The Farmers, Ulverston

A big modernisation job in here and to be fair it is executed really well - feels cosy and welcoming in the main bar with beams and gentle mochas shades. Far bigger inside than you would expect, it has been extended backwards a long way, the rear hosting a ginormous rear area which is decorated in a modern and quite classy style and also has its own dedicated bar. Three ales, 2x Lune (NBSS 3.5) and Hawkshead Stout (NBSS 3.5) served-up by a waistcoated deadpan Eastern European. Very busy for a late Monday afternoon as well. I was quite taken with this one.

Initially wowed by the free hotdogs on the bar when we arrived at teatime on a Thursday evening. Gastro pub but bustling, not least with locals in the know who had come for a free scoff. Tirrel Borrowdale Bitter in fine condition - after a long wait to get served. Would appear those staff at the top bar are chained to their post and not allowed to help out below in busy periods. Found a table with a couple of nice gents engaging us in good chat. And then we found out dogs were not allowed inside and asked to sit outside, next to a huge firepit. So no great shakes.