The Derby Arms (Witherslack)

The Derby Arms is a beautifully refurbished 18th century country inn that can be found just off the A590 in Witherslack, a short drive from Newby Bridge. Step inside and you will be forgiven for wondering if you have inadvertently stumbled into a stately home, such is the quality of fixtures and furnishings that were used as part of the refurbishment.

The pub has won a number of awards and accolades, including CAMRA Pub of the Season. This is a popular stopping point for walkers, cyclists, and those travelling along the A590, thanks to the delicious food and the wide range of real ales. Family and dog friendly, the pub benefits from a games room and hosts regular live music nights.

Food & Drink

The Derby Arms benefits from the ability to serve up to six real ales at any one time via hand pumps. There are three regular ales: Bowness Bay Swan Blonde, Cumbrian Legendary Ales Loweswater Gold, and Hawkshead Bitter. In addition, the pub serves up to three ales from a changing selection of breweries, mostly Cumbrian based, including Dent Brewery and the Keswick Brewing Company.

The bar also offers up a range of bottled beers, as well a selection of beers and lagers on draught. Gin drinkers will be pleased with the extensive gin menu that includes some varieties that are distilled in Cumbria, and there is a reasonably priced wine list that has something to suit most tastes. For those who prefer soft drinks, locally made hand pressed juices are served here.

The Menu

Food is served twice a day Monday to Friday, from noon until 2.30pm and then again from 5.30pm until 8.30pm. During the weekends, food is served throughout the day from noon until 9pm (8pm on Sunday). There’s a simple lunch time menu that offers a range of hot and cold sandwiches.

The main menu is an ode to the humble pub grub, with all the classics featured, but prepared using fresh, local, and high quality ingredients that are then beautifully presented on the plate. Alongside the traditional favourites, such as steak & ale pie or fish & chips, you will find bistro style dishes, including gnocchi and sea bass. A children’s menu is available and there are daily specials that provide further choices.

Other Features

The Derby Arms has a games room that is equipped with a pool table and a darts board. Further entertainment is provided by the pub’s regular music nights that feature local bands. The pub is dog friendly, welcoming dogs in the bar and in some of the guest rooms.

History

The Derby Arms was built in 1821 on the turnpike road that linked Kendal and Ulverston. It was named after the owner of the nearby Halecat Estate, Thomas Stanley, Earl of Derby. In the 1930s, the pub was sold by Oliver Stanley who was serving as Conservative MP for Westmorland and Minister of State for War, and it later fell into decline. It was revived in the mid 2000s when the local community formed a trust to purchase the pub and open it, along with the adjacent community shop.

Accommodation

Brilliantly located for exploring the southern Lake District, the pub offers six rooms, all of which have been refurbished to the same high standard used throughout the rest of the pub. Expect antique style furniture and large comfortable beds. The rooms have en-suite facilities, televisions, and tea and coffee making facilities.

It’s worth noting that a full cooked breakfast is not provided here, with continental options, such as cereal and toast, available only. However, it does provide packed lunches for guests who are planning on taking a long walk for the day. For further information about the accommodation, please see our page on the Derby Arm's accommodation.

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