Cuckoo Brow Inn, Ambleside

I remember coming here in the 1980s, when the bar counter doubled as hotel reception at the foot of the stairs; another much larger bar was constructed to the left, though I'm not sure I ever went there. I really liked the small area, a sort of foyer or lobby, around the fireplace just inside the front door. The main bar is now through a door to the left of where the small counter used to be, and this is a light and airy couple of rooms with plenty of room for diners. I took my beer back through to the lobby, though, where it is still very pleasant, peaceful and charming. There were three beers on a group of four hand pumps, all from local breweries, which is good to see. I went for the Hawkshead Red which was in good condition. (I had started out from Ambleside by bus, walked from Bowness to the ferry across the lake which left at 11:30 and walked about a mile along the road, arriving here at 12 noon. There are off-road alternatives, but the road is quiet enough in low season to make a pleasant walk.) Date of visit: 3rd March 2022