The Brotherswater Inn (Patterdale)

Situated at the foot of the Kirkstone Pass, the Brotherswater Inn undoubtedly has one of the best views in the Lake District, being surrounded by the fells that dominate the landscape between Ullswater and Windermere. This inn sits on the edge of the Sykeside campsite with both the pub and the campsite owned by the same proprietors.

It’s therefore popular with campers and booking is recommended when dining. The pub welcomes walkers, as well as dogs. Inside, you will find open fires that are perfect for when the weather is less than favourable, along with a gorgeous dining room that boasts of floor-to-ceiling windows, making the most of the splendid views outside.

Food & Drink

The Brotherswater Inn serves food three times a day, and it is open every day except Christmas day, though it’s worth checking in advance if you are planning a visit during winter, given that the road can become impassable after snowfall. Breakfast is served every morning from 8am and 9.30am, and is open to everyone, not just residents of the inn. Diners can choose between a continental breakfast, a full cooked English breakfast, a vegetarian breakfast, or hot sandwiches. Lunch is available between noon and 2pm (3pm on Saturdays and Sundays) with a wide choice of sandwiches, jacket potatoes, and ciabattas, along with a small selection of main dishes, including a homemade burger and fish & chips.

In the evenings, food is served between 6pm and 9pm (9.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays) and the menu features all the pub favourites, such as steak and ale pie. The portions are generous and the menu also offers a number of imaginative dishes for vegetarians, such as a fennel, feta and leek pie. For children, or those with smaller appetites, there are several dishes on the main menu that can be ordered as a smaller portion, including fish & chips and spaghetti bolognaise. All food is cooked on site and local produce is used wherever possible.

The Brotherswater Inn has four hand pumps for real ale and it offers a changing selection, usually sourced from local breweries, including Jennings, Barngates, and Tirril. In addition, there is a good choice of lagers and ciders. The wine list features a good choice of varieties for a pub of this size with around 15 different wines available, including a Malbec, a Rioja, and a delicious Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough in New Zealand. Around half are available by the glass. The inn has an amazing collection of whiskies with well over 50 varieties, including a 16 year old Glenfarclas and a 14 year old Oban.

Other Features

The Brotherswater Inn is located on the edge of the Sykeside Farm campsite. There is a separate bar on the campsite, a short walk from the inn, known as the Bar End Bar. This bar is only open at the weekends during the summer months, but it does boast of a pool table and a table football.

Dogs are welcome in the bar and in the beer garden, as well as in the campsite and there is a fabulous beer garden with views of the surrounding fells. The pub also has a selection of board games available to play.

Accommodation

The Brotherswater Inn has 7 en-suite twin or double rooms available. Rooms are equipped with a television, tea and coffee making facilities, and Wi-Fi. Rooms are cosy, comfortable, and presented in a clean and modern style. Many rooms benefit from fell views. The inn is a short walk from Brotherswater and is a fabulous base for exploring the fells south of Ullswater, including Helvellyn and High Street.

The inn is part of a larger business that has a campsite. The Sykeside campsite has pitches available for caravans, motorhomes, and tents with electric hook up only available for caravans and motorhomes. There is a toilet block with showers that are free to use, a laundry room with washers and dryers, a dish-washing area, and a shop that stocks basic necessities, including camping equipment.

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