Grapes Inn, Appleby Town Centre, Appleby-In-Westmorland

The Grapes is probably the most photographed hostelry in Appleby, featuring as a backdrop in countless images of the town’s annual horse fair. The visiting travellers love to wash and display their horses, in a shallow stretch of the River Eden, just over the road from the pub. It’s a small traditional Jennings place, with a fairly plain interior, which looks to have been opened up from two even smaller rooms, down the years. It’s a shame that the cosy feel from the low ceiling and original beams is somewhat compromised by the widespread use of pine tongue and groove. Although it’s almost a moot point, given the size of the place, the left hand side feels more like a public bar and the right hand side, a lounge. Three hand pumps at the bar, but disappointingly only Burton Bitter available. Such a shame it was served at nigh on lager temperature, as otherwise it seemed a decent pint. However, the two friendly female bar staff were lovely, being attentive to and obviously very fond of three old boys enjoying a quiet mid-afternoon session. That, plus the fact I was thanked for my custom on the way out, made me want to call again, even if it means sitting with a glass between my thighs, for twenty minutes.