The Dog & Gun, Keswick

One of Keswick’s most popular pubs, it’s normally fairly difficult to find a table at the Dog & Gun, even during the more quieter seasons. The pub has a sterling reputation for providing well-kept real ales and good, wholesome food.

In recent years, the pub has been taken over by the Greene King company and the interiors have been renovated to create a rustic, homely appearance, with a key feature being the slate fireplace where patrons leave coins that are donated to Keswick Mountain Rescue. This dog friendly pub is located on the edge of Keswick’s town centre and is a short stroll from Derwent Water.

Food & Drink

Although the Dog & Gun is a Greene King owned pub, it isn’t restricted to selling ales produced by the company. There are three regular real ales available behind the bar – two of which are supplied by the Keswick Brewing Company. The pub also serves seven other ales that change on a regular basis, making this pub one of the best in Keswick for the variety of ales that are on offer. There is a respectable wine list, with the house wine providing good value for money.

Like many other establishments, Greene King have identified the gin trend as being a way to attract more customers, and thus, the inn stocks a varied selection of gins and tonics, with a guarantee of a perfect G&T or a free replacement.

The Menu

Food is served throughout the day from noon until 9pm. The inn is well known for its speciality dish – Hungarian Goulash. This hearty beef stew is perfect for filling you up after a long day on the fells, and is served with dumplings, potatoes, and garlic bread.

The rest of the menu has a good mixture of pub classics and more modern favourites, such as chicken, chorizo & chickpea stew or sweet chilli chicken linguine. Sandwiches are available for those who prefer something lighter, and, on Sundays, a full roast dinner is served with a choice of beef, chicken, pork belly, or lamb shoulder. The pub also has a children’s menu.

Other Features

The Dog & Gun has plenty of other notable features too, including:

• Dog Friendly: The Dog & Gun is very popular with dog owners, allowing dogs in all areas. Dog treats are available to buy behind the bar and water bowls can be provided if necessary.
• Quiz Nights: The pub hosts a weekly quiz on Thursday evenings, starting at 9.30pm. This is a popular but light-hearted event, with a chance to take a prize from a lucky dip for the winners, and a booby prize for the team that comes last.
• Outside Space: The pub has a small seating area to the front of the pub, opening out onto a pedestrianised street.
• Games: The Dog & Gun has a small selection of traditional board games available from the bar.

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