Monday 15 May 2017

15/05/17 - Ambleside Pub Crawl

Pubs - 6 (35 in Total on the Inn Way to Lake District)
Walking Day Blog


The Inn Way to the Lake District came to a rain enforced end at the Old Dungeon Ghyll.  I'm not too proud to say we abandoned miserable walking for a bus ride back to the luxury of the Salutation Spa.

After an afternoon relaxing in various water based treatments, we picked the book back up to knock off the pubs in town.

Pub 30 - The Golden Rule, Ambleside, Hartley Cumbrain XB

Old school Robinsons pub hidden in a back alley away from the tourist masses.  If I'm telling the truth, the beer is better in the next Robinsons Pub - The Unicorn.

Golden Rule, Ambleside
Side On - The Golden Rule
Golden Rule, Ambleside
Old School Decor

Pub 31 - The Unicorn, Ambleside, Hartleys Cumbrian Way

This would be my recommendation for food if you are looking for traditional, post walk grub.  Proper ramblers dishes and huge portions.   We were going to eat somewhere else for a change until seduced by a giant Yorkshire Pudding filled with beef stew.

We are but mortal hill walkers with little self control.

Unicorn, Ambleside
Pub Grub Ahoy
Pub 32 - Churchill Inn, Ambelside, Wainwright

By the time you arrive here, there will be a new beer shop open around the corner.  There is also a wine bar over the road, Lily's, that was recommended to me on Day 3.  However, if you are following the book, this is next on the list.

Its had a make over but think Wetherspoons, without the cheap drinks.  One for completists.

Churchill, Ambleside
Churchill
Pub 33 - The Royal Oak, Ambleside, Golden Sheep


Royal Oak, Ambleside
Royal Oak on a Rainy Monday

Apologies for the picture - it was raining and I was in a rush.   If you want to see a better image, have a look at Half Man, Half Biscuits album "Ambleside CSI".

Everything as I remember it.  A smell of damp and sticky tables.   A second one for the completists.

Pub 34 - The White Lion, Ambleside, Wainwright

For those that like meal deals, although to be fair, the real ales are on offer mid week at a bargain £2.Something.

Not really our cup of tea.  We came for the tick.

White Lion, Ambleside
White Lion
Pub 35 - The Queens Hotel, Ambelside, Coniston Bluebird Bitter

This is it - the 35th and final pub on the Inn Way to the Lake District.  Somehow, we missed nine.  I know three were missed out on by cutting the final days walking at the ODG and we didn't have a drink at the Salutation (our hotel).   Once again, I forgot the Sportsman in Ambleside and it was too early on Day 1 for Badgers Bar, Rydall....  still leaves me 3 to check up on.

I love the Queens, although I am sad to report that the downstairs bar was closed down.  I hope it will re-open - had some interesting nights in there over the years.

In a fitting tribute, the choice of the last drink came down to a battle between the pints of the week...

Loweswater Gold - Makes perfect sense on a warm sunny afternoon, nestling in a beer garden in the shadows of the fells.

Coniston Bluebird made sense on a rainy Monday night in Ambleside's only Good Beer Guide Entry.

As a footnote, there was no sign of any of Ambleside Barngates Brewery excellent products anywhere in Ambleside.  One to watch out for.

Queens Hotel, Ambleside
The Queens - 35th and Last of the Inn Way.


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