cosy winter pubs...
The winter is a stunning season in the Lake District, Cumbria. Crisp days, dramatic skies, icy lakes, snow-dusted fells, there's never a better time or a better place for a winter walk followed by a proper bar meal in a cosy Cumbrian pub. Here are some of our favourite places to warm up this winter...
Eagle and Child, Staveley
During the cold winter months, where better to enjoy a quiet drink, than in front of a roaring fire? This is exactly what you'll get if you go to the Eagle and Child, which prides itself on its choice of local ales. Food is also served between 12 and 3 and 6 and 9. Monday to Saturday from 12 to 2.30 they offer lunch for just a fiver, so indulge in some good food for less in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
01539 821320/ www.eaglechildinn.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.
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.
015242 71965/ www.sun-inn.info
The Watermill Inn, Ings, near Windermere
Voted UK Beer Pub of the Year 2011 in the Good Pub guide, it's a real gem of a place for those in search of a quiet drink, in a warm and relaxing atmosphere. It boasts its very own Brewery leaving you spoilt for choice! Don't worry though, as their style guide, indicating the colour and taste of each beer on offer will help you with your all-important decision. There's a wide selection of hearty food served daily from 12 noon until 9pm, which will help you warm up during those cold wintry nights. With its superb location, it's so easy to drop in on your way home from a day in the Lakes.
01539 821309/ www.watermillinn.co.uk
The George and Dragon, Clifton, near Penrith
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. 01768 865 381 / www.georgeanddragonclifton.co.uk
Yanwath Gate Inn
Awarded the 2012 Good Pub Guide's ‘Dining Pub of the Year' for Cumbria award for the fifth time in six years, their ethos of good quality informal dining has also seen them highly praised at a national level. The Gate Inn, locally known as the ‘Yat' has an ever growing reputation for great food, using local fresh ingredients from independent Cumbrian producers and suppliers. There is also a beautiful garden and outside seating area making it a place you will want to return to again and again. Cumbria benefits from no less than 16 breweries and this is made good use of at the Gate Inn with at least 3 being represented at any one time. Good quality informal dining with a relaxed and comfortably cosy atmosphere.01768 862386 / www.yanwathgate.com
Tower Bank Arms, Near 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.
015394 36334/ www.towerbankarms.co.uk
The Strickland Arms, Great Stricickland, Penrith
Nestled in the heart of a village, which offers a real community spirit to the place, The Strickland Arms has lots to offer, including real open fires, Cask Ales on tap and a dining area. All food is freshly prepared upon ordering and consists of only the finest local produce. To avoid that cool walk home after a night relaxing in the warmth of this traditional Inn, there is also a Bed and Breakfast facility.
01931 712238/ www.thestricklandarms.co.uk
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 food and drink. 017687 72393/ www.lakedistrictinns.co.uk
The Drunken Duck Inn, Barngates, Ambleside
A multi award-winning family-owned inn which serves the finest local produce imaginatively prepared and served. The food is complemented by fine local beers, top wines and spirits and a traditional interior with an open fire and Brathay Black slate bar top. The inn site's within 60 acres of private land high above Lake Windermere, providing a scenic setting for a relaxed lunch. 015394 36347/ www.drunkenduckinn.co.uk
