The Punch Bowl Inn, Cumbria

Overview

Richard Rose's handsomely renovated, rambling stone building sits back from the road between Kendal and nowhere, overlooking the stunningly lush Lyth Valley, alongside pretty St Mary's church.

He couldn't have found a better-located Cumbrian inn to transform into a chic rural bolthole for city weary folk, where invigorating fell walks radiate from the front door. This part of the Lake District is gentle and rolling, and the tranquil vibe is continued inside, where it's bliss to lounge in leather sofas with the newspaper and a pint or two of Tag Lag from Barngates Brewery. Flawlessly chalked boards list delicious food and a raft of wines by the glass.

Depending on your mood, eat in the cosy bar or opt for the slightly more formal dining room with its contemporary leather chairs, gleaming old oak floors and fine 18th-century stone fireplace. On warmer days, arrive early to bag one of the teak tables and chairs on the attractive tiered front terrace. Cosy rooms ooze country-house charm.

Rooms from

9 doubles: £160

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Alfresco & private dining
Weddings
Parking available
No dogs overnight

Family favourite
Two of the rooms accommodate Z beds, so you can come away en famille!

Quiet romance
The sublime food and romantic rooms make the inn a perfect choice for a getaway for two.

Outdoor adventures
There's plenty of fabulous walking right from the inn's front door, making it a ideal base to explore the Lake District.

Rooms

The nine peaceful rooms are named after former vicars at St Mary's Church next door. All are beautifully refurbished and individually designed; some enjoy stunning views down the Lyth Valley.

Depending on their size, each has a country cottage or country-house feel with rich fabrics, deep sofas or easy chairs, antique furnishings, the best beds, linen and duvets, soothing Farrow & Ball hues, Roberts radios and fresh flowers.

Old beams maintain an air of rural history and big bathrooms are bang up-to-date with heated limestone floors, luxury toiletries, walk-in monsoon showers and roll-top baths. The Noble suite is the most impressive, occupying the whole third floor - its twin baths (for couples who are truly inseparable) enjoying fabulous valley views.

Restaurant & bar

Head Chef Oliver Mather makes brilliant use of local seasonal ingredients and delivers well-executed modern dishes from his classic Britsh/French menu and daily chalkboard specials.

Mirk House Farm in the village supply the kitchen with damsons, rhubarb, beetroot, artichokes, micro-herbs, lettuces, carrots, Cumbrian lamb and so much more. Wild garlic, watercress, sorrel, blackberries and elderflower are foraged from the surrounding fields and hedges.

Typical dishes may include beef steak tartare, mustard mayonnaise and pickles; halibut, Jerusalem artichokes, confit potatoes, leeks and truffle sauce; and the Punch Bowl's famous lemon tart with damson sorbet.

The two handpumps on the long, slate-topped bar dispense ales from local micro-breweries with Bowness Bay Swan Blonde perhaps accompanying the regular Tag Lag beer from Barngates Brewery near Ambleside. Also on the top-drawer quaffing list are several boutique gins, 15 malt whiskies, and a particularly fine list of wines (18 by the glass) that features some gems from smaller artisan wine producers.

Things to do

Sizergh Castle & Garden is a gorgeous family home near Kendal that represents 700 years of history. Still occupied by the Strickland family, the house has gorgeous gardens and an impressive 1,600-acre estate. Designated by English heritage as a rare Grade II listed building, Leighton Hall near Carnforth, is another great spot for history-buffs. The stunning building was rebuilt in the Adam style in the mid-18th century. There's much to see here, including the magnificent Hall itself, attractive gardens and parkland.

Finally, treat yourself to a proper brew at Farrer's Tea and Coffee House in Kendal. From 1819, when John Farrer started a family business of specialist tea and coffee merchant at Stricklandgate, the tantalizing aroma of roasting coffee became a feature of daily life in the market town of Kendal. Visit the tearoom to sample the great range of teas and coffees available while enjoying fresh cakes and maybe an exhibition of local art.

Getting here

Directions

Nearest train station: Kendal
Taxi from station: 17min
Drive: Windermere 17min; Lancaster 34min; Blackpool 1hr

Address

Crosthwaite, Kendal, Cumbria L48 8HR

Gallery

Enquire to book

To make a booking enquiry, please use the form below or you can call our reservations team on 020 8161 0100. Our phone lines are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 11am - 3pm.

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The Punch Bowl Inn

From £160 per night