Top 20 pubs in the Lake District
The Lake District is home to some of the best pubs in Britain, and although it would be impossible to list them all, some that are particularly worthy of note include:
1.The Punchbowl Inn, Crosthwaite
Situated in the Lyth Valley, and voted ´Pub of the Year´ by the Michelin Guide in 2009, the 17th Century Punchbowl Inn is one of the most popular pubs in the Lake District. The slates found beneath the old dining room floor are now laid in the bar, and combine beautifully with the antique furniture. Enjoy champagne by the glass, a range of wines and hand-pulled real ales, along with some of the finest food in Cumbria. Open fires in winter and a unique blend of old and new, plus a stunning rural location, keep visitors flocking back to the Punchbowl.
2.The Drunken Duck, Ambleside
Sister pub of the Punchbowl Inn at Crosthwaite, the Drunken Duck at Ambleside is legendary. The name of the pub dates back to Victorian times when a landlady of the inn found her ducks lying stretched out in the road, and, assuming they were dead, started to pluck them, and prepare them for dinner. The ducks quickly resumed consciousness, and were found to be drunk, after beer from a slipped barrel had drained into their feeding ditch. The landlady knitted waistcoats for the ducks until their feathers had grown back again. The heart of the Duck bar has wide oak flooring, old beams, an open fire, leather chairs and numerous pictures depicting local scenes. Real ales and typical Cumbrian dishes are served. Situated between Ambleside and Hawkshead, the Drunken Duck is famous for its food and its real ales which are brewed in its in-house micro-brewery (Barngates Brewery).
3.The Angel Inn, Bowness
This pub/restaurant boasts a great outdoor area and a spacious, contemporary interior. Whatever you enjoy drinking you will find it here, and the pub offers an extensive selection of real ales, European lagers and wine and a British menu, with the emphasis on fresh, local Cumbrian cuisine.
4.Hole in T´Wall, Bowness
The legendary Hole in T´Wall, Bowness, was built in 1612, and is situated in the oldest part of town. The pub gained its name after the landlord knocked a hole in the wall, so he could pass beer to the blacksmiths working next door. This is a traditional pub with stone-flagged floors and a beer garden.
5.Traveller´s Rest, Grasmere
This 16th Century roadside pub is around 1 mile north of Grasmere, and offers pub meals and restaurant meals and Jennings real ales. A beer garden offers a good view of the surrounding fells.
6.The Black Bull Hotel, Coniston
This large pub is situated in the centre of Coniston, and is home to the Coniston Brewery. Offering a full range of real ales and excellent pub good, the Black Bull is one of Coniston´s most popular pubs.
7.The King´s Arms, Hawkshead
This 500-year old pub is situated in Hawkshead´s Market Square, and it offers a range of real ales, including Hawkshead Bitter and Coniston Bluebird, plus a range of pub meals, serving local Cumbrian produce. A small outdoor seating area is popular in summer.
8.The Queen´s Head, Hawkshead
The Queen´s Head in Hawkshead offers quality food and an extensive menu in a traditional 16th Century inn. With log fires, low oak-beamed ceilings and flagstone floors, plus old fashioned memorabilia, including the famous Girt Clog, which dates back to 1826, this pub is well worth a visit.
9.The Dog and Gun, Keswick
This busy, traditional pub serves real ales from the Keswick Brewing Company and Yates Brewery, plus other local breweries, and offers simple pub food at very reasonable prices.
10.The Brackenrigg Inn, Ullswater
This traditional 18th century coaching inn serves good, reasonably priced food in the bar and restaurant, and boasts breathtaking views of Ullswater.
11.Pooley Bridge Inn, Ullswater
The Pooley Bridge Inn at Ullswater offers a good selection of typical Cumbrian fare, and a wide range of real ales.
12.Ramblers Bar, Ullswater
This lively pub is situated at the Inn on the Lake at Ullswater, and features large TVs showing major sports events and a pool table. Also offering traditional pub food and local real ales.
13.The Brown Horse Inn, Winster, Windermere Lake
This whitewashed 19th century coaching house is situated in the Winster Valley. This traditional pub offers local ales and a mainly British menu with some Cumbrian specialities.
14.The Eagle and Child, Stavely, Windermere Lake
This traditional pub has slate floors and period features, and offers a constantly changing selection of real ales. A riverside beer garden attracts visitors from all over the region in summer.
15.The Mortal Man, Troutbeck, Windermere Lake
This is an incredible 17th century inn with breathtaking views of the Troutbeck Valley. Its name derives from the verse on the inn's sign '"O mortal man that lives by bread what is it makes thy nose so red? Thou silly fool, that look'st so pale,'Tis drinking Sally Birketts ale.' A good choice of real ales and great food - well worth a visit.
16.The Pheasant Inn, Bassenthwaite Lake
This traditional inn on the shores of Bassenthwaite is housed in a 500-year old farmhouse (converted to an inn in the late 18th century). A traditional period bar offers real ales, and the inn also enjoys a great reputation for food.
17.The Mardale Inn, Bampton, Nr.Penrith
This friendly, welcoming and cosy pub offers great local food and traditional pub meals, including local Cumbrian specialities. Well kept beers and an enormous range of whiskies, combined with wooden beams, open fires, great local scenery and guest ales make this pub a great find.
18.The Ratty Arms, Ravenglass
This lively local pub is situated by the main railway station, and has a devoted following of locals and tourists alike. The Cumbrian lamb is especially is a speciality, and there are plenty of other delicious dishes to choose from. Built in 1873, the Ratty Arms is a former Victorian railway station, constructed from limestone and granite, and offers visitors a wide range of real ales, guest beers and home made food.
19.The Wasdale Head Inn, Wasdale
This is one of the most remote and charming spots in the UK. Ritson´s Bar at the Wasdale Head Inn, was named after the first landlord, Will Ritson, who was a huntsman, wrestler, farmer, fellsman, guide and raconteur, and today everyone congregates in the bar after a day on the fells to enjoy real ales and delicious home made meals. In winter, take advantage of the log burning stove, and in summer, relax outside at the water-side tables.
20.The Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater
This beautiful old inn has had a contemporary make-over, providing sumptuous accommodation in a building of great character. Excellent food is offered, including many dishes using local Cumbrian produce.
