The Drunken Duck  

Leave the M6 at Exit 36, South Lakes turn off, take the A590/A591 bypassing Kendal and Windermere, towards Ambleside. At Waterhead traffic lights, turn left onto the A593 for about a mile, this will take you around the head of the lake, past Ambleside Rugby Club, turn left, follow the road over Rothay Bridge and onto Clappersgate, turn left on to the B5285, signposted to Hawkshead. Follow this road for about a mile, on the right there is a directional sign to the Duck. Turn right, straight up Duck Hill and we are on the crossroads at the top. Set in beautiful countryside near Ambleside, this is an isolated 5 roomed inn, but well worth the effort to find it. Popular in summer with walkers and cyclists, it is popular at all times with those seeking good quality food (though prices to match). The Drunken Duck is situated in sixty private acres, at a crossroads in the middle of nothing hut magnificent scenery, of rough fell, woodland, becks and tarns. Although set apart, it is literally within moments of most of what Lakeland has to offer. Centrally located between Langdale, Ambleside, Coniston and Hawkshead. The unofficial title of the Drunken Duck dates back to when a Victorian landlady found her duck lying out on the crossroads. Presuming that they were dead she started to pluck them, but soon realised that they were in fact drunk not dead. Apparently down in the cellar a barrel had slipped its hoops and the beer had seeped into the ducks customary feeding ditch. The ducks had made all too good use of their unexpected opportunity and consequently found themselves plucked and half way to the oven when they came to! The heart of the Duck lies in its bar which despite its intense popularity has remained relatively unchanged for many years. There is still a large welcoming fire with wooden mantle, high wooden pew seating and dark tables, plus some comfy country kitchen chairs. The walls are covered (literally) with pictures, beer mirrors and hunting trophies. The ceiling is high beamed and there is no TV or music. There are five rooms, the main bar as described and the second room which has lattice work partitioning and a smaller (food) bar. The third and fourth rooms are a proper restaurant with a totally different menu and wine list. A fifth area is off the first room and is very small, very snug. Seating here for 40 people, so book early. The bar menu is not traditional fayre and consequently costs a little more (?3.25 for a sandwich), but is tasty and different. Imaginative and changing daily, the very good bar food might include lunchtime ploughmans and rolls as well as a selection of casseroles and bakes which always include a wide range vegetarian choice. The beers are brewed on site, though there are guests as well. On at the time were Jennings Bitter, Yates Bitter, Theakstons Old Peculiar as well as Barngates Cracker Ale and Chesters Strong & Ugly which are brewed at the Duck in The Barngates Brewery. There is accommodation here which includes breakfast. Prices double/twin ?75, superior double ?90, single ?55. All rooms en-suite. Special breaks ?65 for two nights (Sunday-Thursday from November to July) including breakfast. Dogs ?5 by arrangement.

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