Kirkstile Inn

Cumbria. After a lovely walk around Loweswater, we negotiated our way down a typical Lake District rat run to arrive at this wonderful country inn. First documented in 1549, the building originally grew from a "Church Sty" - a stable where priests visiting neighboring St. Bartholomew's Church would keep their horses during clerical visits to the valley. The property, originally known as "Kirkstall" (a place accommodating church visitors), belonged to the St. Bees Priory. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII it developed into a working farm. Over the centuries the farmhouse evolved into a fully-fledged coaching inn.

During the 19th century the pub changed its name to the Hare and Hounds. It held a legendary association with the local Melbreak Hunt, traditionally serving as the venue for their major events in October and on New Year's Day. The name reverted to Kirkstile in the 20th century.

In 2003 the inn's tradition of brewing was revived after a hiatus of approximately 180 years when an outbuilding at the end of the inn was repurposed into a microbrewery called Cumbrian Legendary Ales (initially Loweswater Brewery). Their Kirkstile Gold (later renamed Loweswater Gold) became an overnight sensation, eventually winning the accolade "Champion Golden Ale of Britain", and is still the signature pint on tap today. I tasted several of their beers - they were all quite tasty and nailed the various styles (the Vanilla Oatmeal Stout was really exceptional). Due to demand, the brewing operation was moved to a custom-built facility in Hawkshead in 2009.

Visitors to the pub today are still greeted by the same low-beamed ceilings, stone walls, and roaring log fires (such a great fireplace!) that have welcomed weary fell-walkers for generations. There are seating areas surrounding the small bar, a larger restaurant-type room, and a narrow room to the back. And outside is a beer garden with the one of the most glorious sceneries you can imagine. An incredible place to sit and enjoy a pint and the wonders of the Lake District. Plus the food is great. My steak and ale pie (made with steak slow-braised in the aforementioned stout) was so tender and delicious. If you ever make it up to this part of Cumbria, this delightful country inn is a must visit.