The Lily Bar
About This Spot
Stepping into The Lily Bar in Ambleside, you’re welcomed by an inviting warmth that lingers long after you’ve settled in. This charming spot balances the comfort of a neighborhood bar with the care and craft of a thoughtful restaurant, making it a place where time slows just enough to enjoy moments shared over good food and drink.
The atmosphere here hums with a gentle liveliness — friendly conversations weave through the room, mingling with the subtle clink of glasses and soft music in the background. It’s a place where familiar faces might greet you alongside travelers drawn by the promise of honest, unpretentious hospitality. Whether you’re unwinding after a lakeside walk or meeting friends for an evening catch-up, the pace encourages you to savor each bite and sip without rush.
The menu feels lovingly curated, not sprawling but rich with thoughtful choices that reflect both classic comforts and seasonal inspiration. Imagine sitting down with crisp, perfectly battered fish served alongside peas and tartare, or the aroma of a homemade soup paired with rustic bread. Cocktails unfold with equal care — an espresso martini with just the right kick, or a grapefruit and elderflower collins that captures the subtle edge of the local countryside. Each dish and drink invites a quiet celebration of the day’s simple pleasures.
The Lily Bar’s warmth is woven into its service too. Staff take the time to make you feel at ease — sharing a smile, offering a nod to your dog, or ensuring your pint is poured just so. There’s a palpable sense of being looked after without fuss, a refreshing honesty that stays with you long after the last bite or sip.
It’s precisely this blend of welcoming comfort and thoughtful detail that makes The Lily Bar an anchor in Ambleside’s vibrant dining scene — a place to return to again and again, where good food, well-crafted drinks, and genuine human moments come together quietly and naturally.
What’s Available Here
-
Dine-in - Delivery
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Live performances
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Food
- Food at bar
- Spirits
- Wine
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Groups
- Tourists
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Free of charge street parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
- Dogs allowed
Location & Hours
| Monday | 03:00 PM - 12:00 AM | |
| Tuesday | 03:00 PM - 12:00 AM | |
| Wednesday | 03:00 PM - 12:00 AM | |
| Thursday | 03:00 PM - 12:00 AM | |
| Friday | 03:00 PM - 12:00 AM | |
| Saturday | 03:00 PM - 12:00 AM | |
| Sunday | 03:00 PM - 12:00 AM |
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Guest Reviews
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Michelle 04 Jan 2026
Words are inadequate. Gareth gave us friendly and excellent service. He made us feel completely welcome and poured a perfect pint. The chef is a genius, and the atmosphere is lovely. The fish cakes from the bargain early bird menu are perfectly seasoned all fish; no fillers except the perfectly crispy crust. The mussels and caper sauce divine. My husband had the cheeseburger and charcuterie also from the early bird menu and said it was delicious. We've been traveling around the UK for 6 weeks and this is the best meal we have had so far.
Stuart Williams 31 Dec 2025
Great music, decent beer and fabulous food. We went for the the early bird meal which was very goood value. Portion sizes are generous (we only managed two courses) and very tasty. There are a good range of beers to complement the food. Well worth a walk amongst the lakes.
Alice Scott (OnlyAliceScott) 12 Dec 2025
AMAZING FOOD! Perhaps the best profiteroles I have ever tasted! Fairly pricey but the food is absolutely worth it if you're treating yourself. Also highly recommend the Greek mezze starter! Nice decor, friendly staff. A little loud but very nice experience!
Graeme hatton 06 Dec 2025
We visited on New Years Eve and New Year's Day, as we have done for many years. Our best place for cocktails. Both visits were excellent, quality drinks and good attentive service. Tables were kept clear cleaned as people left. The food looked and smelled good, we didn't try any, but none went back to the kitchen which is always a good sign. A great cosy bar that has a small menu. Obviously there is no waiter service, you just go to bar and order, even being very busy you didn't wait long. The only issue was New Years Day, some customers have difficulty in understanding the system of what a 'reserved from table' sign means.
Emily Russell 29 Nov 2025
We popped in whilst up in Ambleside and really enjoyed our evening. The staff were friendly, took time to chat and say hi to our dog and the service was pretty quick. We had a few starters to share which were great, and a bottle of wine which was decent Pet friendly, warm welcome and good food. We'll be going again next time we're in the area.
Milan France 24 Oct 2025
The food was great, a big portion with decent prices. Service was really friendly and nice too. I would totally recommend and go again! :)
Kumar Kempaiah 16 Oct 2025
We finally found some really good Fish & Chips in whole of UK. The taste is irresistible, fried in beef tallow. Don't miss it if you are in Ambelside + bonus very helpful staff.
Alex 15 Oct 2025
After a long walk from Troutbeck we ended up in Ambleside and on the look out for somewhere to have a bite to eat and a drink. We didn’t get far into Ambleside by the time we were walking past the Lily and thought it looked like a nice place to have a break. Great staff, a well needed pint and the food was awesome too. What more would anyone need. Will certainly visit again when I’m in the Lakes.