The Langstrath Country Inn

A hidden gem, away from the hustle and bustle of Keswick’s busy streets, the Langstrath Country Inn is nestled deep in Borrowdale, south of Derwent Water. A single-track lane leads from the village of Stonethwaite and ends at the inn. Beyond it, only the fields and fells of Borrowdale are in view for as far as the eye can see.

This cosy and traditional inn was once a miner’s cottage. Today, it is a welcome sight for those walking the Coast to Coast route, offering good ale, delicious food, and, if required, a comfortable bed for the night. Its cosy interiors with rustic tables, exposed wood and stone work, whitewashed walls, and open fires, all serve to create a homely and welcoming atmosphere.

Food & Drink

The inn has resisted the pull to modernise, and the small but delightful bar still very much feels like a proper pub, as opposed to a chic country eatery. Real ale is available here with five varieties to choose from. There are regular ales from local favourites Jennings and the Keswick Brewing Company plus guest ales, usually sourced from local breweries.

The wine list is reasonable, with around 30 varieties to choose from, and half a dozen or so available by the glass that cover all the standard choices. For whisky lovers, there is a fantastic choice. The inn is home to around 30 single malts, proudly displayed behind the bar.

The Menu

With the exception of Mondays, lunch is served daily between noon and 2.30pm. A snack menu is available until 4pm. Evening meals are served between 6pm and 8.30pm. Booking in the evening is highly recommended, especially during peak periods when the pub attracts a large crowd from the nearby campsite.

The menu has a modern twist to the usual pub favourites. Along with classic dishes, such Cumberland Sausage and Steak and Ale Pie, there are several more imaginative dishes, including an intriguing Turkey, Cumbrian Chorizo and Mushroom Suet Pudding, and a Quinoa Risotto for those seeking something a little healthier. The children’s menu is fairly standard, with four dishes and a choice of sides. On Sundays, a traditional roast dinner is served between noon and 2.30pm.

Other Features

The inn welcomes dogs, but only in the bar area, where there are a limited number of tables, and in the small beer garden. Booking a table is recommended for diners with dogs. Additionally, the inn has a selection of board games and books. There is also a beer garden to the front of the pub, on the opposite side of the single track road, mostly enclosed by a low wall. A large tree offers welcome shade during the summer.

History

The Langstrath was originally built as a miners’ cottage some time around 1590, when mining was the main industry of the area. The original cottage was known as Dove Cottage, and the remains of this cottage now form the residents’ lounge. It became known as Langstrath Cottage later on, and was turned into a B&B at the start of the 20th century. After the second world war, the building was expanded considerably.

Accommodation

The Langstrath is home to eight bedrooms in total. It’s worth noting that some are more compact than others. Rooms are simply furnished, matching the rustic atmosphere of the rest of the inn. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with showers, and are equipped with tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi.

This is a place to escape modern life, so bedrooms do not have televisions, though there is a television in the resident’s private lounge where you will also find comfortable sofas, books, and games. The inn also benefits from a drying room, and its location on the Coast to Coast route makes it a popular choice for walkers seeking overnight accommodation. Children under the age of 12 cannot be accommodated at the Langstrath.

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