The Terrace is open everyday 10 – 4.30pm
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 until 4.30pm. 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.
Do I need to order at the counter?
We are operating table service and our staff will then bring all your food and drinks to you.
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. We’re closed on Christmas day & Boxing day.
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
Saturday 26th October
Doors: 6:30pm
Chef’s snack & drink on arrival
4 Course Tasting Menu
Live folk music all night
£40
per person
Food & Folk #4
Our food & folk nights have been a huge success so we’ve decided to host Food & Folk #4. We invite you to another evening full of Food & Folk. Please book early as we don’t want you to miss out.
For just £40 per person and including Chef’s snack & welcome drink on arrival, a 4 course tasting menu & live folk music all night!
Join us for a relaxed gathering celebrating good food, good music, and good company.
Our opening act is THE MIGHTY TREE. Singer-songwriter from Whitehaven, festival MC, ex World’s Biggest Liar. Not so much wandering minstrel, more meandering wastrel!
Our second act of the night is TYAN, singing together now for 6 years, June Swift and Peter Michael Rowan bring you close harmonies, a double base, a fiddle, a guitar & a Puerto Rican cuatro and songs that lean towards Americana whilst nodding at English songwriters and big screen musicals. Expect boats (of course!), small town record stores, Chinese horoscopes, convict ship figure heads & dancing as an alternative to capitalism.
Our headline act is THE CLIFFORD MOVEMENT. They strive to create innovative ways to tell the tales of Folk from the past who lived, loved, worked and played in Cumbria. Travel back in time with them as they unravel the mysteries of the forgotten heroes of our green and pleasant land. ‘Foot tapping’ melodies, in such genres as Americana, Trad Jazz, dark Cabaret and Balkan tunes alongside their signature layered up voices, in their own home-grown songs.
Please check out the food options below, we have a Scavenger’s menu packed with hearty meat options influenced by local ingredients & our Herbalist’s menu for the vegetarians, this one is bursting with unique flavour combinations and great textures!
Book Now
A note from our head chef Joe:
“With 18 years of culinary experience, I began my journey at 14, I have been cooking for more of my life than not. My career started humbly as a pot washer in a pub in Ulverston, where my enthusiasm quickly led to increased responsibilities. Within a year, I was leading the kitchen on select days, captivated by the blend of pressure, passion, chaos, and perfection.
My path took me to Kendal College for my NVQ Level 3, followed by various roles in different kitchens, where I absorbed as much knowledge as possible. However, as a Sous Chef, I experienced a brief disenchantment with cooking. Years in large hotels had dulled my passion, and it wasn’t until I became a Head Chef that I rediscovered my love for the craft.
Taking on my first Head Chef role was transformative. Working for an old college friend, I embraced the responsibility and creative freedom, developing weekly specials, hitting targets and building a strong following for my Sunday roast.
I then seized the opportunity to become the Head Chef at Brantwood, where I could finally write my own menus. The collection of my previous experiences, personal interests and passions from global travels to my love for Game of Thrones and medieval history and of course Scotland all influence my culinary creations.
At Brantwood, I’ve rekindled my passion for cooking, continuously inspired by new ideas and the freedom to experiment. I’m grateful for the journey and the mentors who shaped my skills, and I’m committed to constantly evolving as a chef.
I have always had a love for music since a very young age, I’ve gone to many gigs & festivals ranging in genres, I love a live band night in my local pub, I just think it adds a unique atmosphere which is hard to describe but easy to enjoy.
Food & Folk is a night where my love and passion for food is shared with my love for music.”
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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