Ramblers Bar @ Inn on the Lake, Penrith

The old pub-like bar is no more, though whether this was a result of the depredations of Storm Desmond in December 2015 or just an architect's brainstorm I do not know. Suffice to say that, despite the name Ramblers Bar still appearing above the new entrance, this is not a place where ramblers would be likely to feel comfortable. It is now a smart hotel bar, with every table equipped for dining and no nook or even cranny where a tired walker or cyclist can lay down their rucksack and stretch their weary legs. Even a part of the room labelled "Snug" has dining tables in it, and is easily the least snug snug I have ever seen. The miserable beer offering (see photo) almost had me turning on my heels, but I persevered in the interest of research, and was rewarded with a reasonably drinkable half of Jennings Cumberland Ale. (Just think how damning my review might have been if I'd gone instead for the Jennings Redskins: "a silky strawberry blonde sensation with delicate red berry flavours".) This is not one to hurry back to.

Official pages of the Inn on the Lake - www.lakedistricthotels.net

Official pages of the Inn on the Lake - www.lakedistricthotels.net