Regional food
Cumbria
Tongue tingling, crisp, peppermint sweetness – Kendal Mint Cake has fortified conquerors of Everest and generations of walkers. More treats in the Cartmel Village Shop, an Aladdin's Cave of local fare, including irresistible Sticky Toffee Puddings, miniature, steaming castles of spicy flavour. Search out the legendary Char, cousin of the trout, fished for in mirrored Lakeland waters and a 'special' on local restaurant menus. Cumbrian farmers produce Herdwick Mutton, a royal favourite, rich and gamey, tasting of the heather rich moors and often served with tart fruit jellies. Small towns and villages nestle in sheltered valleys and offer farmers' markets with an abundance of regional produce – air-dried hams and salamis alongside dry-cured bacon and mouth-watering cheeses crumbling with the goodness of locally produced milk. Tea time is a major focus, from cream teas with home made jams served in a cosy tea shop to the internationally loved delights of afternoon tea at the Miller Howe Hotel, Windermere, where even the glorious view can't distract from the lightest of scones warm from the oven – with hand-piped butter 'swans'- glorious tarts and cakes rich with local cream and overflowing with fresh fruits.
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