Dockray Hall (Penrith)

Charming, rustic, and brimming with period features, stepping into Dockray Hall in Penrith is akin to stepping back in time. The property, once the home of Richard III before his ascent to the throne, has been lovingly maintained with the original oak panelling and fireplaces in situ.

The pub features two bars along with a cosy snug room and serves locally brewed real ale with modern British cuisine that uses the best of local and seasonal produce. This popular pub has won several awards, including Tourism Pub of the Year 2018 at the Cumbria Tourism Awards. For those seeking a slice of history, Dockray Hall is a must visit.

Food & Drink

Dockray Hall is currently owned by Cumbrian Legendary Ales who also own the Kirkstile Inn in Loweswater. You will find several of the brewery’s ales here, including the ever popular Loweswater Gold, as well as a changing selection of guest ales and bottled beers. The bar also stocks a selection of high quality wines with several varieties available by the glass, and a good number of craft gins, as well as whiskies and other spirits.

Food is served twice a day, from noon until 3pm and then again from 6pm until 9pm. This is gastro-pub dining at its finest with the chefs using local and seasonal produce wherever possible. The menus change with the seasons but you can expect to find a mixture of pub favourites alongside more contemporary dishes. During the lunch time service diners can choose from a selection of sandwiches or from the main menu that is also served in the evenings.

There are mouth-watering dishes, such as Cumbrian beef stew, plus a small number of options for vegetarians. For those seeking Sunday lunch, then Dockray Hall should be high on the list of choices with a delicious three-course menu that includes the choice of Cumbrian beef or Cumbrian pork served with all of the trimmings. Children are well served with a choice of classic favourites, along with a couple of more unusual choices for the more adventurous eater.

Other Features

Dogs are welcome in the back bar.

History

Dockray Hall began life as a defensive Pele tower, built around 1400 as part of the defences of Penrith Castle with a secret tunnel connecting the two. Originally built by the grandfather of Richard III, the then Duke of Gloucester who would later become king lived here in 1471 whilst repair works were undertaken on the castle.

In the 1500s the building became the property of the Whelpdales who made significant changes to the property, including the addition of the oak panelling that is still present in the bar today. Dockray Hall became an inn in 1719, trading under several names, including the Gloucester Arms in honour of its former royal resident.

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