The Farmers Arms (Portinscale)
Very popular with walkers, the Farmers Arms in the small village of Portinscale is located very close to the section of the Cumbria Way that runs along the western shore of Derwent Water. This humble and cosy inn is part of the Jennings Brewery and has received recognition for the way it keeps its real ale.
Inside, the interiors are very typical of an English village pub. The pub is the only place in the village of Portinscale that serves food in the evenings and is therefore popular with those staying in the local area. Dog friendly, this pub also has a beer garden.
Food & Drink
The Farmers Arms serves two regular beers, both supplied by Marston’s owned Jennings, a very popular Cumbrian brewery based a few miles away in Cockermouth. In addition, the pub serves an additional two guest real ales, usually sourced from one of the many breweries within the Marston’s portfolio.
There are a small number of lagers available on tap, and the wine list is limited, covering the basics only. The bar also stocks a range of spirits, mixers, and soft drinks. The Farmers Arms is where things are kept simple, so don’t expect a range of exotic cocktails or gins from around the world.
The Menu
Food is served twice a day, however, during quieter periods this is not always guaranteed and it’s best to check in advance if you are relying on getting a meal here during the winter period. In addition, during the evening service, it can get very busy (thanks to a number of hotels and B&Bs in the area that do not serve food) and food service is often suspended or finished early if the pub becomes too busy.
This isn’t gastro-dining. Instead, the food is simple and basic, with the menu covering all the classic pub favourites. Think burgers, fish, steak, lasagne, etc. Daily specials do offer something a little different, and children can opt for half portions from the main menu, which is fabulous for fussy eaters.
Other Features
Bill Boaden / geograph.org.uk
The Farmers Arms has a raised beer garden at the back of the pub with a small number of picnic benches. The garden has views of the surrounding fells. The pub is dog friendly throughout with no restrictions.
Map
Other Pubs in and Around Keswick
- The White Horse Inn (Scales)
- The Wasdale Head Inn
- The Wainwright, Keswick
- The Sun Inn (Bassenthwaite)
- The Snooty Fox (Uldale)
- The Sally @ Threlkeld
- The Royal Oak (Keswick)
- The Pheasant Inn (Keswick)
- The Langstrath Country Inn
- The King’s Head (Thirlmere)
- The Golden Lion, Keswick
- The Dog & Gun, Keswick
- The Swinside Inn (Keswick)
- Royal Oak (Braithwaite)
- The Pack Horse Inn, Keswick
- The Oddfellows Arms, Keswick
- Middle Ruddings Country Inn
- Lake Road Inn, Keswick
- The Horse & Farrier (Threlkeld)
- Coledale Inn (Braithwaite)
- The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas (Keswick)
- Bank Tavern, Keswick