Entertainment in Cumbria & The Lakes
-
No 15 Café Bar
Fifteen reasons to visit this café-bar-gallery are chalked up on the blackboard behind the counter, but you won't need much persuasion. It's Penrith's best place for lunch, cakes and coffee, with a light-filled dining room and a gallery annexe displaying local photography and artwork; lunchtime mains range from turkey and cranberry burgers to homemade soups.
reviewed
-
A
Café 26
Knightsbridge comes to Keswick at this groovy wine-bar, decked out with leather bench seats, burgundy paintwork and plenty of velour cushions. Oenophiles will appreciate the extensive wine list, and if you enjoy yourself just a little too much, there are several contemporary rooms above the bar.
reviewed
-
Mint
Sleek and very chic, this designer bar oozes urban style, from its deep chocolate-coloured sofas to its shiny chrome fixtures and pared-back decor. There's free internet access and an early evening happy hour, but the real club action kicks in at weekends.
reviewed
-
B
Office
Sleek and chic, this is one of the favourite hangouts for Carlisle's hip set, kitted out in urban style with cube lights, razor-sharp tables and a massive industrial bar. Breakbeat, hip-hop and soul spin on the turntables.
reviewed
-
Black Bull
Quality pub grub right in the middle of Coniston village: the Cumberland sausage is particularly noteworthy, as are the house-brewed ales, including Bluebird Bitter, Old Man Ale and Winter Warmer Blacksmiths.
reviewed
-
Travellers Rest Inn
This sturdy 16th-century pub on the A591 road from Grasmere has all the trappings of a quintessential Lakeland inn, including slate-fronted fireplaces, oak-beamed ceilings and a bevy of real ales.
reviewed
-
C
Brewery Arts Centre
Excellent arts complex with two cinemas, gallery space, cafe and a theatre hosting dance, performance and live music.
reviewed
-
D
Café Solo
For something rather less exclusive, this corner coffee bar has a vaguely Spanish vibe and serves great coffee by day, and cool Sol beers by night.
reviewed
-
E
Dog & Gun
With its low ceilings, tobacco-tinted walls and wooden booths, this old Keswick boozer makes a fine place for a swift pint and a plate of nosh.
reviewed
-
F
Unit Lux Bar
Just along the street from Office, this is another achingly trendy bar with the requisite flat-screen TVs, retro seats and deep leather sofas.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
G
-
H
Royal Oak
This old whitewashed inn is the best pub in Ambleside, with hearty pub mains, good ales and a busy outside terrace.
reviewed
-
I
Zeffirelli's Cinema
A two-screen cinema next to Zeffirelli's Restaurant, with extra screens in a converted church down the road.
reviewed
-
Ring O' Bells
For more traditional drinking, try the the Ring O' Bells, which stands on consecrated ground.
reviewed
-
J
Brickyard
Carlisle's main (read: only) regular gig venue, housed in the former Memorial Hall.
reviewed
-
K
-
L
-
M
Royal Oak
This old whitewashed inn is the best pub in Ambleside, with hearty pub mains, good ales and a busy outside terrace.
reviewed
-
N
Golden Rule
reviewed
-
Traveller's Rest
With its sputtering fires, deep seats and inglenook bar, Grasmere's 16th-century coaching inn still makes a fine place for a steak pie or a hotpot, accompanied (of course) by a pint of Jennings Bitter or Cockerhoop.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Ring O' Bells
Another reliable town boozer where even the beer is blessed: the pub stands on consecrated ground next to the parish church.
reviewed
-
O
Gilded Lily
Former bank turned sprawling city pub. Indulge in Continental beers and bespoke cocktails beneath the original skylight, and be prepared for plenty of dolled-up drinkers come the weekend.
reviewed
-
P
Fats
Slate, steel and an open fireplace attract a classy clientele to Fats. There are world beers behind the bar, while open-mic nights, scratch sessions and hot-tip DJs pull in the crowds.
reviewed
-
Q
Cafe Solo
Spanish-themed cocktails, late-night tapas and Sol beers at a tiny corner-bar on the edge of Botchergate.
reviewed
-
R
Burgundy's Wine Bar
Don't be put off by the wine bar tag – this is one of Kendal's cosiest places for a drink, whether you're after a quality Pinot noir or just a pint of ale.
reviewed
