The Yan

The Lake District is almost as well-known for its fancy Michelin-star establishments as it is for its fells. The Yan is not quite like that. It’s a down-to-earth, hearty bistro. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit, though. In fact, Grace Dent is a fan of its big flavours and so are we.

Dinner is popular so book in advance for gorgeous British grub like the legendary shepherd’s pie made with slow-braised Grasmere Herdwick lamb or YFC; The Yan’s own Cumbrian buttermilk fried chicken with jerk fries, charred corn and red onion salad, blue cheese dip for dunking and tomato, kidney bean and balsamic relish.

The sharers are good fun too: The Mexi-Yan, The Cumbri-Yan, The Tex-Yan and The Vegetari-Yan. Expect generous helpings of lovely local produce, slow-cooked to sticky, yummy perfection. It’s laid-back good-time food.

The wine is excellent and service is knowledgeable, relaxed and personal in the way you often get from a family business.

There are rooms to stay over too which range from hotel-style bistro bedrooms, self-catering cottages across the farmyard, and glamping pods. Overnight guests (and anyone else who’s around Grasmere) may be interested in the fabulous breakfasts made with farm fresh eggs or their quality packed lunches designed for hill-walking holidaymakers.