Keswick is one of the Lake District’s most popular destinations for walkers, offering easy access to beautiful lakeside paths, woodland trails and some of England’s best-known fells. Whether you’ve spent the day exploring Derwentwater, walking around Catbells or tackling one of the more demanding routes in the surrounding mountains, finding somewhere good to eat afterwards is part of the experience.
Fortunately, Keswick has plenty of places to enjoy a satisfying meal, from traditional Lakeland pubs to restaurants serving freshly prepared international cuisine.
Rather than putting together another long list of restaurants, we’ve chosen three places personally recommended by Ian from Buy Hiking Boots. Ian regularly eats in Keswick and has enjoyed meals at all three establishments.
Each offers something different, making them worth considering when planning your next walking trip to the northern Lake District.
The Pheasant Inn – Traditional Lakeland Pub Food
The Pheasant Inn is a traditional pub situated on Crosthwaite Road, close to Fitz Park on the northern side of Keswick. It’s a good option for walkers looking for a relaxed meal after spending the day exploring the surrounding countryside.
The pub has a reputation for hearty, freshly prepared food, with a menu featuring traditional British favourites alongside dishes showcasing local Cumbrian ingredients.
Depending on the current menu, visitors can expect choices such as homemade pies, Cumberland sausage, fish dishes and Sunday roasts. There are also lighter lunchtime options for anyone wanting something less substantial after a morning walk.
Its location makes The Pheasant Inn particularly convenient for walkers returning from the Skiddaw area, while those staying in central Keswick can reach it on foot.
Booking Advice
The Pheasant Inn is one of Ian’s personal favourites, and he particularly recommends booking ahead.
It can become extremely busy, especially during weekends and popular holiday periods. During busy times, restaurant bookings may also be subject to a time limit.
If you’re planning an evening meal after a long walk, reserving a table beforehand is sensible rather than relying on finding somewhere available when you return.
Location: Crosthwaite Road, Keswick
Food: Traditional British and Cumbrian pub food
Best for: A hearty meal after a day on the fells
Website: https://thepheasantinnkeswick.co.uk
Woodstone Pizza & Flame Grill – Pizza, Steaks and More
For walkers looking for something different from traditional pub food, Woodstone Pizza & Flame Grill offers a varied menu in the centre of Keswick.
Located on St John’s Street, Woodstone specialises in freshly prepared pizzas and flame-grilled dishes. Its wood-fired oven is a central feature of the restaurant, while the wider menu includes steaks, burgers, pasta and other substantial meals.
After several hours of walking, a freshly cooked pizza or grilled meal can be particularly appealing, especially when visiting Keswick with friends or family who have different preferences.
Woodstone also offers children’s meals and takeaway options, making it a flexible choice for families spending a few days exploring the Lake District.
The central location is convenient for visitors staying in Keswick or returning from walks around Derwentwater and the surrounding valleys.
Booking Advice
Woodstone is another restaurant Ian personally recommends, and he advises booking a table in advance.
Keswick attracts large numbers of visitors throughout the year, particularly during weekends, school holidays and the main walking season. Popular restaurants can fill quickly during evening dining hours.
Booking ahead means you can concentrate on enjoying your walk without having to search for somewhere to eat afterwards.
Location: 26 St John’s Street, Keswick
Food: Wood-fired pizza, flame-grilled meats, burgers and pasta
Best for: Families, groups and a relaxed evening meal
Website: https://woodstonerestaurant.co.uk
Star of Siam – Authentic Thai Food in Keswick
If you fancy something a little different after a day in the Lake District, Star of Siam brings traditional Thai flavours to the centre of Keswick.
Located on Main Street, this family-run restaurant offers a menu inspired by Thai cooking, with a choice of curries, stir-fries, noodle dishes and other popular specialities.
Thai food provides plenty of variety, from mild and aromatic dishes to more generously spiced meals. Familiar favourites include green and red curries, Pad Thai, Massaman curry and dishes prepared with fresh vegetables, herbs and fragrant sauces.
Vegetarian and vegan choices are also available, making Star of Siam worth considering when dining with a group whose members have different dietary preferences.
After a day spent walking around Derwentwater or exploring the nearby fells, a freshly prepared Thai meal can make an enjoyable change from the traditional pub menus found throughout the Lake District.
Booking Advice
Star of Siam is the third Keswick restaurant recommended by Ian, who has personally enjoyed eating here.
Although Ian particularly emphasises advance booking at The Pheasant Inn and Woodstone, it’s still sensible to reserve a table at Star of Siam during busy periods.
The restaurant also offers takeaway, which may appeal to walkers staying in self-catering accommodation around Keswick.
Location: 89 Main Street, Keswick
Food: Traditional Thai curries, stir-fries, noodles and other specialities
Best for: Something different after a day of walking
Website: https://starofsiam.uk
Enjoying Keswick After a Day’s Walking
One of the attractions of Keswick is how easily a day in the hills can be combined with an enjoyable evening in town.
There are walks to suit almost every level of experience, from gentle routes around Derwentwater to more challenging mountain outings.
Popular choices include:
- Derwentwater: Beautiful lakeside scenery, woodland paths and opportunities for shorter walks.
- Catbells: A popular fell offering impressive views across Derwentwater and the surrounding mountains.
- Walla Crag: A rewarding walk above Keswick with views over the lake and towards the north-western fells.
- Latrigg: A relatively accessible summit with excellent views towards Keswick, Bassenthwaite Lake and the surrounding countryside.
- Skiddaw: A more demanding mountain walk requiring appropriate footwear, preparation and suitable weather conditions.
Whichever route you choose, it’s worth allowing enough time to complete your walk safely before heading into town for an evening meal.
Remember that walking times can vary considerably depending on the terrain, weather and experience of your group.
Planning Your Walk and Evening Meal
If you’re visiting Keswick for a day or weekend of walking, a little advance planning can make the experience more enjoyable.
Check the weather forecast before setting out, choose a route appropriate to your ability and make sure you have suitable walking footwear and clothing.
The Lake District’s weather can change quickly, particularly on higher ground, so waterproof clothing and reliable footwear are important even when conditions appear favourable at the start of the day.
If you’ve booked an evening meal, allow additional time for unexpected delays on the route, travelling back to your accommodation and changing before dinner.
For longer mountain walks, it’s usually better to arrange a later restaurant booking rather than feel pressured to finish your route by a particular time.
Three Places Worth Trying on Your Next Visit
Keswick has a wide choice of places to eat, but personal recommendations can be particularly helpful when deciding where to spend an evening.
The Pheasant Inn, Woodstone Pizza & Flame Grill and Star of Siam offer three different dining experiences, from traditional Lakeland pub food to wood-fired pizzas and freshly prepared Thai dishes.
All three come recommended by Ian from Buy Hiking Boots, who has eaten at each restaurant and enjoyed the food.
Whether you’re visiting Keswick for a short walking break or spending a full week exploring the northern Lake District, they’re worth keeping in mind when planning where to eat.
And if you’re visiting during a busy weekend or holiday period, remember Ian’s advice: book ahead, particularly at The Pheasant Inn and Woodstone.
Restaurant menus, opening hours and booking arrangements can change. Always check directly with the restaurant before visiting.
Related Walks Around Keswick
Planning a day out in Keswick? The surrounding Lake District offers some wonderful walking opportunities, from gentle lakeside routes to rewarding fell walks with spectacular views.
Discover one of the Lake District’s most popular fell walks, with magnificent views across Derwentwater, Keswick and the surrounding mountains. Catbells is a rewarding choice for walkers looking for a relatively short but memorable outing.
Walla Crag to Ashness Bridge Walking Guide
Explore a scenic circular walk through Great Wood, across Walla Crag and onwards to the famous Ashness Bridge. This varied route combines woodland paths, open fellside and beautiful views over Derwentwater.
Both walks offer an excellent way to enjoy the scenery around Keswick before returning to town for a well-earned meal.