please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
We called in here at lunchtime last Wednesday. Whilst the rest of the UK was enjoying warm summer sunshine, the Lake District was being lashed by heavy rain and the visibility at the summit of the Kirkstone Pass was down to about 15 yards. In view of the appalling weather … (we got drenched just running from the car park into the pub) I was surprised to find it was already comfortably busy. There were two real ales on handpull – Kirkstone Black, (which it seems is the landlord's favourite) and Old Faithful from the local Tirril Brewery. I had a couple of pints of the latter which were tip-top.
Foodwise, the Kirkstone has an excellent selection of reasonably priced hot and cold bar snacks. By the time we left the pub had got even busier, in spite of there being no improvement in the weather outside. But it is easy to see why it is so popular. Good beer, good food, real fires, and a very friendly welcoming Cockney landlord. 10/10
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A decent traditional inn with a cask ale available.
alexw - 21 Jan 2014 07:45 |
I'm not keen to rate a pub after only 5 minutes but when my wife and I walked in at lunchtime on a Saturday in July we were totally ignored. By three bar staff / managers. Who were, erm, about 3 feet away. No hello. No 'with you in a minute'. Just totally ignored while we stood cheerfully chatting at the bar and they worked out the weekend's staff rota. Quick about turn and no beer for me in that pub. Shame as it looks amazing. Sorry to leave a negative review as normally I'd just not bother but it really was rude.
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Have to agree with the previous comments - a truly fantastic setting and a damned good pub. Good selection of ales and food was freshly made and tasty. Worth the ascent to get there.
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Even amongst Lake District pubs this one is unique, its setting is second to none - the nearest building to it must be at least two miles away. Situated on the Windermere-Glenridding road at almost the highest point, its a place that should be on everybodys must visit list, but be warned, you need to be reasonably fit to walk here from the surrounding area (and to get back).
Its serves food and bar snacks, possibly not the huge range that you can find in the town centres but there is no lack of quality. Beer was fine - must be the altitude. Interior is cosy and charmful.
A very unique and unforgettable pub.
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Describing itself as "The Inn with Altitude", at nearly 1500 feet above sea level, the Kirkstone Pass Inn is reputedly the highest pub in Cumbria and the third highest in England. It's situated at the head of the Kirkstone Pass, linking Windermere and Patterdale in the Lake District and, dating back to 1496, claims to be "reputedly amongst the oldest pubs in the world".
It's a whitewashed building with a pleasant traditional interior, consisting of low, darkened beams, flagstoned floors and cosy tables and seats, which give rise to a slightly neglected old fashioned charm. The setting - at the head of the pass - feels bleak and remote and there are no houses for several miles in either direction. There are no locals therefore - only passing walkers, bikers and the occasional coachload of tourists who stop for refreshments and to admire the fine scenery. There's a suitably large car park opposite the pub and an outdoor seating area for customers to fully appreciate the views.
It's a pub, not a hotel, but several rooms are available for bed and breakfast for those wanting to stop overnight ( or stranded by the winter snow !) and, also, for those on a budget, a number of bunk beds in an annexe at the princely sum of � 8.50p.
A very brief business trip to the Lake District with a colleague gave us the opportunity to drop in on a recent Tuesday evening. Disappointingly, the weather was not kind that evening and, probably largely as a consequence, the pub was virtually empty, but a friendly welcome and a good value excellent home cooked meal from the pub's evening menu was enjoyed.
Beers on were Kirkstone Porter, which I noted is brewed at The Old Crown in Hesket Newmarket ( specifically for the pub, presumably ) together with two beers from the Tirrill Brewery - Red Screes and Old Faithful. My colleague, who was driving, was impressed with the Porter ( 3% ABV ) and I thought the Red Screes was pretty good. Both beers were priced at � 2.90p.
Postcards and other souvenirs are available behind the bar and there's a visitors book to sign
My knowledge of Lakeland pubs is distinctly limited, but, when I'm next in the area, I think I'll make the effort to get here again.
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Awesome location at the head of the pass. Late on an April afternoon it was just about warm enough to sit outside on other side of road. It also looked nice inside. The 3% porter tasted fantastic - had plenty of body but not too intoxicating.
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I visited the Kirkstone Inn aftre it hade been closed because of heavy snow for a month (mid December to mid January) on a sunny and cloudy Saturday afternoon. It was surprisingly busy with a constant stream of walkers drinking the three beers: Thwaites Wainwright, Tirril Red Screes, Heskett Newmarket Kirkstone Porter.
Sad to say the fire wasn't lit but the two main rooms (a bar area with three tables round it and another room with tables) were cosy enough. (There's a third room that wasn't quite needed.) Food looks simple but appealing with a standard menu but also a curry selection and a number of vegetarian options but we didn't try on this occasion.
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A cracking Lake District pub. It claims to be the third highest pub in England, but no matter whether its true or false, its brilliant. There's usually a selection of 3 real ales on in the summer, and 1 in the winter. There are open fires on the cool days, and amazing views (cloud depending) all year round.
They also have a nice little bunk house available for �8 p.p.
The food is simple but filling and satisfying. And the staff were friendly and chatty.
Well worth a visit if you're in the area.
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Fantastic setting outside and a wonderful, semi-neglected charm inside; this place is a real gem. We took refuge from an unseasonally wet August 3 times in one holiday and really enjoyed the homely cooking and the excellent local ales. As vegetarians, we were for once spoilt for choice, but from what we could see carnivores were equally well catered for. Very friendly staff behind the bar somehow look after crowds of walkers and bikers plus the occasional coach party without ever getting flustered or looking fed up.
There are only visitors, no locals, because the nearest houses are miles away. It is worth the climb to the Kirkstone Pass, whether by foot or by car, just for the scenery. But having such an excellent pub as this waiting for you when you get there makes it the perfect destination.
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A sight for sore eyes for those with sore feet. Descending into the Kirkstone pass after a day up on the tops we were treated to a choice of four delicious ales on handpump served by two lovely East European ladies. The setting is bleak and high at the top of the pass, and it certainly doesn't lack grandeur. The building claims to date back to the 15th Century and has a kind of run down higgledypiggldy whitewashed charm. Inside it is dingy with coal fires and cosy tables and seating. Outside you can sit and feel small and anonymous in the most imposing of lakeland scenery. Not to be missed. All somewhat spoilt by the procession of noisy motorbikes burning past at speed. Middle-aged bikers often pop in for their orange juice and sanatogen before burning off to inflict their noise on other lakeland residents elsewhere.
Jay28 - 12 May 2008 11:07 |
Conveniently placed nearly half way round a pleasant walk up Red Screes from Ambleside via the path above Stock Ghyll, the Inn seems to have improved over the last few years since it was a bit of a bikers� bar. A couple of days ago there were three local beers: two aptly named Hesket Newmarket beers �Red Screes� (well flavoured despite a low strength) and �Kirkstone Porter� and, I think, a Coniston brewery bitter. The bar area is long and narrow with a stone floor. People were eating baguettes but there is a conventional menu at a reasonable price. Although not a pretty seating area because just by the main road, you can sit outside and gaze up at the route up red Screes.
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One of my favourite pubs, great atmosphere, excellent food and a ghost or two what more could you want!!
anonymous - 15 Jan 2007 13:13 |
sweet old pub in sensational setting; presume it gets overrun at weekends/summer. good food selection.
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Very tradtional old pub in a great setting.I believe its England's second highest pub after the Tann hill inn in the Dales.Remember visting here in a old mini.Negotiating Kirkstone Pass in such a vehicle is not recommended.
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Currently shut for refurbishment. Should re-open soon
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Excellent food. Great to sit by the open log fire on a cold day. Bit windy outside!
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Highest Pub in the Country? Quaint old-fashioned pub with coal fires in isolated part of the Lake District. At over 1400 feet above sea level it must be one of the highest pubs!
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