Cavendish Arms Cartmel — Restaurant in England

Stellar Lunch at The Cavendish Arms – a master-class in Cumbrian hospitality

We dropped into The Cavendish Arms Cartmel for lunch on Friday 11 July 2025 and left completely smitten with everything from the cooking to the camaraderie of the team.

The welcome set the tone: Oli and the front-of-house crew whisked us to ourTable, keeping conversation flowing and glasses magically topped-up. Their service struck that elusive balance of attentive yet never intrusive, and their knowledge of both menu and drinks list made choosing a pleasure.

Chef’s kitchen then delivered plate after plate that celebrated local produce. We shared a generous Full Nibbles Board brimming with Cartmel charcuterie, Herdwick lamb croquettes and oozy baked Tunworth, pairing it with crisp half-pints of Birra Moretti, sunshine-bright Aperol Spritzes and a Marlish sparkling elderflower for our non-drinker. Mains kept the momentum: my pan-roasted sea bass rested on a cloud-light beurre blanc, while the day’s pie special boasted pastry worthy of its own standing ovation. We finished – how could we not? – with Cartmel’s famous sticky-toffee pudding, fearlessly rich and utterly irresistible.

Compliments to the chef for food that is simultaneously comforting and refined, and heart-felt thanks to the front-of-house team whose warmth turned a meal into a memory. A special nod, too, to owner Richard English: your pride in this 450-year-old coaching inn is palpable, and your personal table-side check-ins made everyone feel like honoured guests.

The experience also represented Great value for money. The Cavendish Arms isn’t just somewhere to eat – it’s somewhere to feel looked after. We can’t...

Lovely Country Pub with absolutely delicious food. Emily welcomed us family of four in ( Nan, Mum, 4yr old and 9mth old). She was an absolute delight. Warm, friendly and attentive. She was patient with our 4yr old who chatted to her constantly. She served our food ( pulled pork and shallots and Lamb and Mint hot sandwich, served with proper potato hand cooked chips and childs fish finger sandwich and chips)which was delicious and hot. The atmosphere was chilled, no music, which was a nice change.The lighting is very dim which was very atmospheric and olde worldly, which we loved. The service was quick and freshly cooked. You may have noticed I didn't give 5Stars, purely because there were no baby changing facilities. My daughter had to change the baby on a chair in another room, but Emily was again very helpful in trying to help us, by providing somewhere to change him away from the public, but if this room had been occupied, not sure what we would have done. Maybe there are public toilets that provide this, in Cartmel, but not knowing this beautiful place, we weren't aware. The toilets in this place are small, but I'm sure a changing mat on a small table could be accomodated, some how, or a pull down. All in all though, enjoyed our time here. Thanks Emily for your friendly service..a smile and a friendly welcome makes all...

Nestled in a beautiful lake district village this pub is an ideal location for short stays or a quick bite. Our experience however was a little sour due to the comments received as we arrived. Me and my fiancee were using the cavendish as a bed for the night so we could visit L' enclume for her birthday. Upon arrival we were asked if we were dining with them and we excitedly said we were going to the other restaurant. This invoked a remark about our personal appearance which genuinely upset my faincee. She was already worried ( as we are basically working class people) about what outfit she had brought and how we wouldn't be good enough to visit a posh restaurant. These thoughts were already simmering under the service anyway, so to have someone point it out was just completely unnecessary in our eyes. Thankfully (after reassuring her for over an hour) the night went off without a hitch. It's a shame because the room was reasonably priced and the breakfast was delicious. We don't think, however, we will be returning on our future visits. I encourage people to give this place a chance though as the pub atmosphere is lovely. It was just ruined for us by the remarks of one member of staff. We know we don't have much money. This was a one time occasion, we don't need it...