Why I Live by Lists – and My Top 5 Lake District Pubs to Prove It

I like lists! I’m always making them, if I’m feeling overwhelmed I write a list, if I’m going on holiday I write a list, doing a job – list, shopping – list, lost with what to do – list. I have a To-Do list and a list for that To-Do list, some might think it’s out of hand but it’s my brain down on paper/digital form.

How many times have you felt lost or didn’t know where to start? Start writing a list and do the thing you either want to do or that is easiest. All these life coaches and influencers banging on about productivity saying “do the thing you’ve been putting off for a long time first!” GO AWAY!! We’ve put it off for a reason, it’s either a crap job or it’s boring. My dad always says “the hardest part of anything is starting”, so start with something easy or something you want to do, gain some momentum then get cracking on the thing you’ve been putting off.

Anyway, that’s enough of that. The reason I’m writing this is because last night I was watching Yellowstone and said to Mrs TimberMane that Beth and Rip are awesome, brilliant chemistry and are in my top 5 onscreen couples! I’m always saying that, I have top 5’s of lots of things and I thought it would be cool to share some with you, maybe you can agree or disagree and share yours! So I’m starting with Lake District Pubs.

1. The Britannia Inn – Elterwater

A traditional Lake District pub with traditional and local ales! Cosy in the winter with a couple of open fires to sit by while you guzzle a wonderfully kept pint! In the summer The Britannia is blessed with a huge patio which is always full! A wonderful place to enjoy a pint after a walk.

2. The Golden Rule – Ambleside

A globally known “hidden gem” if there can be such a thing… Tucked away at the bottom of the struggle which leads to The Kirkstone Pass this multi roomed, bench seated, open fired mid 20^th century styled boozer serves Robinsons Ales and serves them like no other pub! They keep their beer wonderfully and I always opt for this pub after a walk which finishes in the Ambleside area!

3. The Crafty Baa – Windermere or Keswick

Doesn’t matter which you pick, both are upcycled haven’s, not an inch of the place isn’t covered with repurposed signs, timber, lights and bar mats…. You name it, it’s on the wall! Serving both their own brand beers, a few guest draft beers on rotation and probably about a hundred craft cans and bottles make this place a craft beer mecca! A special mention goes to the chilled glasses, a TimberMane win that isn’t done enough!

4. Tweedies Bar – Grasmere

If you like to walk and drink beer, this place is for you! Plenty of choice for draft beer and a fridge full of craft cans and bottles! They also have been known to serve mulled wine in the winter.
The walls are covered with pump clips from all the ales they have served, always interesting!
The log burner keeps the big bar area lovely and toasty and is a welcome site after a rainy walk. Tweedies have live music on every Friday night so if you’re in the area go check it out!

5. The Watermill Inn – Ings

Home of the Windermere Brewing Company, brewers of fine traditional ales all with a doggy theme! We always visit this one on our way home as a last hurrah! Sometimes we take a few bottles home with us! They keep great beer and serve amazing food!

Special Mention to The Unicorn in Ambleside, IYKYK.

It was tough leaving out half of Keswick and The Eagle and Child Inn – Staveley  but that’s how good they are up there. These aren’t in any particular order I hasten to add, that would just be too hard!

It was also tough leaving out Bar-Es! If I was doing this list 6 years ago it would be in there, but they have turned to focusing more one food…. Which is INCREDDIBLE! Maybe I should do a top 5 eateries in the Lake District?? Let me know through my socials if you would like to see this!

All the above serve cracking ale, have something about them and are a welcomed sight after a long day out on the old getaway sticks (legs). Proper beer pubs!

I look forward to sharing more of these with you in the future, I’d love to hear yours and if you have any topics you’d like my top 5 in, drop me a message or a comment on the social!.

Thanks for reading and CHEERS!

TM.