The King George IV Inn, Eskdale

The previous review suggested that more reports were needed.

Location is at the junction of the road up Eskdale (and on up the Hard Knott pass) meets the road over to Ulpha and the Duddon. It is about 5 mins walk up the valley from Eskdale Green Railway station on the Ravenglass and Eskdale (10 mins from Outward Bound) and about 5 mins walk down the valley from the Fisherground campsite.

It was previously (pre war !) known as the King of Prussia, and perhaps some locals might still know it as such...

Building is traditional old country inn, but with various extensions over time, some of which provide B&B accomodation.

The management changed around end 2009/early 2010. Since then it has been run by locals on a rather more enthusiastic basis than before. The 30/10/2008 review below mentioned a "subdued and seemingly disinterested barman" - one would really struggle to use that expression now. On a summer weekend, nine pumps were on for real ales; many of which changed over the weekend: almost all were local Cumbria/Lancashire brews from independent breweries (one did creep over the Pennines from Black Sheep, but we'll tolerate that). There is some of the usual shiny metal dispensing fizzy tasteless stuff, but the emphasis is clearly on proper beer. Beer festivals do also occur...

Food is more down the line of pub grub than gastro, but a fair choice and it comes quickly. Walking/welly boots, dogs, rugrats, etc seem welcome.

1 Sep 2011 19:05

The Anchor Inn, Hartfield

Been here couple of times. Previously the food and service had been good. Yesterday, however, although prefectly good when it did arrive, the food took ages for no obviously discernablereason. Seems it would be best to order lunch at breakfast....

Redeeming feature, other than the spring weather, was the presence of Larkins bitter: a good pint and at only 3.4% ABV it goes down well for a lunchtime brew.

20 Mar 2011 20:08

The Jolly Brickmakers, Redhill

A friendly pub, usually with three real ales on - mostly Brakspears, but with others from the wider Marston's range from time to time - a rarity round Reigate/Redhill area.

Running a bit of a beer festival with a forecast of 11 real ales from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 May.

20 Mar 2011 19:44