Here at the News & Star we asked our readers the best place to grab a pint of real ale. Now the results are in.
1: Drover’s Rest, Monkhill
The most popular choice with our readers, the Drover’s Rest earned 22 recommendations.
The small country pub just east of Burgh by Sands has long been recognised for its real ale credentials. It has won the Cumbria Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) pub of the year award three times.
2: The Spinners Arms, Cummersdale
Next most popular with our readers, with 14 recommendations, is The Spinners Arms in Cummersdale.
A family and dog-friendly pub, it also runs its very own microbrewery. News & Star reader Keith Noble says the Spinners serves a “cracking pint”.
3: The Royal Oak, Seaton
Another popular readers’ choice, with 13 votes, is the Royal Oak in Seaton just outside Workington.
Reader Richard Clegg said that the Royal Oak is a “great little pub, serves good ale and is an asset to the village.” David Hannah said that the Royal Oak “always has three real ales on,” and it has a “nice warm atmosphere.”
4: Old Crown, Hesket Newmarket
Located in the centre of Hesket Newmarket on the northern edge of the Lake District, this 18th century pub was recommended by several readers.
A community co-operative, it was bought by 125 of its customers in 2001.
The Old Crown also runs a microbrewery, producing popular beers such as the Skiddaw Special and Doris’ 90th Birthday Ale.
5: King’s Head, Carlisle
Tucked away on Fisher Street in Carlisle, the King’s Head dates back to the 17th century but it is believed there has been ale served on the site since the 10th century.
6: The Agricultural Hotel, Penrith
This family-run hotel and bar is a committed real ale provider. It even has Christmas themed drinks on offer - the Jingle Fells beer from the Hawkshead Brewery.
7: The Fat Gadgie, Carlisle
Located on Devonshire Street, The Fat Gadgie is our readers’ favourite place for a beer on a street with many options. The bar has a healthy selection of speciality beers, and also boasts a robust knowledge of the gin world, offering a gin of the week every seven days.
8: The Inn at Ravenglass, Ravenglass
This 17th century Inn has an enviable view of the western Lakes waterfront. The Inn always has a range of real ales on hand for the beer connoisseur.
9 The Howard Arms, Carlisle
The Howard has been a Carlisle mainstay for many years, but reader Olly Alcock summed it up simply: “Still the best.”
10: Jack’s Surf Bar, Allonby
Part of the Baywatch Hotel on the Allonby seafront, this bar is a great place to grab a seaside pint.
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