The Queen’s Head (Tirril)

Located on the edge of the Lake District National Park in the small village of Tirril, close to Penrith, the Queen’s Head Inn is a quintessential traditional country pub. Dating back to the early 18th century, the pub is brimming with period features, including roaring log fires, thick and crooked stone walls, exposed beams, and the original flagstone floors.

To this day, the original meat hooks that were used in the 18th century to smoke meat are still in situ above the fireplace. The pub was once owned by a relative of William Wordsworth and still has a signed Wordsworth document on display. The pub was the birthplace of the Tirril brewery who are now based in Appleby, with the pub now in the hands of the Robinsons Brewery.

Food & Drink

The Queen’s Head is a Robinsons Brewery pub, so unsurprisingly, it serves real ale created by the brewery, with both Robinsons Double Hop and Robinsons Unicorn available from behind the bar. There is a full range of draught and bottled beers and ciders, as well as a good choice of wines with several available by the bottle or by the glass. You will find the usual selection of whiskies and spirits here, including an impressive choice of gins. Hot drinks and soft drinks are also served here.

Food is served twice a day and is generally of a high standard. The menus offer an impressive number of dishes, so you are likely to find something you will enjoy. At lunchtime, there is a choice of filled sandwiches and brioche rolls, along with light meals, such as omelette and rarebit, as well as a three-course menu that offers some more substantial choices. In the evenings, there is an “early bird” menu in operation between 5pm and 6pm with a limited number of dishes that include several pub favourites, such as pie, steak, and battered fish, all available for a discounted price.

From 6pm, the main menu offers several different burgers, including chilli beef and pork & brie, as well as nine different pies that are made with local meats. The pies are made by a company that is owned by the landlord and can be purchased to takeaway and heat at home. All the pub classics are available here and there are choices for vegetarians. Desserts include a Cumbrian cheeseboard with locally made cheeses. Children are well served here with a dedicated menu that has nine different dishes to choose from, far more than many other establishments in the area.

Other Features

The Queen’s Head welcomes dogs into the bar area of the pub where there are tables available for dining. Water bowls and occasional treats are available. The pub has a lounge room with a pool table that costs 50p per play. There are a small number of picnic benches outside the front of the pub. At the rear of the pub, there is a covered outdoor seating area.

History

It is understood that the Queen’s Head was built in 1719 and it has the impressive record of serving beer continuously since that year. Around the turn of the 19th century, the pub was owned by William Wordsworth’s brother, Richard. When Richard died in 1816 the pub was inherited by his son, John. William Wordsworth helped his nephew run the pub until he was old enough to manage it himself.

Eventually, John sold the pub to pay for his education. In 1999, the pub saw the birth of the Tirril Brewery and the pub sold real ale that was created on site. The brewery moved to larger premises in 2002 and the pub was later sold to Robinsons.

Accommodation

The Queen’s Head has seven bedrooms available for overnight stays. Rooms are well presented and benefit from period features. There are five doubles, one twin, and one triple room ideal for families. Rooms are equipped with televisions, tea and coffee making facilities and en-suite bathrooms. A full cooked breakfast is included in the room rate and dogs can stay overnight here.

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