The Horse & Farrier (Threlkeld)

Dating back to 1688, the Horse & Farrier in the pretty village of Threlkeld near Keswick is a popular place for visitors and locals alike to visit, thanks to its delicious homecooked food and wide selection of locally brewed ales. It is considered the sister site to the Sally @ Threlkeld just down the road.

The pub has recently been refurbished and inside you will find warm and welcoming interiors with period features that still feature prominently throughout. The pub lies at the foot of Blencathra, and one of the most popular and easiest routes to the summit of this fell is a short walk away.

Food & Drink

The Horse & Farrier is a Jennings pub, and here you will find four Jennings real ales: Bitter, Cocker Hoop, Cumberland Ale, and Sneck Lifter. In addition, the pub has one guest ale that changes regularly, either from Jennings or from other local breweries, including the Keswick Brewing Co. The bar also stocks a good choice of international lagers and ciders.

Wine & Spirits

The wine list at the Horse & Farrier is extensive with nearly forty varieties available – many of which can be enjoyed by the glass, including a delicious medium bodied red from Carcassonne, France, and a fruity Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Fans of gin will be pleased with nearly twenty to choose from, including locally distilled Bedrock Gin and The One Gin. The pub also has an impressive choice of single malt whiskies, as well as various other spirits. Tea and coffee, along with a good mixture of soft drinks, are also available here.

Food Menu

Food is served throughout the day. Breakfast is served between 8am and 9pm and non-residents are welcome. For a set price, diners can choose a full cooked breakfast, a vegetarian breakfast, kippers, or a choice of eggs. The main food service hours are noon until 2pm and then 6pm until 9pm but throughout the day until 5pm there is a sandwich menu in operation with a choice of hot and cold fillings. The main menu has a wide choice of dishes, many of which use Cumbrian ingredients.

All the pub classics are here, but the Horse & Farrier is probably best described as a gastro-pub, and as such, the menu includes additional, more imaginative dishes, such as slow roasted belly pork or goat’s cheese risotto. On Sundays, a traditional roast dinner is served with a choice of locally sourced meats, including Threlkeld lamb, whilst daily specials add further choice. Children have a fabulous number of options, including their own curry of the day.

Other Features

There is a small beer garden adjacent to the pub. Dogs are welcome in one section of the pub where the bar is, but they are not permitted in the restaurant area. Dog water bowls are available, and a special dog beer is available from behind the bar.

History

The Horse & Farrier was established in 1688. It was originally a farm house and travellers using the road between Keswick and Penrith would stop at the farm to get food and water for their horses. Since supplying refreshments to passing travellers was more profitable than farming, the farm decided to turn the farm into a full-time inn. It has been supplying refreshments to weary travellers ever since.

Accommodation

The pub has a selection of rooms available for guests, and like the rest of the pub, these have recently been refurbished, creating a fresh and modern look. All rooms are equipped with en-suite bath or shower rooms, along with flat screen televisions with digital channels and tea and coffee making facilities.

Guests also have access to a drying room. Twin, double, and king rooms are available, along with two suites that offer oodles of space with connecting lounges with sofa beds, making this ideal accommodation for families.

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