Listed restaurants near our listed summer days out

By Julie Talbot Insurance Advisor

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There’s only one thing better than a brilliant outing to a listed attraction (as we recently talked about here), and that’s topping it off with tea or dinner in a local listed eatery. We’ve done our homework and come up with five foodie places, all close to the attractions, and all with a Grade I or Grade II listed status.

1. Battle, East Sussex

If you’re planning on spending some time at Battle Abbey then why not enjoy a meal at the Pilgrim’s Rest? Just outside the Abbey gates, this Grade II listed former guest house is more than 600 years old. It’s been the site of medieval banquets, Georgian balls, and Victorian meetups, but it’s now a lovely place to take afternoon tea, dine, or even get married. The picture-perfect, timber-framed building also boasts super-sized inglenook fireplaces, ancient beams, linenfold doors, and oak floors. If you do visit, make sure you ask to see the ancient witch’s marks that were (apparently) put down to ward off evil spirits. There’s also a secret tunnel connecting to the Abbey walls, although we don’t recommend you using this to avoid paying the bill.

Discover more about the fascinating historical features at The Pilgrims Rest Restaurant, Battle, East Sussex (britishlistedbuildings.co.uk)

2. Whitby, North Yorkshire

There’s more to Whitby than Count Dracula. It’s a coastal town full of drama, tales of piracy, and listed buildings. So, once you’re over your Gothic vibe at the Abbey, we’d like you to turn your attention to The Smugglers Café. Built in 1401 and previously named “The Olde Ship Launch Inn” this tiny listed building has certainly lived up to both names over the years. The arched entryway leading to the backyard and nearby passageways was almost certainly one of the convenient places to deliver smuggled kegs of alcohol, thus avoiding the heavy taxes of the 18^th century. And while the Inn was often the final destination for Jamaican rum and other questionable contraband, it was also a halfway hiding place for smugglers taking the kegs further across the Yorkshire terrain. Things are much more sedate now, as the café offers up legitimately lovely fare, with just a side order of “Ahoy me hearties”.

Have a closer look at the history here

3. Kenilworth, Warwickshire

Once you’ve properly explored Kenilworth Castle, we recommend you stay on site and enjoy something delicious in the tearoom. The vaulted ceilings and Tudor stables look may feel a little anachronistic when diving into homemade carrot cake, but we think the olde-worlde atmosphere is as authentic as it gets. You can almost hear Robert Dudley flirting with Good Queen Bess. If you fancy something in the quaint town of Kenilworth though, the charming Time for Tea hits all the right notes, combing rustic ambience with a host of yummy treats.

4. Pendennis, Falmouth

Before or after your trip to Pendennis Castle, we’d like to steer you in the direction of The Stable Inn, Falmouth. The location of this Grade II listed building will immediately transport you back to the time of Poldark, pirates, and the impending threat of a coastal invasion. Nowadays, the view across the glorious Custom House Quay (the restaurant is actually within the former Customs House) is a lot more friendly. Sourdough pizzas are the staple at The Stable, offering a contemporary dining option in a distinctly historical setting.

5. Kenwood, Hampstead

While many visitors like to bring a picnic to enjoy on Hampstead Heath, we do have some alternative dining/teatime suggestions. First off, you can take in tea, coffee, and a good view at the Brew Café that adjoins the House. It’s a very good place to spot celebs as well! But within walking distance is Hampstead High Street and Haverstock Hill, which are packed with cafes and eateries that have protected facades and structures. But even nearer to Kenwood’s main entry point is The Spaniards Inn. Built in 1585 by Spanish brothers, the Grade II gastro pub reverberates with the spirits of Dickens and Keats (it’s reported to be the most haunted pub in London), while modern-day alcoholic spirits are imbibed by many famous Hampstead locals. As well as the historically interesting building, the gardens are just perfect for a summer’s day sit and dine once you’ve walked up hill and back again on the Heath.

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