The Shepherds Inn, Penrith

An attractive pub in a pleasant village in the Eden valley, the Shepherds Inn has found a new lease of life by going down the food-led route that is often the only way that out-of-the-way country pubs can make a living. Unfortunately, this means that it is not a very pleasant experience for the casual beer tourist. I entered to a strong smell of fried fish, which is never a good sign. On the bar were four hand pumps, but only three beers were on. In fact, the beer I tried was very much on its way to being off, initially disguised by the extremely low temperature at which it was served. With all tables set for diners, I found a place to sit in a window seat, balancing my beer glass on the ledge. With smell and taste assaulted by unwanted sensations, it was inevitable that Céline Dion would make an appearance on the CD player, warbling a raucous farewell as I hastily made my way out of the door. Date of visit: 10th July 2016