The Stickle Barn Tavern, Great Langdale

A jolly decent cup of tea served here. Everything very friendly and helpful. Good value food. Plus you can see the weather report to confirm why you couldn't see beyond 2 metres on Pike O Stickle...

23 May 2010 23:46

The Volunteer, Sutton Abinger

Absolutely delightful setting with a gentle little beck running alongside. Gorgeous views from the elevated terraced garden. Pleasant also inside, and the Hopping Hare on a Summers' day is pure nectar. Eastern European female staff are friendly, (but what is it with these black uniforms everywhere these days?) and service experienced has been fine. Interesting mix of customers; mountain bikers, striped casual shirted BMW convertible drivers with trophy g/f in tow, local types and tradesmen (mainly weekdays). Only niggle is that drinks and food appear to carry a premium for the sylvan setting. Warning: the narrow sunken wooded road that descends steeply down to the pub should be regarded as one way only.....

23 May 2010 23:38

The Abinger Hatch, Abinger Common

A funny place. Looks from the outside like it should be a lovely old country pub, given its setting - but it isn't. A pub that's tried too hard to be a restaurant. Atmosphere when not busy can feel rather desolate (..erm - are you open?). On Summer weekends the garden can be overrun with kids hyper on Coke and crisps. The Fortyniner beer however is excellent. I fully concur with the rancid fat smell inside reported by other posters - a massive disincentive to sample the food there, which I have never done for that very reason. It's in a good spot for walkers and is a pretty location. It needs some tweaking.

23 May 2010 01:26