The Yan Bistro | Local Ingredients and Hearty Flavours in the Fells of the Lake District
On the doorstep of one of the Lake District’s most beloved towns, Grasmere, The Yan Bistro sits timelessly among the central fells.
At its core, The Yan Bistro is the delicious heart of The Yan at Broadrayne, once a 17th-century sheep farm. These days, The Yan is both a bistro and a place to stay, with different options for all kinds of travellers.
We didn’t get to stay this time (next visit, we’ll be booking early), but we did manage a meal at the bistro — and boy, were we impressed.
The Setting
Finding where to eat in the Lake District can be overwhelming. From my experience, most spots fall into three camps: fine dining, traditional pubs, or quick bites. All good in their own way, but when I came across The Yan, it stood out immediately. Their whole thing is about redefining casual dining in the Lakes — and from the moment we walked in, it was clear they’d nailed it.
The location itself feels straight out of a novel: rugged fells stretching into the sky, classic British countryside charm, and the kind of setting that’s inspired writers and poets for centuries.
Inside, the vibe was contagiously warm and lively. It was packed with both locals and visitors, and the space itself struck that perfect mix of old and new: a gorgeous wood-beamed ceiling paired with modern, stylish furniture. The staff made it even better — friendly, relaxed, and clearly happy to be part of The Yan.
The Meal
The Yan prides itself on keeping things local and sustainable, with eggs from their own hens and ducks, produce from the garden, and lamb from the surrounding fields.
That quality showed straight away with our starters. We ordered the salmon croquettes and the loaded bhaji, and both blew us away.
The Salmon Croquettes came in a crisp, golden shell, stuffed with smoked salmon, creamy béchamel, horseradish, and chives. Paired with beetroot pesto and pickled cucumber, it was simple but so clever, with familiar flavours given a little extra magic.
Then there was the Loaded Bhaji. Imagine a massive onion bhaji in crisp batter, topped with honey-glazed halloumi, pickled carrot and mango salad, and spring onions. It was bold, flavourful, and easily one of the best dishes we’ve had in ages.
For mains, we leaned straight into comfort food.
I went for the seafood chowder, and this was no skimpy bowl. It was packed with crayfish, scallops, new potatoes, samphire, sweet corn, and leeks, all topped with a baked coley fillet and English asparagus. Chowders often short-change you on the seafood, but not here. I’d happily come back on a chilly winter’s day just to have this again.
Maria chose the Yan Beef Hash, and it was pure comfort food heaven. Slow-cooked local brisket with mash potato, sweet potato, roasted red onions, cabbage, and gravy, then finished with some of the best roasties we’ve ever had, tender brisket cubes, and a fried egg. It was warmth and English comfort food all in one: simple ingredients, perfectly cooked, and put together with real care.
By this point, we were stuffed, but skipping dessert would’ve been a crime. We went for the S’mores Chocolate Mousse (a menu staple) and the summer special, Summer Baked Alaska.
The Summer Baked Alaska was a standout. Soft sponge layered with mango gelato and passionfruit curd, wrapped in freshly torched meringue. It was bright, fruity, and hands-down one of the best summer desserts we’ve ever had.
The Yan more than lived up to the hype. We’re already planning to stay on our next Lake District trip so we can try even more of what they have to offer. I can already picture us coming back in autumn or winter, warming up by the bistro’s log burner with a plate of their hearty comfort food after a long walk in the fells.
Hosted / Our visited was kindly hosted by The Yan, but as always, our opinions are our own
