19 The Wine Bar, Kendal

A stylish conversion of what the presence of a dumb waiter suggests was a former restaurant or cafe in this canyon-like side street in Kendal's notorious one-way system (and if it wasn't notorious before, I hope it is now as I've mentioned it in three reviews). The bar itself has been given a roof made of pan-tiles, presumably intended to evoke the Burgundy region of France, and the continental cafe feel is enhanced by the coffee machine and the long list of foreign beers in bottles and on tap (Paulaner, Leffe and Duvel, to name but three). Wine and cocktails are listed on a board behind the bar, but the effect is spoiled somewhat by the presence of four hand pumps. OK, I'm just kidding, the real ale is an enhancement, of course, but it is slightly off-kilter. Beers were from Strands, Carlisle State Brewery and Hesket Newmarket. I had the latter's Sharp Edge, which name refers to the ridge of that name on Blencathra rather than the taste of the beer, which was perhaps not in good enough condition to do justice to the brewer's intentions. Nevertheless, it was pleasant here, very relaxing after a quick dash around the market. The building is tall and narrow, extending back on several levels, with the toilets being upstairs and an outside space, presumably for drinkers as well as smokers, downstairs to the rear. (I didn't observe whether there was disabled access to either yard or toilets.) There was music at a reasonable volume and of an eclectic nature which didn't intrude on my relaxed mood. If the beer had been in better nick I would have awarded an 8; perhaps I was just unlucky and will certainly try again next time I'm in Kendal.