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New Pub with Poohbear1863
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Image posted by aleand hearty
Submitted on Saturday, 15th July 2023
With picture contributions to 272 other pubs
View all this pub's pictures (17 more images)
Detail Pages
Watermill Inn, Kendal
Ings
Postal town: Kendal
LA8 9PY
Served areas
Reviews of Watermill Inn (Average Rating: 9 of 10) see review guidelines
Will Larter left this review about Watermill Inn
I'm surprised to find that I've not previously reviewed this pub, as there can't be many years in the last 15 when I've not called in. I've never cycled here - we used to call in with my mother after picking her up from the train from Euston to Oxenholme, and more recently I've used my bus pass to get here from Ambleside or Kendal. The beers brewed on site seem to be well made, though I've never seen them anywhere but here. A lot of them have amusing names like A Bit'Er Ruff for a best bitter, but perhaps only amusing to dog lovers. It's a very good beer, as is the Blackbeard mild, and reasonably priced for the area at a combined price for two halves of just £4.80. Definitely worth a visit.
On 16th July 2026
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 4910 recommendations about 4493 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Pub SignMan left this review about Watermill Inn
This popular roadside brewpub, hotel and restaurant sits just off the Kendal–Windermere road, fronted by a tidy patio seating area that leads into a charming multi-room interior. A central corridor offers a fork to the left for the main bar or right toward a more formal restaurant space and the hotel reception. The bar is split into smaller zones by partitioning walls, giving it a cosy, slightly rambling feel, with mixed seating – high stools near the counter, and traditional tables and chairs beyond. Décor leans classic, with paintings, black-and-white photos and the occasional trinket or curious ornament. The stone-built exterior and traditional furnishings add a great sense of local character. Over in the restaurant, formally laid tables line the right-hand wall and spill into a compact front room, while a second, wood-panelled bar displays Windermere bottled beers across the bar back. Like many pubs in the Lakes, it winds down early, but we struck fairly lucky by visiting on a quiz night – the place was lively with locals and walkers alike until the winners were announced, at which point the room rapidly emptied.
Four of the house’s own beers were on during our visit: Windermere Golden Retriever, A Bit’er Ruff, Collie Wobbles, and Windermere Blonde. I sampled all four and found them to be in good condition and felt like the pub was a great place to showcase the brewery’s wares. We were staying at the pub and found the rooms smart and comfortable, the food solid if unspectacular, and the staff very welcoming.
I really liked this place and was pleased that we’d booked to stay for a couple of nights, as it gave us a chance to properly explore and appreciate the venue. For me, it did lots of things well, especially the beer and service, but also the characterful building and pleasant surrounding area. It’s a bit betwixt and between in location, meaning that it’s a bit of a fiddle to get to without your own transport, but it’s worth seeking out and I’d be more than happy to come and stay here again.
Date of visit: 9th April 2025
On 8th September 2025
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3387 recommendations about 3387 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Old Boots left this review about Watermill Inn & Brewing Co
Old mill building with a bar cum restaurant and a brewery at its rear. All in old stone, internally is a series of rooms, some interconnected. There are two main bars with stone built counters and housing six pulls serving the Windermere beers brewed in the back. As a brewery tap and a long term GBG entry, the beer is naturally excellent. I’ll let John Bonser’s review tell you the rest.
On 26th September 2021
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 4235 recommendations about 3895 pubs]
View more reviews of Watermill Inn (10)
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- Official site of the Watermill Inn - www.lakelandpub.co.uk
- CAMRA WhatPub :: Watermill Inn - whatpub.com
Windermere, 2.18 miles, 42 min walk (show)
Burneside (Cumbria), 4.56 miles, 1 hr 27 min walk (show)
Pub Details
Pub details supplied by members of this site to the best of their knowledge. Please check with pub directly before making a special trip.
- Accommodation : Yes last updated 15 July 2023 by Tris C
- Beer Garden : Yes last updated 12 December 2024 by Will Larter
- Car Park : Yes last updated 30 July 2013 by Will Larter
- Child Friendly : Yes last updated 15 July 2023 by Tris C
- Dog Friendly : Yes last updated 14 October 2014 by hondo .
- Hot Food : Yes last updated 30 July 2013 by Will Larter
- Micropub : No last updated 15 July 2023 by Tris C
- Real Ale : Yes last updated 30 July 2013 by Will Larter
- WiFi : Yes last updated 12 December 2024 by Will Larter
