BACK TO CUMBRIA & LANCS INDEX

CUMBRIA incl LAKE DISTRICT
AMBLESIDE - my regular Lakes trips often involve passing through or changing buses in Ambelside and I try to make time for a pint or two.
* CHURCHILLS BAR - Last visit 2011 - a large pub on the main road, inside is a big open modernised bar with TVs, armchairs and games machines. It doesnt look my sort of place but has ales from Hawkshead and Coniston (though expensive) so have called in a couple of times
* GOLDEN RULE - Last visit 2009 - a whitewashed Robinsons pub, the main bar room is traditional and cosy with beams on the ceiling and a few old locals having a chat. There also appeared to be a larger side room I didnt venture into. A good choice of Robbies and Hartleys ales  photo
* QUEENS HOTEL - Last visit 2011 - hotel with a large public bar/restaurant which has a smart modern dining area and bar at the back and a more pub like area to the other side with a cosy traditional feel, wood paneling, fireplace etc. A big choice of ales from many small Cumbrian breweries. Downstairs, and also with a separate entrance on the street, is the CELLAR BAR - a very different feeling place with bare brick walls, music posters, sofas, TV screens showing sports, pool table and a a smaller selection of the ales from the main bar. photo
* ROYAL OAK - Last visit 2010 - traditional pub with the bar area and two side rooms, one basic with dart board and small TV and the other more comfy and has ceiling beams, various old local photos on the walls plus a pair of skies on the ceiling!  Several ales, mostly common brews but usually one or two from local breweries  photo
* UNICORN - Last visit 2010 - an old pub on a side street, inside is a lounge room with bare white walls decorated with pictures and fishing items, beams, and fireplace plus a pool table in a small room. 4 ales, 2 Robinsons and 2 Hartleys    photo
* WATEREDGE INN (at Waterhead) - Last visit 2011 - the modern public bar of an old traditional hotel on the shores of Windermere. The bar is a large open room in a modern open style and mostly set out for dining but with some comfy armchairs by the large windows which look out to the lake, also a large lakeside beer garden. On my last visit the number of ales had increased to 6, several from small Cumbrian breweries though rather expensive. photo   website
* WHITE LION HOTEL - Last visit 2011 - large white hotel in the centre of the village, inside is a spacious open wood panelled bar room and lounge plus 2 dining rooms including a real fir. There's also seating on the patio out front. A few real ales usually including two non Cumbrian guest beers and Hawkshead bitter.  photo

APPLEBY - I had a bit of time to kill when waiting for a train here
* GOLDEN BALL - Last visit 2009 - proper local's pub on a narrow side street with 2 traditional rooms either side of the small central bar, one a cosy little lounge, the other has TV and games. 4 ales including Jennings and a guest and very good home made food, a friendly landlord too!    photo
* MIDLAND HOTEL - Last visit 2009 - next to the railway station, a large red stone building with one main open room inside including jukebox and TV sports, there's also a seperate pool room. Well worth visiting for a great choice of local ale, all 4 ? beers on were from different small Cumbrian breweries.  photo

ARNSIDE - stayed here once and went to this pub for a few pints and to eat. I'd forgotten it's name but spotted it again when passing by many years later.
* YE OLD FIGHTING COCKS - Last visit 1996 - a large stone pub by the waterfront, I cant remember anything about it, though when I passed by I saw it was a Thwaites pub

BOOT & ESKDALE - I've spent the night camping in Boot and visited these three, all are similar in that they're traditional old whitewashed buildings which have a public bar plus a seperate restaurant and accomodation, having a tent but being in need of ale it's just bars I frequented.
* BROOK HOUSE INN - Last visit 2008 - comfortable and quite smart bar room with a high ceiling and various local photographs plus assorted stuffed animals, also a smaller room to one side. A large choice of ales from several small Cumbrian breweries (and surprisingly reasonable prices), I also had an excellent pie and there's a big choice of malt whiskys. Seems a relaxing well run place with good service and fine ales and food     photo   website
* BOOT INN - Last visit 2008 - a Robinsons pub, many handpumps though on my visit only half were in use but still a choice of Robbies and Hartleys ales. Appeared to be a more of a down to earth locals place than the other two with a pool table and TV football but also has a smarter conservatory, beamed ceiling etc and a mix of regulars and visitors    photo   
* WOOLPACK INN - Last visit 2008 - a mile or so down the road from Boot, there are two joined buildings with the restaurant in one and the bar in the other which is a large-ish room either side of the door which looks quite recently refurbished with wooden floors, large tables and space for live music. Also a beer garden out front. This is home of the Hardknott brewery so it has their own ales plus others from small local breweries - on my visit the beer fesitval had just ended so there was only one Hardknott on as they were using up the remaining festival stock. Friendly staff (and customers too), an interesting place.     photo   website

BOWNESS - visited for a walk by the Lake, and to see the airshow
* ROYAL OAK - Last visit 2009 - traditional Lake District stone hotel, the pub has a flagstone bar area, a small room to one side and a couple of larger rooms to the other including a pool/games room. But I sat outside cos it was sunny! Besides Landlord and other more common ales there's a few local ones from Coniston and Hawkshead - I had a pint of Vulcan brewed specially for the air show which was very good though rather pricey even by Lakes standards! photo  website
* VILLAGE INN - Last visit 2009 - quite a big hotel building, the bar is a large modern style open room with a wooden floor, high tables and chairs and sofas but still has beams and real fires, plus there's seperate rooms and a restaurant but I didn't linger inside and instead had my pint in the big patio area out front. A good choice of ales with a few from some of the many small Lakeland breweries.

BRAITWAITE - had time for a pint in each of these while waiting for a bus after a walk
* COLEDALE INN - Last visit 2010 - large Victorian building now a hotel (but see their website about it's interesting past). There are two bars, the one I sat in had 2 areas separated by an arch, comfy seats, real fire, dart board and decorated with old local photos.  I had a quick look in the other room which has a slate roof inside over the bar. 3 ales from local breweries including Yates and Ennerdale, friendly service, a very pleasant place. Also a nice beer garden with great views. photo 
* ROYAL OAK - Last visit 2010 - whitewashed hotel in the centre of the village, the bar is a large L shaped room which looks refurbished but traditional with lots of wood, beams etc and local maps on the walls. A choice of Jennings ales, but pricey  photo   website

BRAMPTON - stopped off here once when walking past
* NEW INN - Last visit 2009 - old whitewashed building and the pub for the local Tirril brewery so it had 2 of their ales on. The small main bar room is a mix of old fashioned and new with beams, real fire and a modern bar type layout with sofas etc. When I called in it was busy with diners, there's also a dining room next door, so I sat in the beer garden instead. I'm sure it's more cosy when its quieter. photo

BROTHERSWATER - camped here a couple of nights, both these pubs are run by the campsite though are normal pubs open to all
* BARN END BAR - Last visit 2009 - on the campsite in a section of a converted barn (hours limited when the site is quiet, was open Sat eve and not Sun when I stayed). Inside has whitewashed walls, flagstone and wood floors and is divided into different areas to sit plus a jukebox and wood burning stove. Ales were from Jennings, Tirril and Barngates and food was simpler and a bit cheaper then the Inn (below) photo
* BROTHERSWATER INN - Last visit 2009 - a small old inn on the main road which houses the little flagstone bar areas, this leads to a newer but traditional feeling extension with bare stone walls, very warm wood burning stove and large windows giving great views of the surrounding mountains. There's also a patio area outside. The beers were from the same breweries as the Barn End (above) but different ales - the Barngates Westmorland Gold was superb after a long day's walking! Good food too, not the cheapest though the roast I had was a decent price and very nice. Also breakfasts served for campers.   photo

BUTTERMERE - camped here on occasions and split my time between the two pubs. Both are good with local ales, food and friendly service.
* BRIDGE HOTEL - RAMBLERS BAR - Last visit: 2011 - old traditional hotel but through a side door is the public Ramblers Bar, a cosy two roomed pub with wooden beams, whitewashed walls etc and 4 ales with Jennings and couple from small local breweries. A nice patio area too for those rare monents of sun . photo     website
* FISH HOTEL -Last visit: 2011 - this is another hotel with a public bar but it doesnt feel as pub like as the Bridge (though the ale is cheaper!) with one big open dining room, but it's comfortable and relaxing and has a fine choice of Cumbrian ales both from Jennings and smaller breweries eg Keswick and Hesket Newmarket. Great views especially from the outside drinking area at the back.   photo    website

CARLISLE - only been here when chaging trains, have been to a large pub near Carlisle Station for a pint and some food in the early 1990s, and in the late '90s to a Weatherpoons and a smaller Good Beer Guide listed pub not far from the station - I cant remember the names or details about any of them though

CARTMEL - came here one afternoon when staying nearby, tried these (all visited in 2001)
* CAVENDISH - called in for a quick pint and sat outside so don't remember much about the inside other than it was an old place and had a couple of guest beers.
* KINGS ARMS - old comfortable pub on the village square, cosy little areas to sit where I had some local guest beers - Coniston brewery I think - and a meal. Photo.
* ROYAL OAK - can't remember much about the inside, but enjoyed a couple of pints in the large beer garden alongside the river - photo of the beer garden

CONISTON - been here a couple of times after a walks
* BLACK BULL HOTEL - Last visit: 2007 hotel and pub in the village centre, a long open plan L shaped bar room with various old Coniston photos etc and sells the range of very good Coniston ales, also decent food. photo
* CROWN INN - Last visit: 2010 - a large whitewashed Robinsons Inn, seemed pleasent inside with large rooms, bare stone and beams but I sat outside in the sunny patio area. 3 Robbies ales. photo
* SUN HOTEL -Last visit: 2007 hotel including a traditional cosy bar with slate floors and real fire along with a large outside beer garden with great views. Good choice of ales including from Coniston and other Lakes breweries, an excellent place to visit for a pint. I was put off eating here as the menu was rather pricey, limited in choice and offered things such as a champagne sauce with fish and chips - no doubt very good but I want something a bit less fancy after a day on the fells! photo

CHAPEL STILE - I've called in here a couple of times when staying in or heading home from Langdale.
* WAINWRIGHT'S BAR - Last visit: 2009 - in a hamlet at the start of Great Langdale, the old building has been converted to a pub so is quite modern but traditional and cosy feeling with lots of wood, beams and bare slate walls plus a wood burning stove in the one open room, theres also a dining room. A big choice of real ales including from Thwaites and various small Cumbrian breweries. photo

DENT - stayed here camping once
* GEORGE & DRAGON - Last visit 2005: just had a pint here. Public bar with games room selling beers from Dent brewery, also had Landlord on my visit. The other side of the bar is a large lounge area and restaurant.   Photo
* SUN INN - Last visit 2005: old whitewashed stone building selling a selection of Dent brewery beers, also good simple food. Fairly small inside with comfy seating and real fire in the main room by the bar with a seperate little room off to one side and small games room at the other, also outside area to sit at the back. Busy and friendly with mix of locals and visitors.   Photo

DUFTON - I've been here a couple of times, once when camping
* STAG - Last visit 2009: old red stone building on the village green. Very cosy when its quieter with a small open room either side of the door, bare stone walls and real fire. I've been here on a busy evening when it was packed with people wanting to eat, including in the seperate restaurant room, but I managed to squeeze into a corner and the friendly staff sorted me out with a fine plate of fish and chips! Three ales including one from Hawkshead on my visits   photo    website  

ELTERWATER - had time for a swift pint here when waiting for a bus on my way home from Langdale
* BRITANNIA INN - Last visit: 2009 an attractive old whitewashed pub on the village green, I sat outside so didnt explore the interior but there's a basic little bar room and more seating in the entrance hall. I had the very nice house beer brewed by Coniston, there were also a few other ales both local and others.  photo

GLENRIDDING  - walked from here to Hellvelyn via the ridges, rewarded myself with a pint on the way back
* TRAVELLERS REST - Last visit: 2008 - small traditional pub off the main road with a narrow cosy dark wood panelled lounge room to one side of the door with 2 handpumps on the bar, one selling a Lake's brew Helvellyn Gold. photo

GOSFORTH - called in for a much needed pint when walking from Wasdale to Seascale.
* GOSFORTH HALL INN - Last visit 2010 - quite a large and very old hotel building, the public bar has a couple of rooms with beams, comfy seats, fireplaces etc - the room by the little bar is small and cosy but bright. Friendly service and a few ales including from Hawkshead and Keswick breweries. It seemed proud of its pies too, though I didnt have time to sample one!   photo  website

GRANGE OVER SANDS - spent an afternoon drinking and playing pool in this pub, can't remember any more about it.
* COMMODORE INN - Last visit: 1993 ? - it was a large place, think it was painted white, it had a pool table but more than that I cant say.

GRASMERE  - I've had a bit of time to kill here on a few occasions after walks
* LAMB INN (part of the Red Lion Hotel I think !) - Last visit: 2009 - pub with an average looking opened out interior and it seems to be part of the nextdoor hotel though has a different name? 4 ales, all from local breweries on my visit and a friendly chap serving!   photo
* TRAVELLERS REST - Last visit: 2010 - Just north of the village on the main road, a traditional old inn. The long interior is divided into several rooms, some set out for dining, othes more pub like with pool table but the best area is the cosy little bar room with flagstone floor, real fire and 5 handpumps selling a range of Jennings ales, all the ones tried were excellent.     photo
* TWEEDIES BAR - DALE LODGE HOTEL - Last visit: 2011 - public bar of the hotel, smart, modern but relaxing inside with a flagstone floor. 2 rooms, one with the bar at the back and a wood burning stove, the other for dining. Plenty of handpumps with a superb choice of ales, many but not all local Cumbrian beers and loads pump clips on display from previous guest ales. There's a large pleasant beer garden in the hotel grounds   photo   website

GREAT LANGDALE     - I've been camping and had day trips here several times
* NEW DUNGEON GHYLL HOTEL - Last visit: 2007 I went here by mistake! It's OK, a small bar attached to the hotel selling expensive Thwaites bitter, but where I intended to go was the....      photo
* RAMBLERS BAR at the OLD DUNGEON GHYLL HOTEL - Last visit: 2011 when I first walked in here (after my mistake above) I knew I was in the right place! Inside it is basic with a bare floor, whitewashed walls with climbing photos, old wooden tables and real fire - all designed for coping with wet and muddy walkers, or when sunny there are benches outside in lovely surroundings. On the bar are several handpumps with Theakstons, Jennings and local ales eg Yates, and there's a simple menu of good home made food.    photo . website
* STICKLE BARN - Last visit: 2011 next to the New Hotel, this quite large pub (I assume in a converted barn) has an opened out interior of wood and stone though divided up to give a pool area and another small cosy room with stove. Several ales including a couple of Cumbrian guests and decent food - it opens in the morning for breakfasts, useful for people camping nearby. Also an upstairs room, live music events and a large outdoor seating area. On my first vist there were a couple of resident cats!  photo

HAWKSHEAD - stayed in the village for a couple of nights some time ago
* KINGS ARMS - Last visit 1994 - old pub on village square, remember it being busy and having some decent ale but can't recall much else. Photo
also visited at least one of the other pubs in the village, sure it was very nice but have no memory of it!

HIGH NEWTON - also stayed here once for a couple of nights
* CROWN INN - Last visit 2001 - stayed here - a nice room, nice breakfast but this is not a B&B guide so what of the beer? Can't remember though it was real ale and it was a nice comfortable bar. Supposed to be a ghost if you believe in that sort of thing, it never bought me a pint though. Photo (not of the ghost)

INGS - got off the bus here for a pint and food when returning from the Lakes. Ended up staying for a couple of hours - it's a hard place to leave!
* WATERMILL INN - Last visit 2011 - stone building off the main road alongside a stream (with adjacent beer garden). 4 seperate rooms inside, 2 either side of the central bar and 2 more at the back all with ceiling beams, whitewashed walls etc. The cosy bar area has flagstone floor, real fire and decorated with local pictures, pumpclips and awards. Food is quite pricey but good while the beer choice is vast (15 ? ales) at decent prices. The pub brews its own Watermill ales (there's a view of the brewey from the back room) so there are several of those on sale along with many others mostly from Cumbrian and North Eastern breweries. photo   website

KENDAL - had time for a quick pint here on a couple of occasions while heading home from the Lakes
* BURGANDY'S WINE BAR - Last visit 2009 - a laid back feeling bar down a narrow main road, the bar itself is also narrow with a shop style front. The front room has the bar, a few seats and plenty of brewery memorabilia. At the back are two more rooms on different levels - a games room downstairs and tables and chairs upstairs leading to an outdoor area. Lots of beers with a good selection of Cumbrian and other ales and proper lagers, shame I only had time for a quick one.  photo 
* CASTLE INN - Last visit 2010 - lively locals pub with a comfy lounge including fish tank, a bar area with sport on TV and a large pool room. A few ales including Jennings, Copper Dragon and I had one from the Dent brewery   photo 

KESWICK - I've stayed here once and stopped off many times while heading to or from the mountains.
* BANK TAVERN- Last visit: 2011 - an old Jennings pub in the high street, one opened out but traditional room with wood panels, beams etc, also a smaller room up some steps and a patio area out the back. Several ales, mostly from Jennings but also guest beers too.    photo
* DOG & GUN - Last visit: 2011 - a traditional down to earth and cosy pub with one narrow room by the bar and a wider area at one end with flagstone floor and stone fireplace. The main walkers/climbers pub in town (and supporter of Keswick Mountain Rescue), decorated with old climbing photos, antique skis/ice axes etc and loads of pump clips. More importantly there are real ales from Keswick Brewery and other small Northern/Cumbrian breweries. My favourite pub in Keswick!  photo
* GEORGE HOTEL - Last visit: 2011 - a large pub/hotel, the main bar is a semi open plan room with a few seperate areas, there's also a smaller cosy wood panelled room and dining room., all with ceiling beams and fire places. 3 ales from Jennings   photo
* GOLDEN LION - Last visit: 2010 - a long opened out room with big screen TV showing sport, there's also a more traditional room down some steps at the back with fireplaces and beams. Theakstons & Spitfire bitter on my visit plus 2 other handpumps, pump clips on display indicate more interesting beers must also sold. photo
* LAKE ROAD INN - Last visit: 2011 - a Robinsons pub with a wood panelled interior and a few Robbies ales, plus judging by the number of other pump clips on display they must have guest beers too but not on my visits. The gents involve a walk across the beer garden   photo
* ODDFELLOWS ARMS - Last visit: 2009 - another Jennings pub, though with a smaller choice of ales. One long wood panelled room with lots of horse racing memerobilia. I ate here cos the food choice includes some cheap special offers! photo

KIRKBY STEPEHN - called in for a pint when walking past before the long trek out of town to the station.
* KINGS ARMS - Last visit: 2010 - hotel in the market square, the bar is a wood panelled room plus a seperate room with darts and TV, also seating outside. Seemed a nice place with a mix of locals and visitors but the main reason to visit are the 3 ales from the Dent brewery.

KIRKSTONE PASS - visited when passing on walk on a couple of occasions.
* KIRKSTONE PASS INN - Last visit 2011 - very old and very remote inn high above sea level at the top of the pass. Inside is a cosy narrow low ceiling pub with wooden beams, real fires letc. 3 small seperate areas including a flagstoned area by the small bar which has 3 real ales - Thwaites Wainwright and 2 from small Cumbrian breweries (Tirrels on my last visit).  Outside benches to enjoy the views. photo  website

LITTLE LANGDALE - stopped off for a pint when passing by
* THREE SHIRES INN - Last visit 2011 - an old traditional stone Lakes building, there's a small flagstone bar which is cosy but quite smart with woodburning stove etc. Several ales, a mix of Jennings and smaller local brews such as Coniston and Hawkshead. There's also a larger dining room and beer garden.  photo    website

LOWESWATER - called in here when walking
* KIRKSTILE INN - Last visit 2011 - a collection of old whitewashed buildings, one of which houses the public bar. The small bar room is very cosy with real fire, wooden beams and bare walls plus there's a couple of seperate dining rooms. Several ales from the Cumbrian Legendary brewery, both I treid were excellent! There's also food which is quite pricey but good and a beer garden which looks down on the river and across to the local hill Mellbreak.   photo   website

NETHER WASDALE - stopped off here briefly a couple of times when passing. Both are old whitewashed buildings which face each other across the road.
* SCREES INN - Last visit 2008 - a large bar divided up with a basic flagstone floor area down a few steps and a long dining room with fireplace on the other side. A choice of local ales ** (the half of Yates I had was excellent) and a beer garden at the front where you can look across at the Strand  [** but last time I passed by (2010) I saw it is now a Robinsons pub, so I assume it sells their ales - I didn't call in]   photo   website
* STRAND INN - Last visit 2010 - the entrance takes you to a reception area, to the side is the main bar/dining room which is quite smart but traditional with beams and a stone fireplace and a few seperate cosy corners to sit in. There's also a couple of other more basic rooms including a pool room. The inn has its own brewery so it sells several of their very good very good ales plus a couple of other Cumbrian beers too.     photo   website

OXENHOLME - had time for a swift visit to this pub when changing trains
* STATION INN - Last visit: 2009 - old pub a short walk from the station (turn left - hard to find in the dark cos it's up an unlit section of road). 4 ales including local ones (I had one from Dent), 2 traditional rooms either side of the bar, one room leads to a bigger dining area seperated from the main pub by a wood burning stove and a fishtank in the wall.   photo

PATTERDALE - I had time for a pint here while waitng for a bus after a walk
* WHITE LION - Last visit: 2009 - a fairly typical old whitewashed Lakes District inn with a long narrow bar room which I didnt pay much attention to, I just got my pint and took it outside cos it was sunny! The pint was from the Tirral Brewery and was very nice, there was also one other ale on. The beer garden is across the narrow main road. photo

PENRITH - have had time to kill here on occasions when changing from train to bus heading to or from the Lakes
* AGRICULTURAL HOTEL - Last visit: 2011 - large red stone building just across from the station, a main room with a real fire and attractive wooden bar plus a seperate dining room. Four ales mostly from Jennings, I've also seen other guest ales here.   photo
* LOWTHER INN - Last visit: 2010 - corner pub in the town centre, like a comfortable local at the front and with a dining area at the back, a rustic feel with fireplace, beams etc. Several ales including London Prde, Cally IPA and a couple of guests, photo

POOLEY BRIDGE - all below visited once in 2002 when staying here for a couple of nights
* CROWN - went in here 'cos it had a place to sit by the river but was disappointed there was no real ale, can't remember if this was a temporary problem.
* POOLEY BRIDGE INN - stayed here, very good accommodation and a big hotel like place but still with a nice bar though cant recall it being a very interesting choice of beer.
* SUN - best of the three pubs with the range of Jennings beers, busy with a mix of locals and tourists. Quite large inside with seperate rooms, pool table, sport on TV but also eating areas and a nice beer garden.  Photo

ROSTHWAITE - when walking thru Borrowdale I called in for lunch and a couple of pints here
* RIVERSIDE BAR at the SCAFELL HOTEL - Last visit: 2008 - large Lakeland Hotel with a public bar at one end, this is the Riverside Bar which not surprisingly backs onto the river and has a little riverside patio. Inside is a large open room plus a seperate room to one side, looks quite recently refurbished with a long bar and food counter plus big screen TV but also a real fire to give it a more traditional feel. 6 real ales, on my visit 2 were from small Cumbrian breweries photo

RYDAL - I've stopped off here for a pint or two and a meal on a few occasions.
* BADGER BAR (at the GLEN ROTHAY HOTEL) - Last visit: 2008 - complete with badgers on the pub sign and many badger related paintings and items inside including a stuffed creature keeping an eye on things! An old hotel and bar on the main road with a beer garden alongside, inside the bar is a down to earth and friendly place with a couple of different rooms both with real fires and one with wooden panelling and armchairs. 4 ? handpumps with its house beer (badger themed of course - brewed by Keswick) and other changing, usually local beers - a grand place if you appreciate beer and badgers! photo   website

STAVELEY - made sure I had time for a few pints here before getting the train home after a walk
* EAGLE & CHILD AD HOTEL - Last visit: 2010 - an old white pub, cosy inside with several small areas to sit, dim lighting, real fire and the walls and ceiling are covered with pictures, posters, pumpclips, fishing and walking equipment. It was lively with a mix of locals and visitors. 5 ales all from small Cumbrian breweries, does cheap lunches but evening meals are quite pricey but proper home made local food and, judging by the hotpot I had, are excellent! There's also a riverside beer garden acros the road.      photo   website
* HAWKSHEAD BREWERY BEER HALL - Last visit: 2010 - in a small industrial estate, this is a large bright open bar upstairs in the Hawkshead brewery's building. Big windows give a view into the brewery and there's lots of related info on the walls. Sells all the Hawkshead ales and those tried were superb, as you'd expect them to be here! Only open until teatime though - see their website for details.     photo

THIRLSPOT - called in while waiting for a bus after a walk
* KINGS HEAD HOTEL - Last visit: 2010 - a typical looking old white roadside hotel but inside the public bar is a smart refurbished long single room with modern decor and furniture and flat screen TV.  Also at one end is a 'Lakeland shop' . The only thing I bought though was ale, a very nice pint from one of several Jennings beers.  photo  

THRELKELD - I had a pint here a couple of times after walks
* HORSE & FARRIER - Last visit: 2009 - a very old whitewashed building in the shadow of Blencathra, inside is a cosy rustic Lakeland pub though I didnt have much of a look round cos it was sunny so I sat outside! A wide of ales from Jennings.   photo     website
* SALUTATION - Last visit: 2011 - old building with beams, fireplace etc but obviosuly been opened out and modernised abit too. Pool table, large TV, patio area out back and 4 ales from Marstons, Jennings and a guest   photo    

TROUTBECK - visited once after a walk
* QUEENS HEAD HOTEL - Last visit: 2010 - 17th century pub/hotel, darkly lit and cosy inside with beams, real fire etc but quite smart and looked recently decorated. A Robbies pub and a big choice of their ales including seasonal brews, though more expensive than they are back home! Also a patio area out front  photo    

TROUTBECK BRIDGE - went in for a pint when walking past
* SUN - Last visit: 2010 - quite a big hotel on the main road, the public bar area is a large open refurbished room. 3 handpumps but the only ale on was an average pint of Jennings.

WASDALE HEAD - have camped here and visited on days trips several times
* WASDALE HEAD INN- Ritson's Bar - Last visit 2010 - famous hotel/pub in a spectacular setting, the hotel is for guests only but there's the public Ritson's Bar alongside. It has a main bar and dining area plus 2 seperate rooms with flagstone floors and a log burning stove, also plenty of old climbing photos and maps on the walls. Lots of ales from excellent Cumbrian breweries (at one time many were from the adjacent Great Gable brewery, but this has now moved). Good quality bar food with efficient service for hungry walkers and benches outside including alongside the river which runs behind the pub, very pleasant indeed on a nice evening!  photo   website

WINDERMERE - I often get the train to/from here when in the Lakes and occasionally have time for pint in...
* ELLERY HOTEL - Last visit: 2009 - smart refurbished public bar of a hotel, one room in a modern style and layout but also a real fire. 3 real ales including Landlord. photo
* QUEENS HOTEL - Last visit: 2011 - large traditional pub with semi open interior, beamed ceiling and sport on TV, plus a jukebox and pool table in a seperate room. On my visits the ales have included ones from Cumbrian breweries such as Dent and Tirril breweries and it's been busy with a mix of visitors and locals. photo

WORKINGTON - on a brief visit here in early 1990s I called in to a small local pub and had a pint of Jennings. Bet you're glad you know that.

LANCASHIRE
BLACKPOOL - been in several terrible bars here all some time ago, cant recall the details and none are worth remembering

GRIMESHAW VILLAGE (nr Rivington) - have had a meal and a pint in a country pub in the snow round here in mid 1990s

LANCASTER - spent an hour here between train on my way home from the Lakes once so I could try a couple pubs, had a swift pint in these
* THREE MARINERS - Last visit 2009 - very old three storey stone building hidden off the main road, I'd like to tell you about the inside but when I visited there was a powercut and it was hard to see anything by candlelight! From what I could gather it was a cosy rustic place with a few rooms, wooden beams etc. At least the handpumps worked selling interesting beers both local and others, I took a pint from York brewery to the benches out front so I could see what I was doing! photo 
* YORKSHIRE HOUSE - Last visit 2009 - a large stone building on a main road, obviously a big music venue with a downstairs function room, jukebox, music posters etc on the walls. The punters seemed a decent mix of various aged music types, a good friendly laid back atmosphere in a down to earth but cosy pub, bare floors, red walls, dark wood etc and a few different areas to sit including by a wood burning stove. Real ales included from Everards and Hawkshead plus others. photo  website

PRESTON - been here a few times in recent years when visiting friends or changing trains, I also had a pint or two here many years ago.
* CONTINENTAL - Last visit 2009 - a big smart recently refurbished pub next to the River Ribble outside the city centre. Inside is a large open plan room plus a seperate smaller room, conservatory and there's a beer garden out back. The food is rather upmarket (ie not cheap!) but very good while the choice of ales is excellent, all 5 ? handpumps had beers from small breweries  website
* DOG & PARTRIDGE - Last visit 2006 - large-ish basic pub on Friargate with several decent real ales, jukebox and a mixed crowd though leaning towards the heavy metal end of things, especially round the pool table
* EXCHANGE - Last visit 2006 - rather ordinary but decent enough pub on side street not far from the station, with Sky TV and a couple of real ales.  photo
* FOX & GRAPES - Last visit 2009 - a small one roomed down to earth ale house with bare floors, jukebox, table football and an impressive collection of beer mats on the walls and ceiling. The actual beers were a choice of 3 ales from smaller breweries photo
* MARKET TAVERN - Last visit 2009 - an attractive cosy interior with lots of dark wood, old photographs and a mix of seating including in booths and on a raised area which also has a TV showing sports. 3 ales, all interesting, the one I tried was a guet beer from Castle Rock    photo
* NEW BRITANNIA - Last visit 2006 - just round corner from the Dog & P, with a similar crowd, a busy mix of rockers and pensioners! Again a jukebox, pool table and a good range of beers including from unusual brewers.
* OLD BLACK BULL - Last visit 2009 - an interesting looking pub with arched windows either side of the door, inside it's bigger than it looks. There's a small vault/ games room to one side, a large rather bare bar area with a check tiled floor and a lounge down steps to the side. At the back there's another large open room leading to an outside patio area. Lots of TV screen showing sports and a greater number of handpumps on the long bar witha big choice of interesting guest ales.   photo
* OLD VIC - Last visit 2009 - a large pub opposite the station, one big open room round a central bar and was lively and busy with pool table and TV sports. Lots of handpumps including ales from the local Moorhouse and Three B's breweries    photo

 - on a brief stop off in Preston visit years ago I remember visiting a small busy Boddingtons pub near the station,and maybe a second pub too but cant remember which they were.

RAMSBOTTOM - been here in days gone by when visiting the East Lancs Railway
* ROYAL OAK - Last visit: 1997 ? a nice Thwaites local the main street with lunches and a pool table.
have also been in the pub by the East Lancs railway station, sat outside with a pint of Boddingtons I think.

SILVERDALE - walked here once when staying in the area
* WOODLANDS - Last visit 1996 - don't remember too much about this place other than it was a bit like being in someone's front room!

MERSEYSIDE
FORMBY - had a day trip here to see the red squirrels, then I went to this pub.
* FRESHFIELDS HOTEL - Last visit: 2004 - a large pub but split up into different areas, big choice of interesting beer and good value food, seemed a nice relaxed place with a mix of locals and squirrel enthusiasts.

LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE - visited a couple of times for a look round and a few pints, ended up in the following....
* BLATIC FLEET - Last visit: 2008 - near Albert Docks and an interesting sort of wedge shaped building with chimneys painted like ships funnels. Inside are two narrow rooms, one with the bar and the other a long room divided up by a real wood burning stove, both with wooden floors and some bare walls with various photos of ships etc. Has its own 'Wapping' brewery beers, several different ones on sale and I enjoyed the one I had when I got used to its distinctive taste!    photo  website
* CROWN HOTEL - Last visit: 2008 - large pub near the station with interesting interior especially the ceilings. 2 big rooms and a large bar with many handpumps but only 3 beers on when I visited (I had Cains which was at least very cheap!). It was busy for with a mix of people but I wasn't happy it had stopped doing food at just after 2.30 and I was hungry! . photo
* DISPENCARY - Last visit: 2011 - a Cains pub with several of their ales but also guests from other small breweries. A down to earth but interesting interior with bare floors and some ornate features. A small area by the bar and more seating up some steps at the back.  photo   
* DOCTOR DUNCANS - Last visit: 2008 - another Cains bar selling their full range of beer in the narrow bar area which has high stools lining the large shop style windows. Behind is a comfortable lounge with dark wood etc, to the other side is a completely different ornate room with very impressive tiled walls.  photo
* FLY IN THE LOAF - Last visit: 2011 - an attractive pub with large curved windows either side of the front door. Inside is seating in raised areas in the windows, but the main room is very long with a huge bar, tiled floor and seating down one side. Ales are from Okells brewery but also other guest beers.  photo   
* PHILHARMONIC - Last visit: 2011 - famous for its magnificent ornate interior including the gents toilets! Various rooms of different sizes from small cosy dimly lit areas to a huge hall like room, lots of dark wood paneling, fancy plasterwork, glass and tiles - hard to describe how amazing it is, have a look at the photos. It's now a Nicholsons pub, which means a varied selection of changing guest beers, some very interesting ales on my visit.  photo   
* SHIP AND MITRE - Last visit: 2011 - a slightly grubby but unusual white tiled building, inside are various areas around a large central bar which has a huge number of handpumps (not all obvious when you walk in as they're scattered around the bar). Lots of pale wood including the ceiling, quite basic at the front with bare floors and a raised seating area, the rear areas are smarter. I ate here too, a very good freshly made burger.    photo   website
* THOMAS RIGBY'S - Last visit: 2011 - an old pub with ceiling beams etc. 2 separate rooms either side of the long bar, one more basic with bare floor and brick walls, the other smarter plus a third wood paneled room at the back. Several ales from the Okells brewery and guests from other small breweries too.  photo  
* WHITE STAR - Last visit: 2011 - a little traditional Victorian pub near the Cavern area. 2 small rooms, one by the bar and one at the back, a tiled floor and the walls are covered with paintings of ships. A number of ales including from small breweries.  photo   website


SOUTHPORT - came here for a look round and to see some noisy planes at the airshow. And of course I managed to try a couple of pubs, both very good.
* BARONS BAR at the Scarisrick Hotel - Last visit: 2008 - a separate bar round the side of the hotel. A large high ceilinged room described on their website as in the style of a 'medieval baronial hall', with wood panelling and comfortable armchairs and sofas. The long bar has a big choice of real ales including from Southport Brewery and its own low priced but enjoyable house beer Flag & Turret (that's what I had, and not just cos it was the cheapest!).  photo   website
* GUEST HOUSE - Last visit: 2008 - a white mock Tudor style pub with an interesting interior. An entrance corridor leads to 3 separate rooms, all traditional with wood paneling, and the bar with decorative glass. I didnt manage to get a photo inside cos the pub was packed, mainly with visiting morris dancers, so I sat in the pleasant yard out back. Beer wise there are 10 ? handpumps so lots of ales mostly from small breweries including local ones.

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