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Beer of the Week (w/e 15th June 2025) with Tris39 on the Pub Forum

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Submitted on Friday, 26^th July 2019
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The Sportsman, Carlisle

Heads Lane
Carlisle
CA3 8AQ

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Served areas

Carlisle Central

Reviews of The Sportsman (Average Rating: 6½ of 10) Add Review see review guidelines

Will Larter left this review about The Sportsman

A vast improvement on my visit nearly six years ago. The lass behind the counter was efficient and friendly, and informative when I asked if the two beers on were regulars. She said that the Wainwright Gold is the only regular, with the other two beers constantly changing, sometimes with local beers. Both of my halves were in good condition (average NBSS 3.25, £4.70/pint) - this pub is in the current Good Beer Guide.

On 11^th May 2025 - rating: 7
[User has posted 4348 recommendations about 3996 pubs]

Danny O'Revey left this review about The Sportsman

Not many pubs like this anymore, old fashioned with a 70's feel, sign advising to keep off the disco quipment. Not overfriendly and really needs work outside but its strangely ok in a traditional sort of way

On 8^th July 2024 - rating: 6
[User has posted 1556 recommendations about 1533 pubs]

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Will Larter left this review about The Sportsman

In Carlisle's historical quarter and signposted from English Street, this old building is juxtaposed by modern shopping developments but initially looks quite promising with the cathedral in the background. The first let-down is seeing the bar counter with just one of three hand pumps with any beer on, and this the often disappointing Jennings Cumberland Ale. This lived down to its reputation, being well past its best and having a banana-ish flavour that it certainly wouldn't have had the day it left the brewery. I didn't finish my half, but couldn't be bothered to complain. A pub that could have been so much better. What a shame.

On 5^th August 2019 - rating: 2
[User has posted 4348 recommendations about 3996 pubs]

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