miss b's quote

'I haven't been everywhere yet but it's on my list' Susan Sontag

Thursday 22 May 2014

miss b loves .....the English Lake District ... and a very traditional Sunday lunch at The Drunken Duck.



The weekend before last,  I was craving a traditional English Sunday lunch with all the trimmings but without all the cooking so we headed off to The Drunken Duck near Ambleside, in the Lake District. We're very fortunate as it's just a forty-five minute drive from home.


The lunch was perfect......all served in separate dishes which I prefer so that you can take as much or as little as you like. 

Tender roast beef with impressive Yorkshire puddings presented on a wooden board ......


Cauliflower cheese served in a cute copper pan......




So many flavours on one plate.
Wonderful!


Apparently this traditional 300 year old Lakeland inn and restaurant (with an adjoining microbrewery too!) was named after ducks owned by a previous landlady in Victorian times.



Legend has it that the ducks passed out drunk after beer seeped into their feeding troughs. The landlady, believing them to be dead, started to pluck them. They woke up and she provided them with knitted waistcoats until their feathers grew back!




Another favourite place is Chesters by The River, a café and casual dining venue(owned by the same company and with the same excellent quality of food and level of service). Perfect for an after lunch coffee. 


It's located in a picturesque spot on the River Brathay at Skelwith Bridge ....



Normally we like to sit on one of the terraces but not when it's pouring with rain! These should definitely be called umbrellas rather than parasols ....






The interior décor is bright and modern, a complete contrast to the old-world charm of The Drunken Duck.



The gorgeous tissue paper pom poms are made locally in the Lakes from 100% recycled paper.

What a shame we couldn't manage one of their famous cakes. They even share their recipes on the side of the counter! The quantities show how very popular this place is .......





No visit would be complete without a wander around their fabulous shop with so many quirky and stylish bits and bobs .....



These recipe kits are such a clever idea ....Yorkshire Pudding and Classic Crumble.... 


...and the lip balms and Champagne apron would also make excellent gifts.....



We were delighted to see that they have now opened an old-fashioned cake shop in the corner of the store .......



It was almost closing time but fortunately they had not completely sold out. We quickly chose a selection to take home. Generous portions of classic British favourites.......  




There are so many rich and vibrant colours in the Lake District in the spring ........ 



This is an area of England which is stunning at any time of the year no matter what the weather decides to do!



As much as we love to travel around the world, it's important to remember and appreciate those special places closer to home!


Read about our previous visits to the English Lake District here and here




44 comments:

  1. Wow, what a post! So many flavors and colors mixed with that beautiful grey of rainy days. Thanks for sharing! :)

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  2. That roast dinner looks amazing! Beautiful photos; I really adore the Lakes <3

    Much love,
    Jennifer x

    artstylelove.com
    fashyn.blogspot.com

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  3. Couldn't agree more. The Lake District is one of my favourite places ever. Even in the rain!

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  4. Oh my goodness, that lunch! And those cakes!! I have missed reading about your adventures, miss B - life has gotten in the way lately, as it tends to do - but I'm so very glad I was able to come back today to live through your photos this lovely adventure in the lake district. Although I must admit, I'm now craving cauliflower cheese and cake!
    xox,
    Cee

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  5. Whoa! A gourmet oPist. Love a place where the Yorkshire puss look fresh and not out of a packet!

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  6. Love a place where the Yorkshire puddings look fresh instead of from a packet! That area is so lovely but then again house prices reflect it too!

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  7. Both places look fabulous....that roast dinner, especially the yorkshire puddings looks so good:) Hope you have a great weekend!
    ~Anne

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  8. Mmmmm-- now you have me hungry!!! Alas, I don't know where to get a tradition English Sunday lunch here, but a girl can dream :)

    ~Alexis Grace of North On Harper

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  9. What a marvellous and delicious time it looks like you had. I love cauliflower with cheese, usually roasted! Great photos as always!
    I wish you a lovely weekend miss b.
    Madison xx
    Fashion Tales Blog

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  10. Morning Miss B! Lake District is for sure one of those places Id love to visit, in particulat in autumn/fall since I think is more suggestive and magical, its really awesome even now. The Drunken Duck restaurant looks so delicious and for sure, if even happen to be there would pay a visit. The story behind the name made me so smile! Also the cafè sounds cozy and nice, the store and the cake shop are adorable, just drooling over the selection u got home!:) Have a nice weekend, kisses! xo

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  11. I absolutely agree with your last words! I love travelling around the world but also I am grateful for living in a country with great nature! Btw, I really laughed about the drunken ducks! And they got drunk with beer - fab! :D The photo from the the Lake District is so dramatic - love the colours! The food looks so good as well!

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  12. Très jolie balade même sous la pluie.... et le repas a l'air divin!!!
    Bon week-end!!!
    Laure

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  13. I love the copper pan and the paisley mugs and everything else in the shop! I must really spend more time travelling around the English countryside. Last time I was in a beautiful village in Cheltenham was 4 years ago! Thanks for sharing, and have a lovely weekend :)

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  14. Love that Duck story and the roast looks amazing! x

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  15. Gorgeous place. The views are sublime. I like the story about the drunken ducks. But those two restaurants are very nice. I would like to visit them and write notes on those baking recipes.

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  16. Charming is right on spot here :) Such a gorgeous home/restaurant and the sprinkling of rain drops adds to the ambiance. My mom used to serve us Yorkshire Pudding every holiday when I was growing up and it was delicious. I haven't had it in years! The foods you show always look incredible and I always leave hungry:):) Too funny about the beer slipping into the duck feed!! I can just imagine that scene! Have a nice weekend ahead. xxleslie

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  17. That area looks so charming and the food--delicious! I hope I get a chance to visit there someday soon :) Have a wonderful weekend!

    xo Mary Jo

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  18. Oh my gosh, the places you experience and the foods that you taste are so amazing. These cakes look delicious, and I want that vanilla frosting one to go with my coffee right now. I love this shop, it's so charming, and this is definitely my style. The terrace is beautiful, and so peaceful. And that cauliflower cheese.......YUMMY! The English Lake District is a pretty place to visit.

    love,
    ~Sheri

    oh, I wanted to mention to you that the classes I took doesn't make the delivery come any quicker, just helps to relax more through it all. I think some people just have shorter labors and some have longer ones. My mother-in-law was in labor all day with one of her kids. But you are a Sunday child? How special is that? You have a good heart that is full of joy.

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  19. When I lived in the UK, unfortunately I never made it to the Lake District. The food at the Drunken Duck (love the name btw) looks so good! Hopefully I get to travel there one day...

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  20. miss b, i'm so glad you told the story behind the name! HILARIOUS! i can only imagine. the place is so charming and um YES i'll have some roast and cauliflower & cheese. looks delicious!!! the surroundings are so gorgeous. i love that mansion 2nd to last photo. it is absolutely gorgeous.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  21. Miss b. Such a pretty area. I love both these spots. The Drunken Duck seems so charming and what a delicious Sunday lunch. I also adore the decor of the Chesters too and that little cake area was neat. Oh the Lake District is on my to do list and I swear next time I'm in England I've got to get there! I cannot believe the pretty views too! Have a good weekend! x Kim

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  22. Oh wow, this post causes me to feel so nostalgic! I used to visit the Lake District when I was a little girl and I haven't thought about it too much until now! I shall have to book a little weekend back there :) The food looks delicious and you've no idea how much I love the name of the pub/restaurant haha! :)

    http://findmethoseheels.blogspot.co.uk/

    x

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  23. This place is positively charming. I willtKe twomof those little cauliflower numbers thank you!

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  24. This is such an authentic post and reminds me really on my time in England! Even the rain ... Thanks for sharing such an interesting and real post!

    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena

    www.dressedwithsoul.com

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  25. What a beautiful little spot for lunch! And my oh my, as always your food pics are giving me all kinds of cravings! have a fabulous week ahead! :)

    Hayfa
    www.londonloafers.com

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  26. Oh what a lovely adventure. I would love to tuck into a heart meal like that. I'll be over in England soon, can't wait to explore the country!

    Krissie x - http://pearlsofstyle.blogspot.com.au

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  27. Wow! This place looks just like from English films and TV series, lovely countryside and gorgeous food! Love it!

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  28. The Drunken Duck legend is pretty cute :)
    P.S. that roast looks DELICIOUS! x

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  29. oh my goodness, what an amazing area! I have bookmarked this, because I absolutely want to visit! The lunch plate looks sooooo delicious, and the cafe is so wonderful, with the pop-poms, and the shop! I love places like that! You always find the best odds and ends :-)

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  30. Looks like a great way to spend the day. I like the contrasts in decor between the shops. Also, loved the story about the ducks, I bet they were a sight in their knitted waistcoats.

    LittlePinkRainBoots.blogspot.com

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  31. Dear dear MissB.!
    Such absolutely agree with you about treveling and coming home....
    There looks so Beautiful and tasty!!!
    Thankyou very much for your visit by me and your kind reaction:)))

    Wishing you wonderful creative week ahead!

    V.

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  32. Oh I would love to come to England for a visit soon. These types of places I really love. My brother lives in England so may be soon.
    www.thoughtsofpaps.com

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  33. Miss B,
    Looks heavenly! Love to take a trip there in any kind of weather.
    pve

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  34. What an amazing place! I hope I visit there one day :) The food looks so delicious and the story of the ducks is so amusing!
    I really love the idea of every dish served in this way, so everyone can take a bite.

    xx
    Tali
    www.RockMyHeels.com

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  35. Those food look so delicious!

    WWW.PUTRIVALENTINALIM.BLOGSPOT.COM

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  36. WOW amazing post
    The pictures are absolutely beautiful
    Love the scenery, it's look like a rainy day painting.
    And the good look so yummy
    Great post.
    xoxo
    http://stunningchic.com/

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  37. I think I love everything here! Xo Caroline

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  38. I appreciate all your comments. I hope that one day you have the opportunity to spend some time in this special part of England! I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

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  39. Dear Miss B, finally I am here. So sorry that I have been absent for such a long time but as you might notice I post rarely and when I visit blogger friends I would like to see all missed posts and comment, and that takes time and I fail. And your posts are always with many pix and text that I want to read all. I hope you understand now. It has been 4 years since my last visit to UK I guess, I miss a good Sunday roast definitely and Lake district is in my list for a long time, one day I will make that roadtrip in a sunny weather hopefully : ) Have a lovely weekend : )

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  40. I really am just dying to get to England and your posts just make it worse! I hope to get there in a few years, taking care of my mom now whose health is failing but one of the first things I think I am doing is visit London. There is so much to see, this looks like a really fabulous place Thank you for sharing

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  41. Hi Miss B,

    Looks like a lovely place to dine and the Lakes District looks so gorgeous.
    The meal looks delicious and one of my favourites roast beef and yorkshire puddings - it is often a Sunday night dinner here.
    Enjoy the week
    hugs
    Carolyn

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  42. J'adore la campagne anglaise et avec un repas comme ça, c'est le rêve !

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  43. eating here two times in total. good food each time, nice dining, service good and prices pretty reasonable. we enjoy the food and welcoming service.lovely Restaurants in Lancashire.

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Thank you for taking the time to write a comment on my blog. I really do appreciate it. miss b

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