The Castle Dairy

General information

Castle Dairy is the oldest continuously-inhabited building in Kendal, dating back to the 14th century. The back of the house has ancient doorways and the front of the house has the smallest window in Kendal. The first-floor bedroom has an original oak bed that Catherine Parr (sixth and last wife of Henry VIII) is said to have slept in.

The building was recently refurbished to create a warm and inviting environment for Kendal’s first fine-dining restaurant. Young head chef, Robert Stacey, was lured to Cumbria from London, having demonstrated an assured and deft touch at celebrity Mayfair restaurant, Le Caprice and Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows on the 28th floor of the London Hilton.

Castle Dairy is about ambitious, modern British food. The emphasis is on sourcing fresh, local, seasonal ingredients. Dishes are intelligently conceived, and expertly prepared and presented. Menus change monthly to showcase the quality of the region’s abundant produce and the skill of the kitchen.

Castle Dairy offers exceptional food and service, and value for money. The restaurant is staffed by apprentices from Kendal College. It aims to provide world-class training and a platform for highly-talented apprentices to launch their career. Under Rob Stacey’s confident direction, the restaurant has quickly established a reputation for generous, innovative cooking delivered with consistency and style.