CONISTON.

This pub is a 16th-century coaching inn. It is rather large, but has the feel of an old pub from the inside. It has oak bench seating outside for the summer months and even for the cold dry winters. There are two seating areas here served by a single long bar. As this is the home of Coniston Beers they always have at least three of their own beers on at any one time. They also do a guest ale to compliment. All beers are served with or without the sparkler - as you wish and are well kept and tasty. The seating area in the picture below has lots of pictures of Campbell and his famous attempt to break the water speed record. A recent refurbishment of the seating and other bits has brought the comfort up-to-date. Food is traditional, though they have added some adventurous vegetarian options lately. It is served between 11-9pm, so you don't have to rush to beat the 2.30 deadline. It has plenty of good views and the courtyard is a good place to start a long walk from. You can sit out here and take in the sun and scenery in the beer garden - alas no grass. For walkers there is a special separate bar decked out with country kitchen style and a butter churner? There is accommodation here Rating, it is good and clean some with en-suite facilities. Call for latest prices. Access for the disabled is OK as the toilets have no steps and wide doors. The real fire (click on picture) is very warming in winter, though seating around it is in demand at most times. You cant miss this excellent pub as it is right by the bridge in the centre of the village, car parking is round to the left passed the pub.

	Symbols:		Open:	Monday-Saturday:	Sunday:	Map	Pics
				11-11	11-10.30

Also try The Crown opposite the Tourist Information office and the cemetery where Ruskin is buried.

Also try the Sun Inn, past the bridge. (01539) 441248. Accommodation here. Open 11-11; 12-10.30. Beers on at time were Barngates Cracker, Coniston Bluebird, Bluebird XB, plus a guest.

Built before 1600 on the old Walna Scar packhorse trail to the West, the Inn (a Freehouse) provides a genuine old-fashioned Lakeland setting with stone walls, stone floor, exposed beams and a beautiful old range in the fireplace which is lit most days or evenings. Famous for its connection with Donald Campbell and his attempts at the Water Speed Record and now restored to the 'Good Pub Guide' with 5 real ales, an excellent menu and 35 listed wines, it's enjoyed by walkers and talkers, locals and guests alike. The conservatory built in 2001 provides a wonderful eating and sitting area to enjoy the views whatever the weather. Accessible from both Lounge and Dining Room these rooms are available together or separately for functions and extend the capacity to a maximum of about 120 seated diners. Normally open to the bar, the views are exceptional and include Coniston Old Man to the West, the Yewdale Fells and Northern mountains stretching away to Fairfield and beyond, Coniston Fells, Village, Valley and Lake towards the East and South. Outside is a large terrace overlooking the garden and car park reaching down the 100 yards or so towards the village. The hotel part was built in 1902 to overlook the surrounding countryside and enjoy the exceptional fell and mountain views. With accommodation for 1 to 25, there are 10 bedrooms including 3 family rooms (all en-suite or with private bathroom), a large lounge and separate Dining Room a few steps away from the pub next door. The style of the place is deliberately informal and the outcome is a comfortable, relaxed and friendly venue where children and pets are also welcome. It's particularly good for groups & family parties as it comes fully staffed with its own pub next door. For larger groups or business functions, the rates are surprisingly competitive compared to self catering equivalents. Check the website for details.