Agricultural Inn, Penrith

Modernised pub near the railway station and castle which thankfully retains some character in and around the central bar with its splendid 'shutter and panel' servery. Also has a slightly raised dining area (in darkness when I visited) to the left of the entrance and a number of benches out front (including those behind a screen which provides some shelter). Four real ales on handpump: Windermere Collie Wobbles, Allendale Pennine Pale, Cracker from Barngates (£3.75) and Hawkshead Prime Porter.

Close to the train station, and a Morrisons, but easily walkable from the town centre without too much effort. Four hand pulls offering, at the time of my visit a week or so back, Titanic Plum Porter, Oakham Green Devil, Kirkby Lonsdale Stanley's, and Barngates Tag Lag. The Tag Lag was £1.90 for a half and a decent bitter. The outdoor seating seemed to be more popular than indoors, despite the weather not being glorious sunshine. There is a fairly small but grand looking bar with rising service hatches. Food is served and it is also a hotel. Not much atmosphere indoors during the day as it was so quiet but music was playing at a reasonable background volume so it wasn't like sitting in a dentist's waiting room (if you can remember when we were last allowed to do that). Banquette seating, low level stools and dining style chairs make up the indoor seating, with varnished wooden square dining style tables. A nice tidy place, presumably of some history, and one I would be happy to return to.

Perfectly positioned for when you have an hour to wait for your train. Four real ales on and after a sample of a couple, I settled for a Wagtail from the Allendale Brewery. In absolutely pefect condition. Traditional interior with a dining room, and bar area. Outside tables for the summer. Successful visit.