top 10 cosy autumn pubs...
The autumn is a glorious season in the Lake District, Cumbria. The changing of the leaves and the autumnal light emphasize the beauty of the spectacular landscape - there's never a better time or a better place for an autumn walk followed by a proper bar meal in a cosy Cumbrian pub. Here are some of our favourite places to warm up this autumn.
The Masons Arms, Strawberry Bank
Recently one of only five pubs shortlisted by Country Life Magazine for the Country Pub of the Year Award... A wonderful, atmospheric Lakeland inn perched on the fell side overlooking the beautiful Winster Valley. As well as the traditional bar and dining room they have a lovely outdoor terrace complete with canopies and heaters just perfect for enjoying a relaxing drink at sunset. They offer good, local, wholesome food, freshly prepared using top quality produce. Tel: 015395 68486, www.masonsarmsstrawberrybank.co.uk
The Bitter End, Cockermouth
A welcoming pub complete with its own micro brewery where the whole brew process can be seen through a glazed partition in the pub. With roaring open fires, superb home made meals and fantastic real ales this is a very appealing place to relax. Tel:01900 828993, www.bitterend.co.uk
The Sun Inn, Kirkby Lonsdale
A welcoming 17th century inn set in the heart of the town, overlooking St Mary's church, close to Devils Bridge and Ruskin's View. Enjoy a drink in front of the log fires or relax in the lounge and wine library. The restaurant offers excellent food created using fresh local ingredients and is fast gaining a well-respected reputation for quality. Tel: 015242 71965, www.sun-inn.info
The Vagabond, Whitehaven
A popular pub right on the pretty harbourside in Whitehaven. They specialise in good comfort food using local ingredients and often fish fresh from the fishing boats docked nearby. It offers a great atmosphere, friendly staff and there are often blues and folk bands playing there so you can enjoy live music as you eat. Tel: 01946 693671, www.thevagabondwhitehaven.co.uk
The George and Dragon, Clifton
The brand new George and Dragon Inn nestles in a charming village on the edge of the Lowther Valley This former coaching inn, built in the late 18th century, has been lovingly restored by local craftsmen who have reused stone, slate flags, design and colours sympathetic to the early Georgian period. Comfy sofas, bare wooden tables, intimate alcoves and open crackling fires make it a perfect place to relax and unwind and the freshest local, organic ingredients, sourced within 20 miles of the inn, make the menus mouthwatering. Tel: 01768 865 381, www.georgeanddragonclifton.co.uk
The Strickland Arms, Nr Kendal
This has an impressive reputation for superb food, good service and lovely surroundings. Stylishly contemporary and airily spacious with two log fires, the menu is simple and seasonal and the food fresh and delicious. Definitely worth a visit. Tel: 015395 61010, www.ainscoughs.co.uk/Strickland-Arms/strickland-arms-home.html
Tower Bank Arms, Nr Sawrey
This pub is next door to Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's former home and can be seen in one of the sketches for The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck. This 17th century Lakeland inn offers friendly professional service, quality fresh food and an extensive selection of traditional local ales and organic soft drinks and wines. Tel: 015394 36334, www.towerbankarms.co.uk
The Weary, Nr Carlisle
This inn has been extensively refurbished and now offers boutiquey accommodation, stylish bar and restaurant and great food. Their menus are fresh, local and seasonal and their desserts are to die for. Ideal if you need to put on a bit of weight for the winter! www.theweary.com
The Kings Head Hotel & Inn, Thirlmere
Situated at the foot of Helvellyn in the heart of the Lake District, this 17th century coaching inn enjoys an idyllic setting surrounded by spectacular scenery. The Kings Head offers both bar and fine dining with an extensive menu featuring traditional English dishes and local specialities created from the finest produce. The on- site local produce store offers a wide range of cumbrian foods and drinks. Tel: 017687 72393, www.lakedistrictinns.co.uk
The Drunken Duck Inn, Barngates, Nr Ambleside
A multi award-winning family-owned inn which serves the finest local produce imaginatively prepared and served. The food is complimented by fine local beers, top wines and spirits and a traditional interior with an open fire and Brathay Black slate bar top. The inn sites within 60 acres of private land high above Lake Windermere, providing a scenic setting for a relaxed lunch. Tel: 015394 36347, www.drunkenduckinn.co.uk
