They say you are never too far from good food in Cumbria, and TV personality and cook Harrison Ward is keen to showcase how visitors and residents can eat their way through the county, enjoying the very best on offer, by following one simple route.
The 555 bus route, from Lancaster to Keswick, not only provides an easy way to travel and explore north Lancashire and Cumbria, it is also one of the region’s and the UK’s most scenic bus routes. With wireless and USB charging points on board and table seating, it’s the perfect Lake District sightseeing bus and Harrison is hoping more people will pop on board and enjoy a culinary tour too.
Better known as Fell Foodie, Harrison has made a name for himself with his outdoor cooking, as well as being a mental health speaker and television star. His passion for food means he is also a proud advocate of Cumbrian eateries, delicatessens and anywhere that serves the very best in local fodder.
“There’s a plethora of options if you’re an outdoor-lover exploring the county,” Harrison says, “but also simply as a day out on its own.
“Whether you enjoy a hot pastry, a local ale, hearty pub fare, a bespoke picnic or fine dining, Cumbria is excellent at providing something for everyone’s palette.”
Harrison’s openness about his personal battles won him a huge online following, which he now uses to help promote the things he is passionate about.
His story is widely known now; after a successful stint in hospitality in York, Harrison suffered a breakdown, struggling with alcoholism and depression. He returned home to Cumbria in 2016 and took up hiking while also openly documenting his recovery on social media.
Harrison soon began exploring ways to combine his lifelong love of food and cooking with his newfound passion for heading up a fell and Fell Foodie was born.
He released his first cookbook – Cook Out – in October, boasting more than 80 easy-to-prepare gourmet recipes complete with spectacular photography. Its five-star Amazon rating has already seen budding cooks rave over his recipes, which are inspiring people to ditch the age-old camping fare of boil-in-the-bag rice and create a meal worth going on a hike for.
He now travels all over the country as a motivational speaker, takes inner city children onto the fells to cook, and even hosted Dame Mary Berry on an outdoor cook up for her BBC 2 show Mary Berry: Love to Cook.
Reflecting on the rich variety of food on offer in the county, Harrison is keen to encourage others to explore both the scenery and the plethora of producers and makers.
From perfect pies to sumptuous sourdough pizzas, the chance to sample a Cumbrian ale or pick up a picnic spread, he believes that there are few places which offer such variety.
“You can enjoy your own tour de force of suppliers and eateries simply by following the 555 bus route,” he says. “It showcases a lot of producers in the area and you could hop off and on the bus along its route, taking time to enjoy fantastic food at every stop.
“Alternatively, use it as a chance to grab a variety of fantastic ingredients along the way to create the perfect culinary delight at the end of it.”
Places to visit
Brew Coffee Shop – Lancaster
Cosy independent café with friendly staff and expertly crafted brews.
Fell Foodie says: “It is within walking distance of the bus station, but you could enjoy a nice walk around the castle before you get to this cafe, where I know the owner quite well. Pop in and enjoy great coffee and home bakes at this cracking little venue right in the city centre. It is a really friendly little coffee shop which is also the perfect place to have a meeting.”
Find out more: bakedbybrew.co.uk/coffee-shop
Bus stop for the Brew Coffee Shop – Lancaster Bus Station
Slyne Lodge – Slyne
Hearty pub fare in a 19th century inn with Morecambe Bay to the West and the Lake District Fells to the North.
Fell Foodie says: “I only recently discovered this pub and it is a really nice hidden gem. It is the perfect place to stop off for refreshments and enjoy proper tasty pub food in a truly fantastic building.”
Find out more: the-lodge.mydirectstay.com/restaurant.html
Bus stop for Slyne Lodge – Slyne Lodge Bus Stop
Stuart Smith Butchers – Milnthorpe
Award winning pies and quality arrangement of cuts from a family run business.
Fell Foodie says: “This butcher has won national awards and is well worth a visit. It is the perfect stop off to grab yourself some tasty baked goods or take a pit stop for picnic essentials.”
Bus stop for Stuart Smith Butchers – The Square, Milnthorpe
Marra – Kendal
Homemade sourdough pizzas in a beautiful exposed beam building. Cute courtyard too!
Fell Foodie says: “This is just a short walk around the corner from the bus station and is a fantastic little spot, tucked away. It has a gorgeous little courtyard, while the building is beautiful with its beams, so it is great whatever the weather. You are guaranteed a really friendly welcome here as you tuck into one of its famous pizzas.”
Find out more: marra46.co.uk
Bus stop for Marra – Kendal Bus Station
More Bakery – Staveley
Handcrafted loaves, cakes and bakes with seating for those on the go or taking a break.
Fell Foodie says: “The whole yard is full of artisan suppliers, so it is a real destination spot. Make sure you pop into More Bakery to grab a sandwich or coffee before heading off on a walk to explore the local area.”
Find out more: moreartisan.co.uk
Bus stop for More Bakery – Abbey Square, Staveley
Crafty Baa – Windermere
Quirky, eccentric craft beer bar with plenty of options for the teetotallers like me.
Fell Foodie says: “I’m known for not drinking, so this place is fantastic for me as well as those who love a craft beer. It is a truly quirky venue with themed rooms and is a very unique stop off.”
Find out more: thecraftybaa.com
Bus stop for the Crafty Baa – Windermere Railway Station
Toast – Windermere
Rich, moreish toasties that you may have seen on social media. Certainly worth sharing physically and digitally.
Fell Foodie says: “You are likely to recognise this venue’s enormous toasted sandwiches from social media. They are packed with all the proper stuff you want and expect, with all of the ingredients hand-picked from local suppliers. If you choose to eat in, you are likely to be eating with strangers and have the chance to share a meal while picking up top tourist tips from the locals or passing on tips to other diners.”
Find out more: instagram.com/toast.windermere
Bus stop for Toast – Windermere Railway Station
Rattle Ghyll Deli – Ambleside
Rammed full of local crafts and artisan supplies. Delicious takeaway burritos.
Fell Foodie says: “Head inside here to grab some bits to create your own delicious feast. It is packed with traders and suppliers from across the county to grab the best local produce. Alternatively, visit the deli counter where they have gained a name for themselves for their delicious burritos.”
Find out more: rattleghyll.com
Bus stop for the Rattle Ghyll Deli – Salutation Hotel / Vicarage Road
Mathildes – Grasmere
A beautifully appointed Scandi-themed café as part of the Heaton Cooper Gallery.
Fell Foodie says: “This is one of my favourites along the route and a definite ‘go to’. It is Scandi-themed, and as wonderful with its decor as it is with its produce. Everything on the menu is beautifully crafted and delicious.”
Find out more: heatoncooper.co.uk/pages/mathildes-cafe
Bus stop Mathildes – Heaton Cooper Studio, Grasmere
Kings Head Inn – Thirlspot
A 17th century coach house in the shadow of one of the regions most famous mountains, Helvellyn. Complete with 17 en-suite rooms.
Fell Foodie says: “There is a bus stop right outside this pub, giving no excuse not to visit. Nestled in the shadow of Helvellyn, its location alone makes it worth a visit. However for those heading back off the fells or looking for a substantial meal, this offers hearty portions of fantastic pub food.”
Find out more: lakedistrictinns.co.uk/kings-head
Bus stop for the Kings Head Inn – Kings Head Inn
The Cheese Deli – Keswick
A fine array of all things dairy. Boasting offerings from many local cheesemongers as well as classics from further pastures.
Fell Foodie says: “This fabulous little deli supports a lot of the dairy and cheese industry, showcasing producers from across the region. They are specialists in their knowledge and, as well as a wonderful assortment of cheeses, they stock all types of food to make your picnic or meal complete.”
Find out more: keswickcheesedeli.co.uk
Bus stop for The Cheese Deli – Keswick Bus Station
Merienda – Keswick
Looking out to the moot hall, grab a bite and a window seat and watch the world go by in this stunning Lakeland town.
Fell Foodie says: “This venue is outside the Moot Hall, the finish line for many Cumbrian endurance events, and the perfect place to watch the hustle and bustle of the world pass by. This is a cafe which always seems to deliver – and even boasts great coffee.”
Find out more: merienda.co.uk
Bus stop for Merienda – Keswick Bus Station
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