Agricultural Hotel, Penrith

I always call in here if I've time before a train from Penrith station, which is just across the road. Jennings Sneck Lifter is usually the beer of choice (the ordinary Bitter and Cumberland Ale were also on), but I thought I'd drink outside the box for a change. However, the Wrangham's Christmas Cracker 3.8% dispensed from the fourth hand pump was distinctly odd when I had a 'taster', and the bar staff either didn't believe the report of my tastebuds or didn't care. Perhaps this is the something odd that Rob Camra refers to in his review: the place seems to be run by hotel waitresses with no interest in the pub side of things. The atmosphere always seems friendly, but maybe that's because I'm usually here in the run up to Christmas. The bar is a very smart affair of beech and glass, but maybe this also has the effect of putting distance between the staff and customers, adversely affecting the relationship which is one of the basic requirements of a pub. Anyway, the Sneck Lifter was spot on as always, so I'll definitely be coming back.

Decent enough pub with the full Jennings range on tap. Always a good pint whenever I've called in. For some reason this pub just doesn't feel right to me. I can't quite put my finger on it but there's something. I'll keep calling in for the beer until I work out what it is !!