The Derby Arms

A stalwart of the village community, the Derby Arms, built in the 1800s in the small village of Witherslack, was once under the threat of closure. Desperate to see their pub preserved, local villagers came together to form a trust to buy the pub and keep it open. As part of their efforts, a small village shop was created in part of the pub in 2006, and in 2008 the village trust sold the pub’s lease to the Ainscough family, who were already successfully running another pub nearby. Today, the pub is best known for its wonderful food, having been recommended in the Michelin Pub Guide. However, it also offers a small number of rooms for visitors seeking to stay in the area.

The tiny hamlet of Witherslack is located in the south-eastern tip of the Lake District National Park, close to the nature reserve Foulshaw Moss, where breeding osprey return each year. Witherslack is approximately a ten-minute drive from the southern point of Lake Windermere where you will find a number of attractions, including the Lakeland Motor Museum and the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway. The National Trust property, Sizergh Castle, is around 15-minutes away, as is the market town of Kendal.

Accommodation

The Derby Arms has just six bedrooms for visitors, and each one has been individually designed in a traditional yet luxurious style, all of which feature double beds. Rooms are fitted with iron wrought beds, antique furniture, and period features.

All rooms have spacious en-suite bathroom facilities with complimentary toiletries, with some containing roll-top baths, others with walk-in showers. It’s worth noting that rooms do not have wardrobes, although some hooks are provided for hanging up a small number of clothes. In-room amenities include televisions, tea and coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi.

Restaurants & Bars

The Derby Arms is best known for its delicious selection of classic pub grub. You won’t find fancy haute-cuisine here, but you will find simple, much-favoured dishes done very, very, well. Food is served in the downstairs bar area, a quirky space with two large, airy rooms filled with unique collections of artwork and pottery.

During the week, a continental breakfast is available for hotel guests with a large selection of pastries, fruit, and cereals provided. Cooked breakfasts prepared to order are provided at weekends. The restaurant’s main menu comprises of traditional dishes, such as steak and ale pie, steak, and fish and chips with many of the ingredients sourced locally. A children’s menu is also available.

Additional Facilities & Services

The Derby Arms has secure cycle storage available for guests wishing to bring their bikes and there are a number of popular cycling routes nearby. There is a small, community run shop housed within the pub selling a selection of gifts, cycling leaflets, and groceries.

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