Chesters by the River

Chesters by the River is a brilliant little establishment nestled just beyond the village of Ambleside in the centre of the Lake District, England. Chesters has been a favourite with our family for years on end, and will most likely be a favourite with others. Take a visit and it will be a favourite with yours. Go to both the cafe and the shop. Then back to the cafe. 

First things first: the shop...

Chester's shop has grown remarkably in recent years. Ten years ago, all it stocked was slate interiors. Now, it successfully stocks vintage and quirky home pieces, classic and original toiletries, pretty cards and wrapping and beautiful hand-crafted furniture items. Chesters boasts a huge children's section, with gorgeous baby clothes and accessories, classic wooden toys (the ones you used to play with) and yummy-mummy changing bags. As for you adults, here are three things you have to look at when you go, (because you will go, won't you...): the stylish, suave men's corner where men can be kitted out with toiletries, ties, tote bags and...toe nail clippers? You get the idea. Then, check out the interior design books which cover all things French, Italian, Irish, recycled, home-made. Third, take home some of the bespoke Chesters home accessories - tea towels, aprons, mugs and more! Buy something from Chesters and I can guarantee it'll be stylish, sophisticated, original and you will be hooked for evermore. Grab your wallet/purse (or grab a credit card and buy a wallet/purse when you're there) and GO shopping. There's your command. Now get to it! 

Secondly, but by no means least: the cafe...

Words can't justify how delicious this cafe is, but that would be lousy journalism, so here goes. You want to eat here. Want to; need to. We had afternoon tea here today and I ate the mother of all macaroons. My brother ate the baboon of all Battenburgs. My father ate the fathers of all flapjacks. That's right, the cakes are enormous. And so tasty. As for lunches, the sandwiches are overflowing with hams, cheeses, pickles, chutneys, salads - anything else? There's a full selection of teas, coffees and cold drinks to accompany your calorie-fest. And if you want to take Chesters home with you, you can: the shop sells Chester's own condiments and sweet treats. The cafe seats 90 and has decking outside overlooking the River Brathay and Loughrigg Fells. Inside is all wooden floors, whitewashed walls and big windows. Grab a big table, a comfy iron cast (but cushioned) sofa or a newly fitted breakfast bar. It's quite pricey here but you honestly pay for what you get. Staff are friendly but make sure you grab a table before you order or they'll roll their eyes at you.

Should you ever take a trip down to the beautiful Lake District, make sure you leave at least two hours for Chesters, (parking is free). Go once, and you'll go again. And again. There's not a place like it. 

http://www.chestersbytheriver.co.uk/
Chesters By the River,
Skelwith Bridge,
Nr Ambleside,
Cumbria,
LA22 9NJ