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A Complete Guide to the 6 Best Pooley Bridge Pubs

Pooley Bridge Inn best Pooley Bridge pubs

6 Best Pooley Bridge Pubs to Visit Now

The charming village of Pooley Bridge is located in the stunning Lake District National Park of England. Nestled beside the River Eamont, Pooley Bridge is a picturesque location renowned for its stunning natural scenery and hiking trails.

One of the main draws of this quaint village is its selection of welcoming and cosy pubs, each with its unique character and charm. In this blog, we’ll take you on a tour of the best Pooley Bridge Pubs, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink and a hearty meal and soak up the local atmosphere.

From traditional inns with roaring log fires to modern gastro pubs serving up locally sourced cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Pooley Bridge.

So, grab a pint, settle in, and explore the Best Pooley Bridge Pubs!

6 Best Pubs in Pooley Bridge

The Crown Inn 

The Crown Inn is a traditional 17th-century inn located in the heart of Pooley Bridge. This charming pub offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, complete with a roaring fire, comfortable seating, and a selection of local beers and ales.

The Crown Inn is renowned for its delicious menu of classic pub fare, including hearty pies, fish and chips, and locally sourced meats. The food is perfectly cooked, and the portions are generous, making it an ideal spot for a satisfying meal after a long day exploring the Lake District.

The inn also features characterful and cosy guest bedrooms, perfect for those looking to stay in the heart of Pooley Bridge. The staff are friendly and attentive, making guests feel right at home during their stay.

The pub’s location on the banks of the River Eamont provides a stunning backdrop, and guests can enjoy their drinks and meals in a cosy fire nook or on the spectacular outdoor terrace with views over Lakeland.

Dog Friendly? Yep!

The Sun Inn 

The Sun Inn is a charming 17th-century inn that has become a popular spot for both locals and visitors and is one of the best Pooley Bridge Pubs. The family-run pub offers modern hotel accommodation, making it the perfect base for exploring the stunning Lake District National Park.

The cosy bar area at The Sun Inn is a highlight, featuring a selection of real ales and an extensive wine list. The pub’s menu is also a standout, with a range of tasty dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, including the famous Cumberland sausage. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are also available.

In addition to its great food and drink, The Sun Inn has received the Cask Marque Award, ensuring guests can expect an excellent selection of beers, wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages.

The Sun Inn’s large beer garden is a real gem, providing a picturesque spot to enjoy the stunning countryside surrounding Pooley Bridge. Families will appreciate the children’s play area, complete with a fort playground, and dog owners will be pleased to know that the pub and some of its rooms are dog-friendly.

Overall, The Sun Inn is a lively, family-friendly place to eat and stay in the Lake District, with excellent food and drink, cosy accommodation, and welcoming staff. Whether you’re looking for a pint, a bite to eat, or a place to stay, The Sun Inn is well worth a visit and is one of the best pubs in Pooley Bridge.

Dog friendly? Yep!

The Pooley Bridge Inn 

The recently renovated Pooley Bridge Inn is a fantastic spot with stunning views over Ullswater and is one of the best Pooley Bridge Pubs. The pub’s spacious and airy bar features open fires, free wifi, and a relaxing ambience that welcomes dogs and children. 

When the weather permits, enjoy the pleasant outside tables in the beautiful front garden or the peaceful Stable Courtyard. The Pooley Bridge Inn has something for everyone, including a great selection of drinks, traditional home-cooked food, roast dinners, vegan and gluten-free options, and seasonal specials showcasing the best Cumbrian and Scottish cuisine.

The bar is well-stocked with some of the finest cask ales, IPAs, and lagers, along with a wide choice of wines from around the world, spirits, liqueurs, and soft drinks. And for those chilly days, indulge in a hot beverage with the pub’s varied selection of speciality teas, coffees, and mulled wine during the festive period.

Visitors have raved about the Pooley Bridge Inn’s friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere, as well as its great food and unique eating areas. Whether you’re popping in for a pint or a full meal, the Pooley Bridge Inn is the perfect spot to relax and take in the stunning surroundings of the Lake District.

Dog friendly? Yes!

The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden is a hidden gem that should be noticed when visiting Pooley Bridge pubs. With a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, you will feel at ease as soon as you enter. The staff are attentive and helpful. It is more of a restaurant than a pub – but offers pub-style food, which is truly outstanding.

With Sunday roasts cooked to perfection, and a varied menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, you will be spoilt for choice. The beef is pink and succulent, and the selection of vegetables perfectly complements the main course.

The bar is well stocked with a wide range of wines, cocktails and beers, with something for everyone to enjoy. Finish your meal with their signature Kendal mint cake ice cream, which is truly delicious and leaves a lasting impression.

The price point at The Secret Garden is very reasonable, offering real value for money. You will find it is worth going out of your way to visit this pub. Please don’t take our word for it. Try it for yourself, and you won’t be disappointed.

1863

1863 is a historic property built during Queen Victoria’s reign 1863. Initially, it was used as a village blacksmith before becoming the post office. Over the past 150 years, it has become an award-winning restaurant and boutique hotel, providing a slice of Lake District paradise.

1863 has been reimagined for the 21st century, offering seven elegant rooms and innovative, seasonal cooking served in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and is one of the best Pooley Bridge pubs. 

Whether you opt for the three-course dinner menu or the seven-course tasting menu, each dish is carefully crafted to ensure you can taste every ingredient mentioned. 1863 is committed to quality local food in the season, which means there’s always something new to try.

Nearby Pooley Bridge Pubs

Horse and Farrier

The Horse and Farrier is a traditional 18th-century pub located in the charming village of Dacre, near Ullswater. Yes – we know it’s not in Pooley Bridge, but it is pretty close! Since its establishment, this pub has been providing weary travellers with refreshments!

The pub offers seasonal menus, and weekly specials allow guests to sample new and exciting dishes made with the freshest ingredients available. The drinks list is regularly updated, ensuring there is always something new to try. 

In the colder months, our welcoming fire provides warmth after a chilly stroll, while our south-facing beer garden offers all-day sunshine and breathtaking views down the valley during the summer.

At the Horse and Farrier, you can relax and enjoy delicious food, and a wide selection of drinks, with stunning views in a traditional and welcoming atmosphere.

Overall Thoughts on the Pooley Bridge Pubs

Overall, the best pubs in Pooley Bridge offer a wonderful mix of traditional charm, modern amenities, and exceptional food and drink. From the relaxed atmosphere of The Crown Inn to the stunning views at The Pooley Bridge Inn, there is a pub to suit every taste and mood.

What sets these pubs apart is their commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, including meats, seafood, and produce. This not only supports the local economy but also ensures that the food is fresh and of the highest quality.

The pubs in Pooley Bridge also take great pride in their selection of beers and ales, with many featuring local brews that reflect the unique character of the Lake District. The warm and welcoming atmosphere of these pubs makes them ideal for enjoying a pint with friends or settling in for a romantic evening.

The Pooley Bridge pubs offer an authentic taste of the Lake District and are a must-visit for anyone exploring this beautiful region.

Are you interested in more Lake District guides? Please read:

Best Walks from Ambleside

Things to do in Ambleside

Ambleside Waterfall

Rydal Water Walk

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Walla Crag Walk


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