The Old Hill Inn, Carnforth

Having checked various sources online, I really wasn't expected to find this pub open. But we were due to pass by in any case. So, I was looking out for it. I spotted the sign, now looking a little worn high on the side of the building, but luckily others in the car spotted an "Open" sign and some pumpclips on the bar with the lights on. As swift about turn and a few minutes later and we were inside a pub that I hadn't expected to be visiting. The only open room on our visit was one to the right-hand side of the entrance. Although I assume there is a separate dining area to the left-hand side. 2 other couples were present, along with the landlady and her rather excitable but friendly dog. Another couple of walkers arrived later with their dog and in search of a taxi to complete the remaining part of their journey. With darkness having fallen almost an hour before, who knows what they would have done if the pub hadn't been open and the landlady hadn't have offered to call a taxi for them! The single open room has a very traditional with stone floors. A number of sugar sculptures can be seen in glass cases at one end of the bar. These are apparently made by the landlord. Just the solitary real ale was on, but my Settle Attermile Pale was in excellent condition. I did enquire with the landlady whether they had been closed for a long while. She looked a little curious as to why I was asking, but simply said that they opened whenever they could. As such, it could be one of those pubs that is very frustrating to try to visit. It is well away from civilisation and it looks like buses only run past on Sundays in summer! It was pure luck for us that we drove past and found it open. I notice that WhatPub has also been updated today to show it open. They state that it is usually open at weekends. If you can manage to find this pub open, I would definitely recommend a visit. Hopefully opening hours will be extended in the summer.

Official site of The Old Hill Inn - www.oldhillinningleton.co.uk

Official site of The Old Hill Inn - www.oldhillinningleton.co.uk

A group of us came to this pub for shelter in atrocious weather conditions and were incredibly upset after being spoken to very rudely. The staff are really unhelpful, unwelcoming and confrontational. We were also singled out because we didn't have a local accent. One of our party has allergies and was assured by staff here that there was no sugar in a bottle of drink when in fact there was and they consequently had a relapse of symptoms. The toilets aren't clean and there were flies everywhere. We certainly wont be returning here.

Real Ales, home cooked food and accommodation.