Brackenrigg Inn ~ comfortable rooms ~ excellent-value ~
delicious food & drink ~ stunning view of Ullswater
~ 6m from M6 (J40)
~ 6m from M6 (J40)Guide Books & Website Reviews
This is what the AA Pubs web site says about
the Brackenrigg Inn...
This white-painted roadside inn dates from the 18th century and occupies a
breathtakingly beautiful position with sweeping views over Ullswater and Helvellyn.
Inside there is a traditional bar with plenty of wood panelling, an open fire and a welcoming atmosphere engendered by relaxed and friendly owners Garry Smith and John Welch.
They offer a good choice of real ales, such as Coniston Bluebird, Jennings Cumberland and Copper Dragon 1816, as well as lagers and continental beers.
The wine list is well-balanced and full of interest, with helpful suggestions on food and wine pairing and a very good selection by the glass.
Fresh local produce is to the fore on the comprehensive menus, which include a bar and an à la carte choice. Typical choices from the bar menu include starters of smoked haddock chowder; game terrine; and French onion soup, followed perhaps by Herdwick mutton shank on a bed of mash with a white onion sauce; or local venison cobbler.
From the a la carte, you could start with monkfish tail wrapped in Cumbrian air dried ham, served with pineapple risotto cake or a caramelised red onion tart, followed by honey roasted Barbary duck breast on caramelised swede with baby vegetables and a port wine reduction; or a light garlic fish stew of locally-sourced fish and shellfish.
For those who can't tear themselves away from the peace and beauty of the place, there are smart bedrooms, some housed in the newly-refurbished Stables Cottages, where a good night's sleep and a traditional Cumbrian breakfast are too tempting to ignore.
Excellent wheelchair access throughout.
This white-painted roadside inn dates from the 18th century and occupies a
breathtakingly beautiful position with sweeping views over Ullswater and Helvellyn.
Inside there is a traditional bar with plenty of wood panelling, an open fire and a welcoming atmosphere engendered by relaxed and friendly owners Garry Smith and John Welch.
They offer a good choice of real ales, such as Coniston Bluebird, Jennings Cumberland and Copper Dragon 1816, as well as lagers and continental beers.
The wine list is well-balanced and full of interest, with helpful suggestions on food and wine pairing and a very good selection by the glass.
Fresh local produce is to the fore on the comprehensive menus, which include a bar and an à la carte choice. Typical choices from the bar menu include starters of smoked haddock chowder; game terrine; and French onion soup, followed perhaps by Herdwick mutton shank on a bed of mash with a white onion sauce; or local venison cobbler.
From the a la carte, you could start with monkfish tail wrapped in Cumbrian air dried ham, served with pineapple risotto cake or a caramelised red onion tart, followed by honey roasted Barbary duck breast on caramelised swede with baby vegetables and a port wine reduction; or a light garlic fish stew of locally-sourced fish and shellfish.
For those who can't tear themselves away from the peace and beauty of the place, there are smart bedrooms, some housed in the newly-refurbished Stables Cottages, where a good night's sleep and a traditional Cumbrian breakfast are too tempting to ignore.
Excellent wheelchair access throughout.
And here are some of the things that Les Routiers said when they visited…
“ The sweeping views across Lake Ullswater and the fells from the tranquil setting of the Brackenrigg are second to none. .... position overlooking Ullswater is beyond compare
The vista over the surrounding countryside is matched by an appealing homely feel throughout the unpretentious interiors of this 18th Century coaching inn ... the long, white-washed inn was once a farm.
This is thanks in part to the attractive panelled bar with its polished floor boards, open fire and cracking local ales ... the view over the surrounding countryside, and the carpeted lounge-cum-family dining room with its polished mahogany furniture.
The dining room and separate restaurant are both traditionally appointed, and the latter also has splendid views. En suite bedrooms are simply stylish, and most have lovely lake views.
A sound local reputation ... built up over the years... for well executed, contemporary food is well-deserved. The bar menu is built around local produce and available in the bar, lounge and terrace. Choices include Cumberland sausage with apple mash, steak, kidney and ale pie and cod and chunky chips.
The restaurant table d'hôte may list asparagus with feta and pine nuts, followed by pan-fried calves' liver with Woodall's dry-cured bacon. Chicken confit with Bury black pudding and Cumberland air-dried ham topped with a soft poached egg, perhaps, followed by roast rump of lamb with a warm new potato and red pepper salad infused with basil and served with balsamic roasted tomatoes and Madeira jus, all washed down by locally-brewed beers or wine from a very reasonably priced list.
Restaurant of the Year Finalist ~ Cumberland News Awards 2004
"Commended" in 'Best Place to Stay' ~ Cumberland News Awards 2002
Click here to read Guests say... What the papers say....
More links & reviews will appear here, in time...
Just as soon as yet more guests ‘spread the word’ about our hospitality & value for money
We’ve yet to appear in some web sites & guide books
There are more springing-up all the time and, understandably they won’t let us write our own reviews... so it’s up to you! Please do tell your friends about our service and value for money
Most importantly of all, though, please do continue to tell us what you think
Why not read our Value Policy to see how committed we are to providing good service?
Or click here to download a copy of our Guest Questionnaire (coming soon)
Click on the links & logos to visit the websites...
Several link directly to our entry or review, others go to the home page
~ Pick of the Pubs ~
Selected by the AA
