Delicious specialty mouth watering food using only the finest local produce served in a converted Watermill at Priest's Mill in Caldbeck, Cumbria - welcome to the Watermill Café.

Helen and her team prepare delicious fine food on the premises each day using only the best quality produce available. The choice ranges from tea, coffees & light refreshments to lunches and full meals, and we also hold regular Dinner Evenings.

In warmer weather we have an outdoor cafe terrace with views over the river Caldbeck and the village cricket pitch. During the winter months the restaurant is warm and inviting with a cosy log stove and candles on the tables.

We offer a range of homemade chutneys, relish, jam, rum butter and Christmas Puddings (in winter) made by the Watermill Café - to take away. We also do take-away sandwiches for those in a hurry.

We also have an art exhibition area in the café where local artists can display their work.

Please note, the Watermill Café is no longer strictly vegetarian.

Priests Mill is an old watermill built by a Rector of Caldbeck in 1702, in a secluded position on the riverbank just below St Kentigern's Church. John Peel, the famous local huntsman and the Beauty of Buttermere lie buried in the churchyard.

From 1702 to 1933 it was used as a stone-grinding corn mill. After that it was mainly used as a sawmill and joiner's workshop until 1965 when floods caused the mill dam to be destroyed. 

The award winning restoration of the old mill was completed in 1986. The only machinery left is the 14ft diameter waterwheel which has been restored to working order. The Watermill Cafe occupies most of the early 18th century stone building and overlooks the river.

Below the restaurant, there are some interesting shops including a gift and card shop, the "Wool Clip" (a shop of wool products) and a handmade jewellery shop. Please take a look once your appetite has been satisfied in the Watermill Café.

Outside catering and evening parties can be catered for by arrangement. We can also supply suppers and picnics to visitors in the area. Please contact us for further information of this service.

To find out where we are located and how to contact us, please visit our contact page.