The Ratty Arms, Ravenglass

There's something missing here, and I think I know what it is: a publike atmosphere. I know it's a bar based in an old station building, but there are some excellent pubs that started out that way. This, sadly, is not one. The beer line-up didn't help, as far as I was concerned: although I'm a fan of Black Sheep Bitter, it can be insipid if not handled with care, and neither Jennings Cumberland Ale nor Cross Bay Halo pull up any trees for me. They're beers that you have on the bar if you're afraid of frightening the tourists. If the sun is shining, there's a very nice beer garden here. Another plus point of course is that it's handy for the two railway stations: miniature and full size. Remember to allow plenty of time for the narrow gauge train departure to Eskdale, or the big train to Barrow and Lancaster, as the bridge across the tracks is a longer walk than it might have reasonably been expected to be, with an awkward gate if encumbered by luggage, a bicycle or several pints of beer.

This pub is housed in the former station buildings on Ravenglass station - which is now a stop-ff on the Ravenglass - Eskdale Railway. The buildings (former waiting rooms) are in stone, with a wood extension and have a touch of the Victorian Gothic. There is a patio area. The interior has an open-plan room, which is part partitioned and in white. There is a white and beam ceiling and a blue patterned carpet. There is quite a long wood serving bar that compliments the bench seating. There is a nice iron fireplace. There is a dart board and i didn't see a TV and there was no music. It will not come as a shock that the walls have railway and train pictures on them. The service was very good and the clientele seemed a good mix of drinkers and diners, and all ages. They do food, which was decent. Beer; usual tap stuff with Jennings Cocker Hoop and Cumberland Ale, and Ennerdale Copper and Darkest on handpull, both of the last two being decent. It is a GBG pub and i felt both comfortable here and happy with the food/beer. I would definitely go back.