The Strands Inn (Nether Wasdale)

Tucked away in the quiet Wasdale Valley the small hamlet of Nether Wasdale is home to two pubs both currently under the same ownership. The Corr family have been so successful in running the Strands Inn, complete with its own micro-brewery, that the pub opposite, the Screes, was unable to compete despite being owned by a large national brewery, Robinsons. Robinsons were eventually persuaded to sell the Screes to the Corrs, and now the two inns are run in tandem.

However, it is the larger Strands Inn that is home to a micro-brewery that brews 30 different varieties throughout the year. The Strands is a short walk from the south western shore of Wastwater, known for its extraordinary views and woodland walks. This pub welcomes dogs and children, and overnight accommodation is available.

Food & Drink

The micro-brewery first began brewing in 2007. The first beer that was created an amber bitter with an unusual name, “Errmmm.” The story is that the owners struggled to think of a name, sitting around, scratching their heads and saying “Errmmm” whilst they thought it through.

You can find Errmmm behind the bar, where there are six handpumps serving one of 30 different ales created by the brewery throughout the year. The well-stocked bar also has a good selection of draught lagers, ciders, spirits, wines, and soft drinks. If you prefer something hot then teas, coffees, and hot chocolate is also available here.

The Menu

Food is served twice a day on Monday to Saturday from noon until 2.30pm and from 5.30pm until 9pm. On Sundays, food is served all day. The menu is typical pub grub with steak and ale pie (using the brewery’s own ale of course!), fish and chips, and lasagne.

There are lighter options available at lunch times, including filled hot and cold sandwiches, soups, and salads. There are limited options for vegetarians and for children under eleven there are a small number of dishes available with the option to choose sides. Children’s sandwiches are also available.

Other Features

Visitors to the pub can buy bottles of the ale brewed here to take away. Occasionally, it is possible to tour the brewery. There is a weekly quiz held on Sunday evenings which is very popular with local residents. The pub also hosts occasional open mic nights and for special occasions such as New Year and Valentine’s Day there is often a special set menu with entertainment.

Outdoor seating is available both at the front of the pub and at the back with both areas benefiting from views of the surrounding fells. Dogs are welcome in the bar.

Accommodation

The Strands Inn has 14 en-suite guestrooms. All of the guest rooms have showers and three also have baths. There is a mixture of single, twin, and double accommodation available with the option to add an additional single bed or cot in some of the rooms for families with children. Rooms are fairly basic with small televisions. There is Wi-Fi, but there is no mobile reception.

The accommodation is ideal for those wanting to spend most of their time exploring the fells. A full cooked breakfast is included in the room rate. Occasionally, guests may be accommodated in the sister pub, the Screes, across the road.

Map