The Ruddings, Keswick

The bar here is still similar to how Ian described over 7 years ago, being a small corner of a large dining room. The hotel has had a slight change of name during the interim period and I would guess that it has also had a refurbishment. The lounge/dining area feels quite stylish. Almost all of it is carpeted, except the area around the bar. A few people were coming and going, but I was the only customer for a while on my Wednesday morning visit. A couple did arrive for lunch shortly before I departed. On the bar were 3 handpulls. One was clipped with a beer called Theakston Sharp Edge. Apparently this is a re-badged Theakston Best Bitter, named after a local landmark. In fairness, the beer was in good condition and was served to me by a friendly barman. Keg options included Theakston Pale & Beavertown Neck Oil. The cider was Inch's. Canine snacks could be found on the bar, suggesting that the place welcomes dogs. Background music was playing and wifi was also available. There is a small outdoor terrace at the front. The Ruddings is no longer in the Good Beer Guide, having made its last appearance in 2020.

Facebook page of The Ruddings - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Ruddings - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Ruddings - www.theruddingshotel.co.uk

Official site of The Ruddings - www.theruddingshotel.co.uk

Doing 44 Pubs across the Lake District on the Inn Way. Unfortunately, this was the worst. Of course, it was in the Good Beer Guide too. Kind of a bar tacked onto the end of a hotel dining area. Three real ales on and I went for a Fell Brewery IPA which was probably too strong (even for me) at over 6%. It was also cloudy, with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Not real atmosphere. Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2rrGzDd

A former guest house or small hotel, built around the turn of the last century, with extensions added on in more recent years. These include a dining room and, as what seems like a bit of an afterthought, a bar. Although the pub's own website concentrates on the food and the rooms, the landlord is a real ale enthusiast and is rightly proud of the pub's listing in the Good Beer Guide. There are four hand pumps, one with a cider and, on my visit, two ales from local breweries: Cumberland Corby Blonde and Ennerdale Blonde. Other pump clips, all from local breweries, adorn the walls, along with a selection of rather nice prints with a theme of children playing, but the bar is a little short of a genuine pub atmosphere, especially when there's a lively lunch party going on in the dining room. Thankfully, though, there is no "background" music. Entry from the car park is by steps or ramp: follow the signs saying "lounge bar & restaurant" but don't be put off when the next door says "reception", just go through and turn left for the bar. The dining room has another door into the garden, with views towards Skiddaw, but this is locked in winter. In summer, the garden's drawback would be the proximity of the busy A66.