Coming out of lockdown provided the UK’s cafes, bars and restaurants with a challenge. How to maintain new rules of social distancing in a traditionally social environment? But those who provide food and drink in Kirkby Lonsdale have worked hard and are now welcoming guests across their doors with a series of new measures. Kirstie Pelling rounds up what they’ve been up to…
Opening up after Lockdown
High streets around the country haven’t had a lot to shout about in recent weeks. In fact for most the only sound was tumbleweed rolling past empty shops and bars. Kirkby Lonsdale was no different, with only takeaways, and grocery shops serving the community while bars and restaurants stayed silent, waiting for the call to come alive once again.
Once restrictions were lifted the race was on. And each day the Kirkby Lonsdale high street gets one step closer to normal, or at least a bite-sized version of the new normal. We’ve pulled together what you can expect in August from Kirkby’s eateries. Do let us know as your fave bar opens and we can add it to our list…
What’s open in Kirkby Lonsdale in August?
Crossing Point
The Crossing Point cafe has reopened with a new look. The team have put a lot of effort into a refurb during lockdown and can’t wait to show you around. They’ve been updating the colour scheme and shining up a new floor. There’s other surprises too including Elodie D pictures and, best of all, a rotating cake stand.
The Deli
Missed Kirkby Lonsdale’s greatest quiche? Caroline and Suzanne are back with all your favourite lunches on Mon, Tues, Thurs 11-2, and Fri, Sat 11-3. They will be taking a break on Wednesdays.
Devil’s Bridge Snacks
Who has been dreaming of a bacon butty in the sunshine? The bikers have for sure. The van’s back. Thurs-Sun 9am- 3.30pm. No pottery mugs but you can’t have everything in life!
Jingling Lane Chippy
Another Kirkby institution, the chippy, is open Friday and Saturday. Phone orders only on 07552 787582.
The King’s Arms
The King’s Arms have now reopened after keeping us fed with roasts, fish and chip suppers and Thai takeaways during lockdown. They are open from 4pm Thursday for drinks only, and on Friday saturday and Sunday from 12.30pm for food. They ask if you can call ahead and book a table if possible.
Lunesdale Arms
Not in Kirkby but worth a mention, Lunesdale Arms is back with some new opening hours.
Tuesday night 5pm to 11pm is pizzas only. Wednesday. Thursday. Friday. Saturday they will be serving food from 11am to 3pm with a full menu from 5pm to 9pm. On Sundays they will be open all day for food -12pm to 9pm
To book a table call 015242 36191.
Lunesdale Bakery
Owain and his team have been keeping Kirkby Lonsdale fed with sandwiches, cake, coffee and soup during lockdown. They continue to do so on a takeaway basis.
The Milking Parlour
The Milking Parlour continued in lockdown by pivoting to a delivery model. It is now offering takeway goodies and limited inside seating seven days a week 11.30am-5.30pm. Edward and Sarah make their own gelato in their parlour using fresh milk from the family farm. You can also buy warm Belgian waffle sticks, ice cream milkshakes, teas, coffees and proper hot chocs. On a hot day especially, you may find a queue outside but it’s worth the wait.
Number Nine
Number Nine reopened in style with a fabulous new terrace that looks super-twinkly at night. Check out their Facebook page for a preview. Dogs are welcome in the beer garden only.
There’s a whole new menu and a new booking system with two sittings.
Number 44
The team at Number 44 have been delighting people for weeks with their Med style street stall selling fabulous cakes and scones. Now they are back inside too. Please continue to give them your custom as they were such a cheerful face of Main Street in recent weeks.
Orange Tree
The Orange Tree is still going for it on the food front, offering a good selection of burgers and more from 12-11pm every day.
Table bookings only, no waiting in the bar area is allowed. Call 015242 71716. The Orange Tree is taking part in the August Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
Plato’s
Plato’s is also welcoming back customers old and new, from Mon-Fri at 2pm and Sat and Sun from noon. (In July their only lunchtime food service will be on a Sunday.) All tables where possible need to be booked in advance but walk ins will be welcome if a table is available.
You may need to queue in the front of the building until you can be seated by a welcoming host. There is no bar service. Plato’s is taking part in the August Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
Red Dragon
The Red Dragon is back open seven days a week 12am-11pm. They are able to accommodate a max of 10 people to a table if pre-booked, and 4 if its a walk in.
The pub is accepting card payments only.
The Royal Barn
Stu Taylor and his team at The Royal Barn have taken perspex to a whole new level, also tapping into the brewery’s industrial roots. And the trouble they have taken has gone down very well with customers. The fun starts as soon as you press the button at the door..
Karen Holdsworth, who visited recently commends the team on their putting the normal back into life. “They have got this all planned and are ready to put your welfare at the top of the priority list. Felt safe, very much welcomed and had a fab couple of hours.” And her feedback to the team? “Thank you for caring about us. You deserve to do fabulously well throughout the summer.”
Judith Bromley agrees. “What a fantastic experience we had tonight, Great atmosphere, great service. Made to feel very special and safe.”
The Royal was one of the first to reopen and everyone was pleased to see this flagship hotel back up and running.
Their hours are Monday to Thursday – 10am until 10pm with food served 12noon – 2pm & 5pm – 9pm. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Friday & Saturday they are open from 10am until 11pm with food served 12 – 9pm)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Sunday – 10am until 9pm. (food served 12noon – 7pm.) Check out their Sunday Social Roast. The Royal is taking part in the August Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
Book via the Royal Hotel website.
Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Club
The Little Barn Bar is in residence at the Rugby Club on Saturdays and Sundays in the beer garden. There are ten new picnic tables and lots of room for kids to run around.
Snooty Fox
The Snooty Fox came back with a high tech bang, allowing food to be ordered from a new app and brought to the table. To book, ring 01524 958951.
The bar is open Monday-Thursday 12-11pm, Friday-Saturday 12-11pm and Sunday 12-10pm.
The team will be serving food from Monday-Friday: 12-2:30 5-8pm, Saturday: 12-8pm and Sunday: 12-6pm.
Sun Inn
The Sun Inn is also back doing what it does best- good food and hospitality. Tables must be booked for food & drinks on the hotel’s website or call on 015242 71965.
An All Day Menu will be served from 12.00pm until 8.00pm daily with a fixed price menu served every evening from 5.00pm until 8.00pm.
Please note:
This is a snapshot of what’s going on in and around the town, and does not currently include all restaurants, bars and takeaways.If you have visited a bar or restaurant and enjoyed the post-locked down service, or you are a bar owner who would like to be included in this round up, please send us a message with or DM us on our Facebook page @kirkbylonsdale
Cover image by Briony Hacking.
Further reading: Looking for something new to do on a visit to Kirkby Lonsdale? Our town guides and Visitor Information volunteers share some of their favourite things to do…
Lunesdale Hall has had a facelift. Check out their facilities and some interesting aspects of their history