, these traditional Cumbrian foods bring a delightful taste of the region’s history and natural bounty to the table.
Have you tried the Lake District food and drink? Let’s discover the best of Cumbrian cuisine from a local.
traditional Cumbrian food you should try
Grasmere Gingerbread
Grasmere Gingerbread is a delicious sweet and spicy cake that originates from the village of Grasmere in the Lake District. The small shop is located by St Oswald’s Church but the tempting odour of fresh baking can be smelled from afar.
Grasmere Gingerbread was first created by Sarah Nelson in the 19th century, and this traditional Cumbrian recipe has remained a closely guarded secret ever since. The cake is made with a mixture of flour, butter, sugar, and ginger, which is then baked until it is crisp and golden. It has a unique texture that is both crunchy and chewy, and its spicy ginger flavour is a favourite of locals and tourists alike.
Grasmere Gingerbread is now sold in the village of Grasmere and shipped around the world, making it a true Cumbrian delicacy.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Sticky Toffee Pudding is my all-time favourite dessert. It is a moist sponge cake made with dates and a rich toffee sauce. Sticky Toffee Pudding is typically served hot and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream (I prefer both) allowing the flavours of the sauce to blend together. I am drooling just writing about this sweet, sticky goodness!
Whilst Sticky Toffee Pudding is a beloved Cumbrian dessert found on the menus of many British restaurants and cafes, it is thought to have originated in Cumbria although the exact origins of the pudding are somewhat disputed.
The story has it that Sticky Toffee Pudding was invented by Francis Coulson and his partner Brian Sack at the Sharrow Bay Country House Hotel in the 1970s. However, this decadent dessert became synonymous with Cartmel who claim to be the home of Sticky Toffee.
Having tried many brands, nothing quite matches up to Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding. It remains a truly tasty traditional Cumbrian food that is hard to resist!
Kendal Mint Cake
Kendal Mint Cake is a super sweet, mint-flavoured confection that was first made in Kendal in the late 19th century by a local confectioner named Joseph Wiper. It was originally intended as a source of energy for climbers and hikers and became popular with explorers, including Sir Edmund Hillary and his team, who took it with them on their successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953.
Kendal Mint Cake is a crumbly sweet confection made with sugar, glucose syrup, and mint flavouring. I was born in Kendal so, by rights, I should love it. My palette leans more to savoury so this sweet treat is not my bag!
Cumberland Rum Nicky
Cumberland Rum Nicky is a shortcrust pastry filled with dried fruit and dates soaked in rum and spices. Its history dates back to the ‘triangular trade’ era when the port of Whitehaven in Cumbria was part of the sailing route taken by British slave traders.
Ships would carry spices, ginger, tobacco, sugar and rum from the Caribbean, then English cloth was transported to West Africa, and sadly slaves were taken from there to North America.
The Cumberland Rum Nicky is believed to have been a popular dish among local farmers and households in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, it continues to be a cherished traditional dessert in Cumbrian cuisine, best served with a bit of rum and ginger butter for pure opulence!
Cumberland Sausage
Cumberland sausage is a traditional pork sausage that is known for its distinctive coiled shape and unique flavour, which comes from a blend of herbs and spices.
The sausage is made from coarsely ground pork, typically from the shoulder or belly, and is usually stuffed into natural casings. It is then air-dried for several days to allow the flavours to develop before being cooked.
Cumberland sausage is often served as a Cumbrian breakfast or used in traditional dishes such as a Toad in the Hole or as a stuffing for roast meats. I like Cumberland Sausage as the typical British bangers and mash dish with tasty onion gravy.
Herdwick Hoggett
Herdwick sheep are a hardy breed native to the Lake District and are part of Cumbria’s heritage. They are thought to have been introduced by Norse-Irish settlers in the 10th and 11th centuries, and their name is derived from the Old Norse word “herdvyck”, meaning sheep pasture.
Beatrix Potter joined the ranks of respected breeders of these Cumbrian sheep after she fell in love with the Lake District and used the proceeds from her books to buy Hill Top Farm in Near Sawrey village. Ever the trailblazer, Beatrix later became the first female President of the Herdwick Sheep Breeders’ Association.
Herdwick sheep are able to graze on grass and heather in the rugged terrain of the Lake District, which gives their meat a distinct earthy flavour.
A Herdwick Hogget is aged 1-2 years old which gives a blend of tender lamb and rich-flavoured mutton, and the dry aging period enhances the taste and texture. Herdwick lamb, hogget, and mutton are popular ingredients in many Cumbrian dishes – a must-try on your trip to the Lake District!
Morecambe Bay Shrimps
Morecambe Bay Shrimps are caught in the shallow waters of Morecambe Bay during low tide. Whilst Morecambe is located on the Lancashire coast, Morecambe Bay is an estuary that stretches from the southwest coast of Cumbria to Fleetwood in Lancashire.
Dating back to the 18th century, shrimping is part of the local heritage. Brown shrimps were traditionally caught by a horse and cart pulling the nets across the sand and mud. Today, the number of trawlers is in decline putting the industry under threat.
The delicate and sweet flavour of Morecambe Bay Shrimps intensifies during the cooking process. The shrimps are hand-picked and boiled briefly before the fiddly job by skilled hands to peel them from their shells.
As a girl who was raised in Morecambe, I get excited when I know it is shrimps for dinner. Fry them up in butter with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper and served on toasted sourdough, Delicious!
Traditionally, they are sold as potted shrimps prepared in butter with a combination of spices by the fishermen’s wives as the catch arrives home. These prized delicacies are well-sought after both locally and in Michelin restaurants in London.
Lyth Valley Damsons
Damsons in the Lyth Valley are a renowned fruit that flourishes in the picturesque Lyth Valley on the southeastern edge of the Lake District. This area is known for its stunning orchards, where damson trees thrive in the unique microclimate.
The tradition of growing and harvesting damsons in the Lyth Valley dates back centuries, and the fruit remains a cherished local specialty.
Damsons are small, dark-purple plums with a tart and tangy flavour. They are prized for their versatility in culinary applications, including jams, jellies, pies, and even alcoholic beverages like damson gin.
Damson jam was a staple in our house growing up. I have childhood memories of Dad bringing damsons home from his Lake District walks, and Mum making a big pan of Damson jam from scratch.
Cumbrian Craft Beers
Craft beers have found a flourishing home in the scenic Lake District of Cumbria. With its stunning landscapes and rich brewing heritage, the region has become a hub for innovative and quality craft beer production.
The trends of brewers over the centuries have changed from being produced by monks to small private brewers, followed by a rise of larger brewers to the 1916 nationalisation under the State Management Scheme. Today, the trend of artisan micro-breweries couldn’t be stronger!
The history of breweries in Cumbria dates back to 1623 with Wigton Old Brewery, and whilst many of the old sites are now landmarks such as the Brewery Arts in Kendal, the Keswick Brewery is on the site of The Old Brewery Co that dates back to 1889.
Local breweries in the Lake District are known for their dedication to traditional brewing methods, using locally sourced ingredients and drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings. The fells and landmarks have influenced the names of many of the craft beers in the Lake District such as Old Man Ale by Coniston Brewing Co, Aira Force IPA by Brack N Brew in Watermillock and Buttermere Beauty Lager by Cumbrian Ales!
From hop-forward pale ales to rich stouts and unique experimental brews, the craft beer scene in Cumbria offers a diverse range of flavours and styles to satisfy all beer enthusiasts.
Cumbrian Gin
Cumbria is home to a burgeoning craft gin scene, with Cumbrian gins gaining recognition for their exceptional quality and distinctive flavours. The county’s abundant natural resources and botanicals provide ample inspiration for local distillers bringing a modern twist to the heritage of gin.
Cumbrian gins often feature locally sourced ingredients such as junipers, wild berries and other aromatic plants, resulting in unique and captivating flavour profiles. From traditional dry gins to more adventurous and experimental offerings, Cumbrian gins showcase the creativity and expertise of the region’s distillers.
There are two award-winning sustainable distilleries in the Lake District you may wish to visit;
The Lakes Distillery is committed to sustainability as well as craftsmanship. They use British ingredients and Lake District water to create award-winning whiskies, gins, and vodkas. Located near Bassenthwaite Lake where alpacas roam the grounds, they offer tasting experiences, distillery tours and seasonal bistro dining.
Shed 1 Distillery focuses on quality and innovation, they responsibly produce a range of classically distilled craft gins in The Old Calf Shed in Ulverston. Experience the micro-distillery with tours, Afternoon G&Tea, or even make the book the venue for your wedding day. Shed One Distillery has won a sustainability award for being a net-zero, climate-positive business.
Whether enjoyed in a classic gin and tonic or as part of innovative contemporary-style cocktails, Cumbrian gins offer a delightful taste of the county’s artisanal spirits and the beauty of its natural surroundings.
PIN FOR LATER – TRADITIONAL CUMBRIAN FOOD
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