HALF A DOZEN PUBS IN EVERY COUNTY. No. 7 – CUMBRIA.

Another selection from the GBG’s “counties” to delight and infuriate you (“What ! No Broughton in Furness !“); five from me, one from you, please.

Like Cornwall, I only really got to grips with Cumbria late in the charge to GBG glory. I’m sure I’ve missed out loads of picture postcard places in the Lakes,

but my top picks are a less glamorous bunch.

Ravenglass – Inn at Ravenglass (last visited 2022)

Well, to be fair, the Inn at Ravenglass has a smart dining operation, but the bar is a simple flagstones affair,

the beer and welcome was stellar, and Ravenglass itself has an otherworldly quality that I warmed to. Or perhaps that was just proximity to Sellafield.

Coniston – Sun (last visited 2003)

20 years ago ! Yes, but I still remember the quality of that Coniston Bluebird, and the views from the garden. And Will told me I HAD to include it, so there.

Eamont Bridge – Crown (last visited in 2022)

Well, you’ve never heard of this, have you ?

And you haven’t seen Younger’s Scotch in a pub for a while, either.

They do cask, it’s good enough, but the Scotch goes best with the Thai food and the landlord’s wry insults to the regulars.

“It’s the sticky surfaces that make it” said Mrs RM, sagely, on our third visit.

She knows her pubs, does Mrs RM. Good job she didn’t see the Gents though.

Great Broughton – Punch Bowl (last visited 2022)

Your closest pub to Workington, a corker of a local run by volunteers, who welcomed us into their crisp Friday.

Honestly, stout and free Pipers; what more do you need ?

Dalton-in-Furness – Brown Cow (last visited 2022)

Well, the trip here, just south of Ulverston, was spectacular;

And the Brown Cow was worth the trip,

a riot of football tat enjoyed by Walsall fans on their way to Barrow,

and the sort of unspoilt simple pub with local beer that made 2022 such a joy.

Over to you..

Unknown's avatar

Published by retiredmartin

Retired NHS, doing long walks around UK and the world to record the great bits. Focused on Good Beer Guide pubs and live music.

14 thoughts on “HALF A DOZEN PUBS IN EVERY COUNTY. No. 7 – CUMBRIA.”

  1. The Taggy Man in Kirkby Stephen. Just does its job as a pub spectacularly well. Good welcome, spotless, comfortable, good beer and solid fare. I quite like it.
    However Will is correct about the Sun. After a stumble along the Walna Scar Road on a warm day there is no greater sight.

    Like

    Reply

  2. I’ve been to plenty of pubs in Cumbria over the years, but few really spring out. One I do remember, but possibly more for the setting than the pub offer, is the Ratty Arms on the station platform at Ravenglass.

    It has the same problem as Cornwall of trying to balance tourist and regular trade. And there are some truly dreadful gastro places in the South Lakes.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. I’m not sure why I’m credited with the inclusion of Coniston’s Sun and the consequent exclusion of the Black Bull. So many great pubs mentioned by RM and commenters, but the hint at the start of this piece “What ! No Broughton in Furness !“ is what I will concentrate on. The Manor Arms is simply one of the best six pubs in the whole world, never mind Cumbria. If you don’t believe me, just read this review on Pubs Galore: https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/6008/

    Oh, wait a minute: that was my review!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. From the 1990s I remember the following highlights:

    Glenridding – Travellers Rest
    Hartsop – Brotherswater Inn
    Wasdale Head – Wasdale Head Inn
    Stonethwaite – The Langstrath Country Inn

    I’ve nothing at all to say about the South Lakes.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment