White Lion, Ambleside

The White Lion is much the same as when I last reviewed it, though it's a shock to see that it's more than 10 years ago. Four hand pumps, with three beers on, one a Christmas special, one Wainwright and the other a session IPA from Black Sheep called Twilighter. The mention of Citra hops on the pump clip meant that I knew it wouldn't be to my taste, but I decided to follow my maxim: trust the brewer. (Though to be fair I've had Black Sheep beers that I thought were pretty poor, notably their Monty Python series.) Quite a surprise to find this beer was in superb condition - NBSS 4.5, though I may have overcompensated for not actually liking it. My remarks from 2012 about how uncomfortable the pub feels still apply - and that's not because I read my old review and thought it still applied. I looked around and had the same thoughts, and only after sitting down read the old review and nearly fell off my chair in surprise. The background music was where it should be, so definitely a better pub experience than last time.

Nice enough pub that is ok and if you can get a seat outside is a nice place to watch people come and go.

This 19th century town centre hotel has been opened out inside into a series of interconnected rooms, with archways rather than doors between. The bar is on the right upon entering, featuring four hand pumps. These included Jennings Cumberland Ale, Orkney Dark Island and a seasonal offering from Adnams, which was fine and not too expensive for a tourist area at £2.80 a pint. Tables were set up for dining, leaving nowhere that felt comfortable for just a drink. The music was playing at my least favourite volume: inescapable.