The Royal Hotel, Dockray

The Royal Hotel, Dockray – Family run pub and restaurant in Dockray, Cumbria

Traditional Lakeland pub and restaurant Nestled in the hamlet of Dockray, The Royal is a traditional family run pub, restaurant and hotel dating back over 500 years. Steeped in Lakeland history and ideally located close to Lake Ullswater and Aira Force waterfall, it offers a warm welcome whether you arrive dressed for dinner or straight off the fells.

Local produce from the Ullswater valley The Ullswater valley is a food lovers paradise, with shorthorn cattle, deer and lamb grazing the pastures surrounding Dockray. Our menus aim to utilise the wonderful produce right on our doorstep, offering wholesome, homemade dishes served every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Homemade dishes and seasonal menus Our Head Chef, Radek, brings a wealth of culinary expertise to our kitchen. Through seasonal menus and daily specials, you’ll often find slow braised lamb shanks, fresh Cumbrian trout and our legendary homemade shortcrust pies. We believe responsibly sourced local dishes should be affordable and full of flavour.

Sunday lunch served weekly Sunday lunch is served every Sunday from 12 until 2.30pm. Many guests take a walk to Aira Force or up Gowbarrow to work up an appetite, before returning to enjoy the best local produce in our warm and relaxed Lakeland pub. Advance booking is recommended as Sundays are particularly popular.

Menus for all ages and dietary needs We offer a childrens menu and a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes, ensuring everyone can find something to enjoy. Whether you fancy a hearty classic, a locally inspired dish or one of our daily specials, there’s always something fresh and seasonal on offer.

The best beer garden this side of the Pennines Our wonderful beer garden is often described as the best this side of the Pennines. It’s the perfect spot for a post hike drink or a long summer afternoon with friends. Many guests enjoy a pint while taking in the Lakeland air or playing a game of Giant Chess.

Proud to support local suppliers From regeneratively farmed pedigree shorthorn cattle at Gowbarrow Hall supplying mince for our burgers, to farmed and wild venison from trusted local producers, slow grown pork from Johnby Hall, and free range eggs from Lucy’s chickens roaming around Dockray, we are proud of the sustainable, high welfare produce that shapes our menus.

Fresh herbs and cheeses from the region We grow many of our own herbs and a small amount of vegetables in our kitchen garden, working to expand it each season to offer even more zero mile ingredients. Appleby Creamery, based in the Eden Valley, produces award winning handmade Cumbrian cheese that often features on our menus.

Real ales from independent breweries Cumbria has an abundance of small breweries producing exceptional ales. Being a free house allows us to work with many independent breweries, with real ales from Keswick, Tirril, Coniston and Cumbrian Legendary Ales regularly featuring on our bar. Pair a pint with a hearty meal, or enjoy a refreshing drink after a day exploring the valley.

Warm hospitality in the heart of Dockray Whether you’re visiting for a relaxed lunch, a cosy dinner, a post hike pint or a family meal, The Royal offers genuine Cumbrian hospitality in a warm and welcoming setting. Join us to experience wholesome food, local flavours and the charm of a true Lakeland pub.