Lakes Bar, Keswick

I heard it suggested in Keswick that this was quite a pricey bar, but in fact the bistro menu and tapas are quite reasonable, and the beers are also at normal prices. Surprisingly, unless you've had a look through the window before entering, there are four hand pumps on the bar, and, perhaps more of a surprise, stools for drinkers to perch upon, making this very much a bar-and-bistro rather than bistro-and-bar. Ales on offer when I was here were Jennings Bitter and two other local beers that I failed to write down. I had the Jennings, which I enjoy as a well-balanced beer at a proper session-beer strength, and it was well served too. The atmosphere is definitely bistro-like, but if you're just after a drink you'll be very welcome.