Watermill Inn, Kendal

In the small village of Ings, just off the A591 ( and on the 555 bus route between Kendal and Winderrnere ) , and just a couple of miles outside Windermere, is The Watermill Inn, or, to give it its full name – The Watermill Inn and Brewing Co. It’s a multi award winning pub with, since 2006, its own in house microbrewery attached. It’s a long stone building, a converted sawmill, resembling a chalet, complete with upstairs accommodation with an outside balcony. As we approach the pub, we see, proudly draped across the frontage, several tarpaulin banners teling us that The Watermill was named “The Good Pub Guide UK Own Brew Pub of the Year 2013”. We also see that their Isle of Dogs beer has won Northern SIBA Gold Medals. A large Union Jack flies proudly from the roof. The pub logo – a watermill – is displayed on the pub sign, on which we also see the pub’s strapline “ Real Ales +Real Food + Real Atmosphere = Real Pub”. Attractive hanging flower baskets contribute towards a favourable first impression, before we have even stepped inside. Inside, a small lobby leads to two separate, but similarly styled bars – The River Bar and The Smithy Bar, both traditionally furnished and comfortable, but reflecting the pub’s emphasis of providing meals to the numerous visitors to this part of The Lake District. Immediately in front of us as we go in to The River Bar is the bar counter, with a wooden gothic styled frontage rescued from a local church. This bar features black beams adorned with a splendid collection of pump clips. White washed stone walls display various brewery related memorabilia, including some foreign brewery enamel signs and some old brewery brass taps displayed in a show case. Plenty of CAMRA and other award certificates are prominently displayed on a dividing wall in close proximity to the bar counter. In one corner, a large viewing window allows one to see the brewery in action – not that there’s much to see, just the usual copper mash tuns, glass tubes etc. Some seats afford views of the river just outside, although actually, it’s more of a small stream than a river. An on site brewery operation was established in 2006 and, as well as being visible from The River Bar, can also be seen round the back by passing through the car park. For some inexplicable reason, the names of the home brew beers reflect a dog theme – thus for instance we see beers with silly names – eg – Golden Retriever, A Bit’er Ruff, Collie Wobbles etc. Perhaps inevitably, the pub is dog friendly with water bowls and biscuits readily available, although, recognising the fact that not everyone likes dogs sniffing around all over the place, The Smithy Bar is designated as a dog free zone. Each bar has 8 pumps with different beers on in each. A blackboard high up behind the bar helpfully lists the beers on and their provenance. Thus for instance, as if we didn’t know already, we learn that Theakstons Old Peculier and Moorhouses Pendle Witch come from Masham and Burnley respectively. Home brew beers are described as coming from “15 yards behind you”. On my recent mid – September visit, beers on were generally priced between £ 2.80p and £ 2.90p with Theakstons Old Peculier coming in at £ 3.50p, prices which you might agree, are pretty reasonable. 3 x1/3 pint tasting trays are available. An extensive food menu is offered, and, given the pub’s reputation, you can expect diners to dominate at most times. My food was tasty and, despite the pub being busy, arrived promptly. Food is of the hearty pub grub variety and generously portioned. I enjoyed the visit and, in relation to the pub’s strapline, I enjoyed the Real Ales and the Real Food, but I would take issue with the Real Atmosphere, which basically is non existent, with, on my visit, a rather transient feel being present – people having a meal and a drink, and then disappearing. I’m not going to let this stop me from re-visiting when the opportunity arises – nor should you.

My wife , dog & I spent three very comfortable nights at the Watermill. The room was very clean, cosy and comfortable, a little on the small side but everything else made up for this. Evening bar meals were exceedingly good and well priced, as is the vast selection of beer. Breakfast was also very good. If you have a dog this is certainly the place to stay as the dogs are made to feel most welcome, even by being able to sit with you at breakfast. We shall definitely be returning.

Excellent stone-built pub with own brewery. Good range of beers and food and clearly very popular with locals and visitors. Only passed through quickly but worth a longer visit.

Last night, we had a meal at this amazing pub on the A591 in Ings, nr Windermere in the Lake District. If you like country pubs, with a nice log fire, and enjoy seeing the locals stroll in with their dogs, who are provided with a bowl of water and winalot biscuits (the dog's not the locals) then get to the Watermill and soak up the pure country atmosphere. My partner and I enjoyed a lovely meal of steak pie made with real ale, topped with a fabulous pastry and served with mange tout, carrotts and chips. Just yummy and a fabulous find. Thanks for a lovely evening in traditional country settings.

A real "gem". Situated in the small hamlet of Ings,just off the A591 about two miles from Windermere (towards Kendal). Great range of Real Ales (at times up to 16 on tap) including a few from their own microbrewery. I have stayed there several times and the accommodation is excellent. The food served is top class. A good mix of locals and tourists make this a really friendly place. Multi award winner and in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2010.

Excellent real ale range well over a dozen. Including several brewed on site. Very friendly. Dogs very welcome.