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Blue Smoke At Low Wood Bay

If you find yourself in the Lake District and you're craving something hearty, smoky, and seriously delicious, Blue Smoke At Low Wood Bay is a spot you’ll want on your radar. Nestled within the scenic Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, this restaurant doesn’t just offer good food-it delivers an experience. You'll find it right on Ambleside Road, Windermere LA23 1LP, with stunning views over Lake Windermere to match its bold, wood-fired flavors.

From the moment you walk in, there’s a warm and rustic atmosphere that wraps around you. It’s got that upscale lodge vibe-wooden beams, soft lighting, and a touch of smoke in the air that whispers, “Something good’s cooking.” And trust me, it is.

Let’s talk food. The kitchen centers around a wood-fired grill that’s seriously the heart of the place, giving every dish a depth of flavor you won’t forget. The Chateaubriand is a top choice if you’re in the mood to share, perfectly seared on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender. If steak is your go-to, the Ribeye Steak is a showstopper-juicy, smoky, and served with classic steak and chips for that comforting finish.

But the fire-kissed goodness doesn’t stop at red meat. The Salmon Fillet, delicately grilled over wood, is full of flavor and flaky perfection. And if you’re leaning plant-based, the Vegan Afternoon Tea is a brilliant surprise: rich, creative, and thoughtfully plated. In fact, their Wood Fired Afternoon Tea-vegan or not-is one of the most unique in the area, perfect for a lazy afternoon with a view.

Other must-tries? The Sticky Lollipop Pig Wings (yes, you read that right) are sticky-sweet and savory, with a satisfying char that makes them wildly addictive. The Pulled Pork Tacos bring a smoky punch in every bite, while the Crispy Duck Pancake offers a textural delight with rich duck meat and just the right amount of crunch. Pair any of these with a glass of Prosecco, and you’ve got yourself a party at the table.

Drinks-wise, Blue Smoke knows how to please a crowd. The cocktail menu is surprisingly refined for a place that leans so rustic. Expect well-balanced drinks, both classic and house-crafted. There’s also an impressive wine list, plus great coffee and a strong tea selection if you’re winding down rather than turning up.

The ambiance here is versatile. It works for a romantic dinner, a solo foodie escape, or even a leisurely lunch with friends after a spa session next door. Their outdoor seating is a gem in warmer months, giving you front-row seats to the Windermere waters. If accessibility is a concern, rest easy-Blue Smoke is wheelchair-friendly throughout, from car park to restrooms to seating.

Now, in a region full of cozy pubs and countryside inns, what makes Blue Smoke At Low Wood Bay stand out? It’s the fusion of sophisticated service with a down-to-earth, fire-driven menu that truly sings. Not many places in the Lake District manage to make grilled focaccia, miso broccoli, and a burger and chips feel like a gourmet journey-but they pull it off here. Every dish feels curated, but not pretentious. Comfort food, elevated.

And while there's no delivery or takeaway option, this place is the kind you make time to sit down for. No rushing, no distractions-just good company, great drinks, and the kind of food that reminds you why dining out can be magical.

Reviews

NP
Restaurantji Rating

Thank you so much for accommodating us at very short notice — it was very much appreciated. The restaurant is beautifully situated on the waterfront, overlooking Lake Windermere. From the moment we arrived, the staff were warm and welcoming, showing us to our table beside the window with a lovely view of the lake. We were very impressed with the menu, which catered for a wide range of tastes — from meat eaters to vegetarians. My husband ordered the steak, and I chose the vegetarian moussaka. We also appreciated the variety on the children’s menu, which was a real hit with our kids, who can be quite picky. The food was of good quality and very tasty. Unfortunately, we were slightly let down by the dessert. We opted for the vegan option on the menu (the grilled apricots with raspberry sorbet) as both my husband and I do not eat eggs. The apricots were very hard and underripe, and the sorbet was very sharp - so overall, the dessert wasn’t enjoyable. Additionally, we were concerned that the dessert was labeled as vegan but included a gingerbread biscuit or crumble that, when we asked, turned out to contain egg. For anyone with an egg allergy, this would obviously be a serious concern. The only thing I would say about the vegan dessert option is that it would be wonderful if it could be improved — both in terms of ripeness and taste, but most importantly to ensure it is fully vegan as labelled. Other than that, we had a very pleasant time and would definitely recommend your restaurant to others. Thank you again for your warm hospitality

Andy Morgan
Restaurantji Rating

Amazing! Really good food and value. A great take on an afternoon tea but so much better than sandwiches and cake. Interesting selection of items and each delicious. A lot of food so make sure you’re hungry!

Alan Robertson
Restaurantji Rating

We were travelling from Cartmel to Keswick and stopped at the Blue Smoke for lunch having did a quick search on Google for places to eat. We managed to snag a window seat despite not having made a reservation which was a bonus. I had the salmon dish and my partner had the prawn tacos, to which we added a side of broccoli. My dish was excellent, my partner really enjoyed hers but thought that there would be a bit of char or smokiness to the prawns. The side dishes was very nice and added some pretence that we were being healthy. Staff friendly and attentive. Would definitely return.

Halima Averill
Restaurantji Rating

To start, we had the wood fired pumpkin, coconut, and coriander soup, the Californian tuna roll, the tear and share wood fired garlic flatbread, and the wood fired heritage beetroot. All the starters were absolutely lovely and set the tone for a great meal. For mains, we tried the wood fired slow cooked lamb shoulder, which was sensational, and the wood fired seared loin of tuna, which was perfectly done and so tasty. We also shared the Chateaubriand for two, and honestly, it was one of the best steaks I’ve had in a long time.

L E B
Restaurantji Rating

Good food and excellent service. The cocktails were also fab! We'll definitely be back again soon

Location & Contact

Road, Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa Ambleside, Ambleside Rd, Windermere LA23 1LP, United Kingdom

Opening times

Monday 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
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