24/02/25 - Good Beer Guide Pubs of Ulverston

Population Representation Discrepancies 

The question I have is "Does Ulverston have the highest Good Beer Guide Pubs by population?"

Barrow-in-Furness. Population 67K has one Good Beer Guide Pub. Nearby Ulverston, Pop. 11K has 7.

More investigation required, starting with a six mile walk from Dalton-In-Furness Abbey. Where we were too early for the Clarence🙃https://t.co/4zOECAh6DM pic.twitter.com/2fhOLhtyDD

— Mappiman (@Mappiman1) February 19, 2025

I've asked ChatGPT for the answer. It says its too difficult, but does provide an answer to a different question;

Determining which town has the most Good Beer Guide pubs relative to its population requires specific data that isn't readily available. However, Rhayader, a town in Wales, is renowned for having a high concentration of pubs per capita, with one pub for every 173 residents.

While this statistic highlights the town's vibrant pub culture, it doesn't specifically indicate how many of these establishments are featured in the Good Beer Guide.

Barrow's sole entry discovered, so over a week - we try and fit in as many as possible.

The Mill for Sunday Lunch - it had the highest rating on TripAdvisor for food.

The Mill, Ulverston

Lancaster Brewery tied house, just like the Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow's GBG entry. Perhaps unsurprising for a place named the Mill during the climate crisis, it had only just re-opened after flooding. Perhaps I should take this into account after pretty shoddy service. Forgotten drinks orders, disappearing waiting staff and condiments delivered after the meal finished. I was that mad that I checked the bill for service charge, to ask for it to be removed. Got myself all worked up for nothing. There was no service charge.

Beer fans may be pleased to know I very much like Lancaster Red.

On a separate night I managed to convince Mrs M to be the designated driver, provided I stuck to a 3 pub limit. Kofi Annan levels of persuasion to beef this up from two.

In a town famous for 50% of the Kings of Comedy, the Stan Laurel had to be one.

Another fine mess - we were 15 minutes before its 5pm opening

After a week of very nice traditional bitter, we decided to give the town's craft bar a go. Gather following the micropub blueprint to the letter. A shop conversion, (downstairs at least) a single roomer. Two booths and some high stools around a homemade bar. 

Gather for the Craft

Also as expected, multiple keg in a variety of size dispensing. Two cask. I looked for something that wasn't going to cause joint account woe and went for a cask Deya Friends of the Podcast. Which might just be worst named beer of 2025.

But in a nearly correct receptacle

Farmers Arms at the top of town undid its early good work by being the only pub in Cumbria that doesn't allow dogs (citation needed, excludes JDW). On entry, I was delighted to find a large platter of complimentary Hot Dogs, with two types of condiment. 

Live, Laugh, Love

We got settled next to a couple of gents who were keen to engage in conversation. We are sitting a small Border Terrier that made itself scarce under the table. I never even thought to check about dog access. Eventually, she was noticed and we were asked to vacate to the terrace. Where an outdoor gas fire showed just why the Mill floods.

Warming a Tirrels Borrowdale Bitter

The limited twitter conversation generated recommended the Old Friends as the best pub in town. A 5 minute walk uphill for a fine community pub, which had a packed front bar and plenty of banter. Alas, like Mary, Joseph and a Border Terrier Jesus, there was no room at the inn. 

Mrs M and the scourge of the Farmers Arms

We relocated to a side room, to listen to the pubby chat from afar.  A shame.  

Beer-wise - there were at least four casks on. I narrowed it down to an old-school and very traditional choice between Tetleys and Golden Hen.

The loneliness of a sideroom Tetley drinker

With a five star dog sitting review, we have been offered a repeat visit on a couple of dates. I will bring you the rest of the GBG Pubs later in the year. 

Opening times permitting.