Brook House Inn (Eskdale)
If you are a whisky devotee, then the long drive over the Wynrose and Hardknott Passes, or around the coast of West Cumbria to get to the Brook House Inn in Eskdale will certainly be worth it. With 180 malts from around the world and regular tasting nights, it’s one not to be missed. Of course, there is much more to Brook House than whisky.
Nestled in the Eskdale Valley, this humble but friendly inn has much to offer the walkers, narrow gauge railway passengers, and overnight guests who choose to stop here. Family run, the inn’s food is wholesome and delicious, and the pleasant beer garden surrounded by the picturesque Eskdale landscape is perfect for enjoying a pint on a warm summer’s day.
Food & Drink
For those who savour home cooked food using locally sourced ingredients, Brook House Inn is a delight. Almost everything is made on site, including the cakes, bread, desserts, and soup. Meat is sourced from Cumbrian butchers, and the fruit, vegetables, and dairy products are all supplied by the local milkman on a daily basis.
Food is served all day. If you want a hearty breakfast before a long day on the fells, then pop in during the morning when bacon butties, cakes, and other snacks are available until 12 noon. The day time menu is then available until 5.30pm. There is an extensive choice of sandwiches, or you can opt for a more filling main dish, with starters and puddings also available. In the evenings food is served until 8.30pm.
All of the usual pub favourites are here, along with some more imaginative dishes. The pub is particularly good for those on a gluten free diet, with a number of options available. There is a fabulous children’s menu that goes beyond the usual nuggets and sausages, including an excellent “finger food” option that is ideal for toddlers. In addition, the pub is able to provide afternoon tea with a day’s notice.
Along with two other inns in the area, Brook House is host to the Boot Beer Festival each year, clearly demonstrating the inn’s dedication to real ale. The inn serves an ever-changing selection of around half a dozen hand pumped ales, with over 1,000 ales featured since the current owners took over around twenty years ago. You can usually find a few Cumbrian ales here, along with those sourced from further afield. There is a good sized wine list with ten available by the glass and nearly fifty varieties in total, including dessert wines. Staff are knowledgeable and able to advise on your choices.
However, it’s whisky where the pub really excels, with around 180 malt whiskies stocked, sourced from around the world. On the last Friday of the month, the inn hosts a whisky tasting evening, where for £20 you can try up to five whiskies from the collection with guidance from the inn’s resident whisky expert.
Other Features
Dogs are welcome in the bar area where tables are available for dining. A quiz night is held on alternate Sundays with the full list of dates available on the inn’s website. This informal and fun quiz is free to enter with bar tokens for beer for the winners.
Accommodation
The inn is home to 8 guest rooms with a mixture of double and family accommodation available. The cosy rooms are presented in a classic style, and all benefit from en-suite bathrooms with showers over baths and complimentary toiletries.
Rooms are fitted with televisions with Freesat channels. There is Wi-Fi, but it is patchy thanks to the remote location. Most of the rooms offer stunning views with a chance to spot some of the local wildlife, including roe deer. Breakfast is included in the room rate with hot and cold options available.