User name:

Password:

Login

Sign in with Facebook

Not already a member?
Join our community and - Rate & review pubs - Upload pictures - Add events JOIN for free NOW

Chat about:
History of the Reat Ale Twa*ts. with Komakino on the Pub Forum

Kings Arms Hotel, Ambleside

The Square
Hawkshead
Postal town: Ambleside
LA22 0NZ

Return to pub summary

Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7 of 10) Add Review see review guidelines

Will Larter left this review about Kings Arms Hotel

After a period of closure and a lengthy refurbishment by the new owners, the King's Arms opened again this year. I'm pleased to see the carved wooden pillar is still holding up the ceiling, but my memory tells me it's in a different part of the room. It's pretty busy today, with a Christmas market making the village very crowded, and the persistent rain meaning that the front garden is not in use. Four hand pumps with a remarkably similar line up to what I saw 13 years ago (see photo). My halves of Coniston Old Man and Lakes Brew Best averaged NBSS 3.75 and £5.80/pint, with the Best just shading it for quality.

On 7th December 2025 - rating: 7
[User has posted 4531 recommendations about 4152 pubs]

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Will Larter left this review about Kings Arms Hotel

This is a tiny place, with a very small bar in the tap room to the left and a small dining room to the right. The low ceiling is supported in one place by a wooden pillar that has been carved in the shape of a Norse king - possibly based on a Viking chess set. Pictures of local scenes and birds (including one of my favourites: long-tailed tits) adorn the walls and there was some music playing at a low volume.

On the bar were four hand pumps, serving all local ales: Hawkshead Bitter, Cumbrian Legendary Ales Esthwaite Bitter, Ulverston Fra Diabolo and Coniston Old Man.

On 17th February 2012 - rating: 6
[User has posted 4531 recommendations about 4152 pubs]

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Graham Coombs left this review about Kings Arms Hotel

Reasonable old pub in village overrun by tourist shops. One main bar room, with beams and open fireplace, with a side room more aimed at dining. Several good local ales.

On 31st August 2011 - rating: 8
[User has posted 3846 recommendations about 3778 pubs]

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Gary Seymour left this review about Kings Arms Hotel

Four real ales. Dogs welcome.

On 30th May 2008 - rating: 6
[User has posted 38 recommendations about 38 pubs]