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Image posted by Will Larter
Submitted on Sunday, 14th October 2018
With picture contributions to 11567 other pubs
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Detail Pages
Brackenrigg Inn, Penrith
Watermillock
Postal town: Penrith
CA11 0LP
Served areas
Reviews of Brackenrigg Inn (Average Rating: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Will Larter left this review about Brackenrigg Inn
I called in at the Brackenrigg twice on my cycling trip in March, the second visit being prompted by how good the beer had been on the first occasion. On returning home I found out a few days later that hotel, pub and brewery had been sold for around £2 million.
There were five hand pumps on the bar, with just two beers on at the time of my March visit, both brewed on site . One was a blonde called Boathouse, described on the pump clip as the brewery's first and still favourite beer. I went for the alternative, an IPA called Aira Force after the nearby waterfall of that name. It reminded me a little of Fullers 1845 and a little of Worthington White Shield. As I was cycling, I only had a half, and was pleased that I had when I realised it was 5.9%, but I went back a couple of days later for another. It was still just as good (NBSS 4.0), and had been joined on the bar by Rambling Bookkeeper, a dark bitter (similar to Jennings Bitter in colour) with "mellow honey aroma, moderate hop bitterness and a sweet roast malt taste".
Unfortunately all but the Aira Force were off when I returned in June, replaced by three beers from Tirril brewery and Theakstons Best. In the interests of research I had a couple of the Tirril beers, although I have yet to find one that is both to my taste and brewed with competence. True to form, the one badged as Brackenrigg Bitter was average (in the derogatory sense) and the Ullswater Gold only just scraped NBSS 2.5. I shunned the Theakstons and I also swerved the final Tirril beer, as after those two disappointments I wanted to drink a proper beer, and the Aira Force IPA did not let me down. I came back the following night (I was staying nearby), as I had been told that it was the only remaining beer from the Brack'n'Brew brewery (apart from some bottled stout), and it was not clear whether there was any more or when (or indeed if) the brewery would go into production again. I was glad to have had the opportunity to drink this exceptional beer, and sad that it may never be seen again.
On 27th June 2023
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3746 recommendations about 3483 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blue Scrumpy left this review about Brackenrigg Inn
Pub and brewery with accommodation overlooking Ullswater.
4 of the Brack 'N' Brew beers were on and the welcome was warm. I was looking forward to trying the stout, but it was the one of their beers that was off. Although the barmaid was pouring something through.
The 4 ales on were The Rambling Bookkeeper, Boathouse Blonde, Aira Force & Alfred's Golden Ale. My Alfred's Golden Ale was a fairly decent substitute.
Unusually, all of the other customers were women, until a couple (man and woman) arrived with their dog. Views of the lake from the front are impressive, whilst the brewery itself can be seen at the rear.
Decent place. I'm surprised it's not been in the last 4 editions of the Good Beer Guide. I suspect they may have upset CAMRA somehow!
On 27th November 2021
- rating: 6
[User has posted 2452 recommendations about 2451 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Will Larter left this review about Brackenrigg Inn
A microbrewery called Brack'n'brew (www.facebook.com/bracknbrew) has been established here since my last visit six years ago, and the pub now features five hand pumps showcasing its beers (bitter, stout, IPA, gold and blonde). Each pump has a small sealed jar with a sample of the beer, as is often seen these days, but an innovation here is a terracotta bowl showing some of the ingredients (malt and hops) for the interest and edification of customers. The barman, although not a native English-speaker, was well versed in his descriptions of the beers and was able to talk enthusiastically about them, which is another good point. I went for the smoked porter, which tasted a little thin to me, and I was given tasters of all the other beers even though I made it clear I was only going to drink a half because of needing to keep upright on my bicycle. I was told that the brewery's beers have been sold to pubs in both Kendal and Carlisle, and that bottled versions were expected before long. Finally, at £3.30 a pint, I would say the beers are reasonable value for this area. I'll be back.
Date of visit: 4th June 2017
On 3rd September 2017
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3746 recommendations about 3483 pubs]
View more reviews of Brackenrigg Inn (4)
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- Official site of the Brackenrigg Inn, contains menus, wine lists and beer details - www.brackenrigginn.co.uk
- Facebook - Brackenrigg Inn
- CAMRA WhatPub :: Brackenrigg Inn - whatpub.com
Langwathby, 11.72 miles, 3 hr 46 min walk (show)
Lazonby & Kirkoswald, 13.89 miles, 4 hr 28 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 14 October 2018 by Will Larter
- Beer Garden : Yes last updated 29 July 2013 by Will Larter
- Car Park : Yes last updated 29 July 2013 by Will Larter
- Dog Friendly : Yes last updated 27 November 2021 by Blue Scrumpy
- Hot Food : Yes last updated 29 July 2013 by Will Larter
- Real Ale : Yes last updated 29 July 2013 by Will Larter
- Real Cider : No last updated 27 November 2021 by Blue Scrumpy
