The Church House Inn (Torver)
Housed in a building that dates back to the 14th century, the Church House Inn at Torver is brimming with period charm and character. This cosy pub welcomes walkers, dogs, and families, and it’s also popular with locals, with live music nights and other social events.
Inside you will find a large stone fireplace, slate floors, and exposed beams, all creating a relaxed and cosy atmosphere in which patrons can enjoy a pint of cask ale and a good homecooked meal. The inn is located around a mile from the western shore of Coniston Water, in an area of the Lake District that escapes the larger crowds of visiting tourists.
Food & Drink
The Church House Inn offers a regularly changing selection of cask ales and craft beers that have been sourced from a number of local breweries, including favourites from Cumbrian Legendary Ales, Jennings Brewery, and Hawkshead Brewery. The inn has a particularly fine choice of gins and occasionally hosts gin tasting evenings. There is a fairly respectable choice of wines to suit a range of palates and if you prefer something to wake you up then there is the option of a freshly ground Italian coffee that can be accompanied by a slice of cake.
Food is generally served throughout the day but during winter this can vary and it’s worth checking before you visit. The menu features all of the usual pub favourites and used Cumbrian produce, such as Herdwick lamb burgers, steak & ale pie, and fish & chips. The portions are generous and your meal can be topped with a tempting desert from a small selection that includes Cumbrian favourite sticky toffee pudding. Sandwiches are available during the day, and for children, there are a small number of favourite dishes to choose from. A traditional roast dinner is served each Sunday, with all the trimmings.
Other Features
The pub has a selection of board games available to play. Occasionally there are live music nights with local musicians. Dogs are welcome at the Church House Inn, and it’s very popular with dog walkers. There is a snug room that is kept dog free for those who prefer to dine without dogs. There is a beer garden to the rear of the pub.
History
The Church House Inn dates back to the 14th century and was originally a coaching house called the Kirk’us (Kirk House) Inn. As a rural inn, it was typically quiet throughout much of its history, but one Saturday night in February of 1821 a gruesome murder took place. Many of the villagers had come together at the pub to enjoy a roasted pig when an argument occurred between William Massicks, son of John Massicks, the pub landlord, and John Jones, a patron.
The disagreement turned violent, with fists exchanged, until a sort of truce was established. However, John Massicks, clearly angry at the treatment of his son, decided to take matters in his own hands, stabbing John Jones sixteen times. There have been reports of ghosts at the inn ever since.
Accommodation
The Church House Inn has a selection of accommodation to choose from. Within the inn itself there are four en-suite guest rooms that ooze with character. These rooms are equipped with flat screen televisions, complimentary luxury toiletries, and a hospitality tray.
For families or groups, the inn has two bunk rooms, each one fitted with a double bed and two sets of bunkbeds, enabling up to six people to sleep in the room. These rooms also benefit from en-suite bathrooms. A full cooked breakfast is included in the rate of the room. If you have a campervan or caravan the pub has five pitches available on the edge of the pub’s gardens with a toilet and shower block.