Lakeside Bar, Nene Park, Peterborough

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Blackthorn _ left this review about Lakeside Cafe & Bar

This is the sort of establishment that will attract much debate on the forums as to whether it’s a proper pub and hence whether it should be included here or not. It’s certainly not a pub in the traditional sense, but it does meet the usual criteria of being open to anyone, no membership, signing in or admission fee is required, and they sell beer on draught. On that basis I have added it, and you can make up your own mind if you’d like to visit. Realistically nobody is going to include it on a pub crawl since it’s at least a mile from the next nearest pub, and it’s not worth taking a special drive to get there. However, if you’re having a day out in the country park, the lakes or on the steam railway, it’s a very pleasant spot to stop for some refreshment.

As previously mentioned, it’s not a pub in the traditional sense and has much more of a café feel to it with tables covered in white and blue vinyl tablecloths and blue plastic chairs and a red tiled floor. To emphasis it’s café credentials, the first counter you come to is growning under the weight of a very appetising selection of cakes and sponges. The building itself is part of a watersports centre, and there are various related activities available such as canoe and bicycle hire.

At the front of the “pub” is a wooden veranda with great views over the lake, and there are several more tables alongside. Opening hours are restricted as the country park itself closes half an hour before dusk. Food is served from 8:30 – 5:30.

The solitary beer on tap was keg Bass. The only cider was Aspall’s Suffolk. I’m going to mark this as a café in a great location that has the added benefit of serving beer, rather than a pub in the literal sense.

On 20^th May 2011 - rating: 8
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