The Terrace is open Wednesday to Sunday 10 – 4pm
Situated in Brantwood’s former coach house the Terrace is a unique and friendly place to relax while you enjoy the breathtaking views over Coniston Water, from snow-dusted peaks to glorious summer days. These are the the very views that inspired some of John Ruskin’s finest art and writing.
Our lunch menu, available 12 – 3pm, presents flavours you know and love, in ways you wouldn’t imagine. Quirky, creative, fresh and original dishes that’ll have you coming back for more. Light brunch is available until 12 and a range of drinks alongside homemade cakes & scones are available all day. Our team of warm and friendly staff are always happy to assist, whether you’re visiting for just a cup of coffee or choosing your favourite dish from our menu.
Please note we don’t take table bookings, for group or event catering please use the contact form further down the page. Well behaved dogs & muddy boots welcome.
Check out our latest menu.
Last updated 16/05/2024
Accommodation Menu
We understand that after a long day of travel, the last thing you want to worry about is finding a restaurant or cooking your own meal. That’s why we offer a variety of delicious dishes that can be pre-ordered and prepared for you to collect upon your arrival.
When placing a pre-order please give us at least 24hrs notice before your arrival as our emails are normally checked in the morning and if the front of house staff are busy they may miss your email.
All order should be sent to:
theterrace@brantwood.org.uk
Please let us know:
Your name, date of arrival, which accommodation you’re staying in, your order and how many people.
Pre-orders are to be collected from The Terrace before 5pm if you are arriving later please let us know and we can leave it in your accommodation.
If you are ordering a breakfast hamper please collect this by 5pm the day before.
Book out The Terrace for your private event
Here at the Terrace we specialise in hosting private dinners, family parties, or business gatherings. Why not book your special event now?
Let us know how many people you’d like to cater to, what style of food you’d like, whether it be a 3 course formal dinner, family style feast, or a picky buffet. We can create a menu that suits you.
We pride ourselves on being able to offer a completely bespoke service. For groups of 20 or less our room hire is £250, for groups of 20-40 this is reduced to £150.
Please include your name, contact information, booking size, date and preferred time and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Where was John Ruskin born?
Despite what the plaque in The Terrace suggests, Ruskin was born in Brunswick Square in London. The plaque was rescued before the building was demolished in 1969.
Are dogs allowed at Brantwood?
Well behaved dogs are welcome in the restaurant, gardens, studio and loft on a lead, just not in the historic house.
Can I book a table?
We don’t take table bookings for the daytime so just turn up.
Are your takeaway boxes environmental?
All our takeaway boxes, cutlery, straws and napkins are completely compostable and plant based.
Can you provide catering on the Steam Yacht Gondola?
Yes, we are able to provide catering for cruises embarking/disembarking at Brantwood’s jetty. With ample free parking and stunning views Brantwood is a perfect starting point for private charters.
Canapes and sweet light bites, afternoon tea or full buffet menus with on board service are available and can be devised according to your own tastes and dietary requirements. Please note that the Gondola is only able to accommodate cold buffets.
Where is you coffee from?
All our coffee is supplied by Red Bank based in Kendal.
Red Bank Coffee Roasters provide single-origin coffees, particularly varieties from individual producers offering speciality grade, 100% Arabica beans.
Similar to single-malt whiskies, this showcases the inherent qualities, variety of flavours and aromas of the humble coffee bean – from the light and fruity flavours characteristic of coffees from East Africa to the full-bodied richness of those from South America.
Red Bank Roasters roast in small-batches to ensure their coffee is always fresh and their line-up changes regularly to make sure they are always offering what is seasonal and tasting great at the time.
Do you have disabled access?
We have a disabled drop off area just in-front of The Terrace and the main restaurant area is wheelchair accessible.
What are your opening times?
Our usual opening times are 10:00 – 4:30 everyday in the summer & Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 – 4:00 in the winter months. We’re also closed over the Christmas / New Year period from the 23rd December to 7th January 2025 – back open on the 8th.
Do I need to pay for a ticket / parking?
Our car park is free of charge for customers & no ticket is required to visit the Terrace
Can I book the Terrace for an evening function?
Absolutely, we cater to all kinds of events, from weddings & celebrations to staff Christmas parties. Drop us an email at theterrace@brantwood.org.uk
Want to find out when our next event is? Sign up for updates below.
History
Soon after John Ruskin arrived at Brantwood in 1872 he began work on a new coach house and stable with builder George Usher of Coniston. The site required the blasting away of a hundred tons of white clay. This was to be a working building with no place for elaborate design, but quality of craftsmanship was nevertheless of great importance.
The building housed both a coach house and stables for many years. The coachman lived upstairs above his coach and the large space directly above the stables was the hayloft. After the house was opened to the public in 1934 it was converted into a café for visitors. In 1994 the café was leased out and named after Ruskin’s boat, the Jumping Jenny. In 2015 the Brantwood Trust took over the running of the café and major renovations commenced during the winter of 2016/7.
It was a daunting undertaking, with thousands of Ruskin devotees and lovers of the Lake District invested in the future of Brantwood. Ruskin’s coach was moved up to the main house under the archway and the Jumping Jenny to a new awning on the terrace. This allowed us to enlarge the floor space both inside and out, making the best of the views of Coniston Water and fells beyond. With the tremendous effort of all our staff, local tradesmen and our architect, The Terrace has become a staple for locals, visitors to Brantwood and visitors to the Lake District alike.
Events & Weddings
With a variety of function rooms as well as on-site accommodation, Brantwood & The Terrace are the perfect place for all kinds of events, including private meals, buffets, weddings, courses, seminars and business retreats. Many rooms in the historic house are licenced for wedding ceremonies. As well as catering for all your food and drink needs whilst at Brantwood, The Terrace is an approved catering provider for the National Trust’s Steam Yacht Gondola. Drinks, canapes as well as cold buffets can all be provided when arriving and departing from our jetty.
With truly spectacular views and a warm and relaxing atmosphere The Terrace is perfect for evening meals and buffets. We pride ourselves on being able to offer a completely bespoke service and can price any requests on demand. Meals can be booked at The Terrace for ten or more guests on any day subject to availability.
For more information about our wedding offering please click here. For other enquiries please contact us at theterrace@brantwood.org.uk
Brantwood is an independent registered charity no. 504743 – The Brantwood Trust Coniston Cumbria LA21 8AD
Email: enquiries@brantwood.org.uk Telephone: 015394 41396