The Factory Tap, Kendal

The Factory Tap boldly claims to be Kendal’s premier real ale pub, and it’s hard to disagree. Housed inside a former carpet factory complex, the inn opened in 2015 as the brewery tap for Bowness Bay Brewing, who are also located in the same complex. It’s clear from the moment that you step through the door that beer is the prime focus here.

The simple, rustic, interiors feature tables made from beer barrels, and the small bar in the corner is bedecked with handpumps for ales. The pub is located on the edge of Kendal town centre, and is certainly worth a visit for real ale aficionados.

Food & Drink

Despite its links to the Bowness Bay Brewing company, the Factory Tap showcases ales that are not just from the brewery, but from other breweries across Cumbria and the UK. On visiting the inn, you would be forgiven for thinking that they are hosting a mini beer festival, as the Factory Tap has nine hand pulls and four keg lines, giving them the ability to offer an extraordinary range of beers throughout the year.

The selection changes frequently and whilst most are sourced from Cumbrian breweries, the inn has hosted beers from further afield, with past varieties sourced from the USA, Croatia, and Germany. Customers can also recommend beers for the pub to source and serve and they welcome independent breweries contacting them to provide something for the bar. Whilst beer is clearly the star of the show here, the pub does serve other drinks, including a pleasant selection of wine and a good choice of gins, having previously hosted a mini gin festival.

Street Food Vendors

The Factory Tap doesn’t have a regular kitchen serving meals every day, but instead has chosen to invite street food vendors to supply food on a regular basis. Often available for a few days at a time, or as a regular feature once a month, the vendors offer a variety of foods from around the world.

Pop in one day and you might enjoy a take away pizza, another day you might find burritos or burgers. Past vendors have included Thai food and a classic fish and chips van. Vendors aren’t always present so do check in advance if you are hoping for food during your visit.

Other Features

The Factory Tap has a spacious beer garden where the street food vendors usually set up their stands. Dogs are also welcome at the Factory Tap, with treats available for well-behaved four-legged friends.

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