Food & drink
Kirkby Stephen itself has a wide variety of pubs, restaurants and cafes, including Indian and Chinese restaurants and fish and chip shops, as well as places offering traditional Cumbrian fare. There are also plenty of other places to eat and drink in the surrounding villages.
Do note that tea shops can close quite early. If you are in a group and want tea and cakes after 4pm it's worth ringing to check they'll stay open for you. Fish and chip shop opening times can also take visitors by surprise; they all close between 7pm and 8pm.
Listed below are a number of establishments that welcome walkers.
Tea, Coffee and Snacks
The Church Gallery in Market Street has a coffee lounge and quiet patio with self-service hot and cold drink and cakes. Dogs welcome. Mon-Sat 9am - 4.45pm, Sun 11am - 4.45pm. 017683 72395
The White Hare Cafe is a traditional family run café. Opening times are 10 – 4:30 Wednesday to Friday and 9:30 to 4:30 Saturday and Sunday. They have a menu that suits all dietary needs and allergies.
The Mulberry Bush is a popular cafe in the centre of town, offering full meals as well as tea and coffee.
The Bothy is in the Mad About Mountains outdoor shop and can cater for larger groups. It serves snacks, soup, pizzas, cakes and tea and coffee.
Meals
The Coast to Coast fish and chips takeaway and 20 seater restaurant, as patronised by Alfred Wainwright, is in Kirkby Stephen on the road towards Brough. Thursday to Sunday 11.30am - 1.30pm and 4.30pm to 8pm. 017683 71194.
Archway Fish and Chips is in the town centre, offering take-away and a dining room catering for parties up to 20 (pre-booked). 017683 72063.
The Kings Arms is next to the Visitor Centre. This is a 17th Century coaching inn. Food is available in a large restaurant or in the snug next to the bar.
The Pennine Hotel, in the market square, provides a good range of meals, from bar snacks to a three course dinner. www.penninehotel.com
The Black Bull Hotel is in the town centre. They serve from around midday until 9pm. Plus a range of soft and hot drinks. 017683 71237. www.blackbullkirkbystephen.co.uk
The Mango Tree is considered one of the best Indian restaurants in the region, with Bangladeshi specialities amongst other unusual dishes. It is in the Market Square.
The Century Chinese Restaurant is tucked away in Walton's Yard, just off the market place in Kirkby Stephen. Take away or dine in the restaurant. Tues-Sat 12-2pm, 5-11.30pm. Sunday 5-11.30pm.
Good pubs outside Kirkby Stephen which offer quality food include The Inn at Brough in Brough, Nateby Inn in Nateby and the Black Swan and King's Head, both in Ravenstonedale.
The Fat Lamb, near Ravenstonedale, is open every day 8am to 11pm. Food from 12-2 and 6-9, although in the summer they aim to open from 12-9pm. If arriving outside normal lunch and evening meal times it's a good idea to ring to check: 015396 23242
Augill Castle is a little way out of Kirkby Stephen, near Brough. An imposing Gothic castle, it offers friendly, laid back hospitality. The Four Counties menu, sourced from the four counties surrounding the castle, is served on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays to non residents and includes everything from a simple bowl of olives, a hearty soup or a twice baked cheese soufflé, through traditional afternoon tea to a full three or four course dinner.