One of the region’s first vegetarian cafes, opened in 1985, Chesters has been through a few changes, most recently to a more casual, self-service affair from the smarter waiter-service-and-chic-sofas that it used to offer. Not everyone is pleased, but the setting – beside the bubbling River Brathay - and the quality of food – everything baked and prepared on the premises - remain the same. There are big bowls of salad – perhaps wild garlic pasta and pickled celery and fennel – pillowy focaccia, smokey bean turnovers and vegan sausage rolls.

Like a lot of tourist destinations, the Lake District is not exactly overrun with conscientious venues producing great food at keen prices. A large captive audience means that mediocre, overpriced food is the norm. All of which makes Chesters a bit of a gem.

With a mouth-watering mix of fresh bakes and vegan and vegetarian lunches, Chester has a little something for everyone – there’s even a shop full of scrumptious interior knick-knacks!. This Ambleside bakery is the perfect place to stop for a homemade sweet treat – chocolate brownies, cinnamon buns, and doughnuts to name a mere few – while the café offers veg-filled lunches that pack a flavourful punch. Feast on wood-fired pizza, loaded chips, and homemade soups, alongside a sumptuous selection of hot drinks – all of which you can enjoy sitting in or as a takeaway.

Chesters by the River sits on the banks of the River Brathay, just a couple of minutes’ walk away from the impressive Skelwith Force. Chesters is a brilliant spot to sit and soak up the view with a fully vegetarian and vegan seasonal menu to enjoy. Though Chesters typically operates as takeaway-only with a selection of coffee, cakes and savoury light bites, it’s well worth the trip, especially when combined with a lovely stroll from Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater followed by a trip to their stunning homeware shop full of knick-knacks to take home as a souvenir.

A short drive from Ambleside, and a river walk along from Langdale is Chesters cafe, and as well as the cafe itself there is a lovely shop just next door that sells all sorts including books, cards, children’s gifts and a big range of homeware. It’s really good stuff too, not the cheapest but it’s a bit different. The book section is also worth spending some time browsing, as they have a big range on locally inspired dishes, vegan specific books, and also local walking, hiking and camping guides.

Sitting next to the River Brathay at Skelwith Bridge, near Ambleside, Chesters By The River is a relaxed, modern café and the perfect spot for lunch in the Lake District. Chesters By The River’s menu is completely vegan, serving up a selection of sweet and savoury pastries, wood fired pizzas and classic cakes. A visit to this Ambleside café would pair wonderfully with a walk up the delightful river path to the impressive Skelwith Force waterfall and up to Elterwater Lake.

Chesters by the River is the kind of place you and your dog would love to find at the end of a day’s walk. This lovely little vegetarian cafe (nearly all vegan) has an enviable location for fans of the ‘gram, within touching distance of the meandering River Brathay. That soundtrack of water accompanies simple tables, slate floors and a chalk board full of the day’s salads and pizzas, with all ingredients sourced from local farmers.

This lovely little vegetarian café (nearly all vegan) is in such a pretty location and is an amazing place to relax and grab a coffee or one of their amazing dishes. There are indoor and outdoor seating areas and this casual eatery is a great place to come and work on your laptop or grab a healthy meal. This vegetarian Lake District spot is not to be missed – especially if you need a workday but still want to be in nature!

The restaurant doesn’t take bookings and is very popular, especially during the high season, but it’s totally worth the potential wait. The food is a mixture of veganised local classics and meatless international flavours, with well-made curries and noodle dishes sitting happily alongside mac n cheese and triple-cooked chips. Great food, a wonderful atmosphere, and a gorgeous view: what’s not to love?

Nestled along the banks of the River Brathay, Chesters by the River is renowned for its picturesque setting and delicious artisanal coffee. Enjoy a tranquil ambience while indulging in their delectable homemade cakes. Menu highlights: Treat yourself to their famous Chesters chocolate brownie alongside a velvety latte, or savour their smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel for a satisfying brunch option.

The cafe caters for vegetarians, vegans as well as those who are gluten-free. People who have visited can't get over how great their food is. One satisfied customer said: "The fact this place is vegan and the food tastes better than the standard “normal” food is a credit to whoever runs this place! Well done! Never take that sage and onion roll out of the bakery! Along with the jam flat jack!

Chesters by the River is a gorgeous vegetarian café and shop located by the scenic River Brathay, on the way to Coniston and Langdale. The bright, modern cafe is packed full with delicious home-made items such as colourful salads, pizza and tempting sweet treats. There is also a takeaway menu, or an outside area where you can sit by the wood-burner – perfect after a long walk in the Lakes.

Another spot with something of a cult following, Chesters by the River’s plant-based menu caters to all tastes, and is well-worth a trip to the foot of the picturesque Langdale Valley. Enjoy wood-fired pizzas, homemade salads and sandwiches and cakes on the riverside deck before taking a stroll up to admire Skelwith Force waterfall – or following the path further up to Elterwater.

When I asked on Instagram this was the most popular choice for vegan food, and rightly so. It’s a regular stop for me whether that’s for a takeaway pastry and coffee or gone in for some incredible food (or both!) The menu has so much choice on it that anyone will love it, no matter their dietary preference. It’s worth getting up early and going for breakfast/brunch too!

On day two we did a walk from our cottage near Little Langdale to Skelwith Bridge, where food was our destination this time: Chester’s by the River. Chester’s is a vegetarian restaurant where almost everything on the menu is vegan, apart from a couple cheese pizzas. For a vegan restaurant in a tiny village, this place is always packed and for good reason.

Chesters By The River is what most think of when they picture an ‘Instagram café’. It’s beautifully designed, with fresh local ingredients, friendly staff and picture-worthy plates. The café is technically vegetarian, but nearly every item on the menu can be altered to be vegan without losing the character and flavour of the dish.

Featured cafes include: Brew, Grasmere; Rattle Gill Café, Ambleside; Chesters by the River, Skelwith Bridge; Courtyard Café, Claife Viewing Station; Bluebird Café, Coniston; Croft House Farm Café, Buttermere; Flock In, Rosthwaite; Lingholm Kitchen, Derwentwater; Watermill Café, Caldbeck and Helvellyn Country Kitchen, Glenridding

From bold newcomers to a walkers’ favourite, Chesters by the River has been feeding hungry hikers for many years. Open 9 – 4 seven days a week, the menu is entirely vegetarian, with lots of vegan options, which makes it all the more interesting. The cakes are big and hearty, the portions are always generous.

Hidden in Whinlatter mountain forest near Keswick, there is a fairy-tale quality to this whitewashed 17th-century property. It even sits on Magic Hill, a spot renowned for its optical illusions. The sense of seclusion is blissful, but this restaurant with rooms is thoroughly plugged into the modern world.

Looking for a nice, easy walk with a great place to eat afterwards?. Chesters by the River is the place for you. As the name suggests, Chesters is situated beside the beautiful riverside, and with the option of outdoor and indoor dining, you can feel fully immersed in the elements (or warm up indoors!)

You will find some of the best restaurants in the Lake District with wonderful views across the water’s edge. None more so than when you visit Ambleside. So you can enjoy a relaxing ride on Lake Windermere, heading to Ambleside for dinner and be back at your Windermere spa suite in no time.

By the banks of the River Brathay in Skelwith Bridge is a popular bakery serving up delicious fresh bakes, great coffee and a menu with a vegan & veggie focus. Do try their Sri Lankan curry or buffalo cauliflower mac & cheese alongside a cardamon bun.

Excellent riverside restaurant where everything is vegan unless it’s marked as “vegan option” – in which case it’s veggie but available as vegan on request. The food is wonderfully crafted with plenty of choice. It’s popular, so get there early.

Chesters-by-the-River is such a beautiful place, just outside of Ambleside. They’re a vegetarian and vegan restaurant, with a bakery and gift shop. They’re also a great base for going on some beautiful walks.

You can find Chesters at Skelwith Bridge, just a stones throw from our head office at Elterwater. We often pop down there for lunch!. Skelwith Bridge is known as the gateway to the Langdale valley.

Chesters By The River has to be my favourite place for lunch, coffee & cake and a little shopping. We visited from a recommendation and we were so, so pleased we did, it really is fabulous!

I'll leave you with that as my first thought, but Chester's offers a fabulous selection of freshly made cakes and bakery items, as well as a really great lunch menu.

Chester’s By the River – delicious vegetarian fare in a surprisingly chic café. The rosemary flatbread with hummus and beetroot pesto is a particular highlight.

Mark Birchall, ex-head chef at L’Enclume, is chef-patron of Moor Hall, an outstanding, two Michelin star, five AA Rosette restaurant...