The Quince and Medlar Restaurant is a pioneer in vegetarian cuisine. Set in the small but highly touristic town of Cockermouth between Jennings Brewery and Cockermouth Castle, The Quince & Medlar can be found in a listed Georgian property with many original features on Castlegate Drive. The Quince & Medlar is pioneering in not only its inventive and original approach to vegetarian food but also in the fact that (as far as I know) its the only establishment in Cockermouth to focus purely on vegetarian cuisine. Since opening in 1990 is has been very successful and is quite simply way before its time. It offers incredibly creative, seasonal food, organic wines, organic bottled beers (Border Gold, Pinkus Pils, Sam Smiths) & interesting specialist fruit drinks (Belvoir cordials and fruit nectars). Real ale and Fairtrade coffee is also available. The menu is variable and its best to check whats on offer if you don't like surprises by ringing before your visit especially if you have food allergies which they will happily cater for if given information in advance of your visit. The dining area is cosy and inviting with wood panelling and candelit tables and equisite furniture and furnishings. All these things make it a special night out although there are no airs and graces if you don't want there to be. This places caters for all. Colin and Louisa Le Voi run the restaurant as a family business and both trained with the late Francis Coulson and Brian Sack at Sharrow Bay Hotel, Ullswater. Colin is the chef and Louisa is front of house.
Recieving many reviews and awards here are just a few:
“Vegertarian Heaven” – Food Illustrated Magazine
”Even carnivores say a visit here is a real treat” – The Observer
Twice winner of the national “Vegetarian Restaurant of the Year” and four times runner up
Twice Winner of the Loo of the Year Award.
I would highly recommend this wonderful place of which I have very fond memories of visiting myself.

I used to live just up the road from this shop and would buy all my fruit and veg, fresh bread, homemade cakes, biscuits, sandwiches, pizza, pastries, tinned goods, organic meats, free range eggs and ecologically friendly cleaning products.
They cater for everyone and anyone and were so helpful when I developed a milk allergy. It was the only place at the time that I could go and buy soya milk at a reasonable price. I love their houmus and olive pates but best of all are the peopl who run the store. Ask and ye shall recieve. They order things in for you if they dont have them and the products they can buy are limitless. I still go there when I'm in the area and miss it so much. Well worth a visit :-)

A great place for organic, ethically and locally produced food. You can buy your everday fruit and veg (or pick your own) and a variety of different local meats frozen or fresh, cheeses, pickles, jams, chutneys, cakes, biscuits, crackers the list goes on and on. The homemade goods are unique and delicious and great for tourists wanting something locally produced to take back as gifts or for the memories. The cafe is superb, I personally love the cheescake! Portions are generous too. The xmas fair is second to none and great if you like to make up your own hampers for friends and family at Christmas or if you want to buy them ready made! You can buy traditional sweets and cakes like angel delight, nougat, peppermint creams, gingerbread men, xmas cake, chocloate log and shortbread, local beers, mulled wine, cheeses and I havent even mentioned the whole tent of local Arts & Crafts stalls. Overall shop with confidence and leave with a good old fashioned feeling in your bones :-)