John Ruskin’s home in the Lake District has been described as a paradise of art and nature, and as we discovered when we were invited for lunch it is also a foodie destination.
It is almost 20 years since we last visited Brantwood, overlooking Coniston. Our daughter was just a tot, and she can’t remember wanting to play the piano in the main room of the house. Returning almost two decades later it was a wonderful surprise to find the former tearoom has been extended into the old coach house and stables, and today there is a light, airy dining room with stunning views over the lake and towards the Old Man of Coniston.
Homemade vegan, vegetarian and meat dishes
While still a coffee shop selling homemade cakes, scones and treats, this is now also a restaurant which has an excellent selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes as well as something for the meat lover.
There is a choice of indoor and outdoor seating, however, the grey clouds were starting to gather, so we chose inside. We were tempted to sit at the table brought from Ruskin’s birthplace in London before it was demolished in 1969 now in the main room, however, we opted for a table in the new, former coach house and ordered from the menu of the day at the counter – which was difficult with such great options.
I opted the Chickpea fritters and sweet chilli, and greek yoghurt. My husband selected the Smoked haddock and dill fishcakes, pea and chilli smash, while our daughter chose the Mezze plate, grilled halloumi, couscous, aubergine salad, pomegranate hummus, tzatziki and garlic flatbread. You can read her review of her lunch on her blog ktmy.com
Freshly prepared dishes
The freshly prepared dishes were beautifully served, and it was an inspiration for the tastebuds.
These Chickpea fritters were a first for me, and I had a chat with the team in the kitchen to find out more about the recipe as this is definitely something I will be trying at home! With almond milk rather than eggs to bind the fritters, these are a great vegan option. The crispness of the fritters with the thick Greek yoghurt and a sweet bite of the chilli sauce as the perfect complement – satisfying and delicious.
My husband’s homemade fishcakes were complemented by another recipe to try at home, crushing petit pois peas with freshly chopped chillies – genius.
Discover Brantwood house & gardens
As the rain clouds disappeared over the fells, we decided to take the opportunity of visiting the house and gardens, before returning to The Terrace to enjoy their excellent coffee and try their cake selection.
Check out our adventures in the house and gardens.
We sat outside and took in the stunning views. The only sound was the waterfalls Ruskin had designed himself. We watched the honey bees on the alliums planted near the edge of the terrace, then tried their produce.
The flapjack was full of goodness – nuts and seeds – and enjoyed the natural, great sweetness from the honey. One portion was enough to share between me and husband, while Katie enjoyed one of the homemade cookies.
The coffee here is excellent, supplied by Red Bank based on the west side of Coniston water, who provide single-origin coffees, particularly varieties from individual producers offering speciality grade, 100% Arabica beans. If you love good coffee this is the place for you.
The Terrace opened two years ago after the refurbishment and extension of the old tearoom. Today it is a destination in itself for lunch and a great addition to Brantwood.
Value for money 5/5
- Chickpea fritters and sweet chilli, and greek yoghurt – £9.00
- Smoked haddock and dill fishcakes, pea and chilli smash – £10
- Mezze plate, grilled halloumi, couscous, aubergine salad, pomegranate hummus, tzatziki and garlic flatbread – £10
The Terrace is open every day 10.30am – 5 pm during summer and Wednesday to Sunday during winter (also closed on Christmas & Boxing Day.) To book or find out more visit their
#Gifted
