The Elleray, Windermere

This hotel has a large dining room on the corner, plus a long bar which can be entered either via the reception area or by a separate door further along Cross Street. The decor is mushroom and pistachio, which is cool (tone) but not very cool (fashion), I'd say. There was a fire, which was welcome on a very cold night. The ubiquitous Wizrd were playing as I entered, but the barman was just as happy as I to press the reject button and play something else - "wish it could be Christmas every day", indeed - bah humbug, say I. I was almost alone in the bar, but it was a cold night and there was football ojn TV in the Queens just down the road. There were some interisting modern pictures by local artists adorning the walls, the chairs and sofas were comfortable but the place felt just a bit bleak (cool). Four hand pumps were available, serving Hawkshead Best Bitter, Batemans Rosy Nosy, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin and Jennings Cumberland Ale: a varied if unadventurous selection.

Considering that this is a busy tourist town it doesn't have a lot of pubs. I'd just been in the Queens hotel down the road which was ok but nothing special. This pub was far tidier and had 4 real ales on. Copperdragon Golden Pippin Jennings Cumberland Ale Hobgoblin and Hawkshead Bitter. The bar was made of some dark wood (it could have been beech) and with leather seats, relaxing background music and a wood fire crackling in the corner, the place was quite homely. Tried the golden pippin which was a light refreshing brew that didnt taint my breath for my subsiquent visit to the dentist. Meals were very cheap at £5. Barman amiable. Bandit but no pool table. I'd say the Queens down the road is more popular and did have 2 real ales on, but the Elleray is more refined with a light scattering of small groups.

Official site of the Elleray - www.elleraywindermere.co.uk

Official site of the Elleray - www.elleraywindermere.co.uk