The Watermill Inn & Brewery (Ings)

Home to the Windermere Brewing Company, the Watermill Inn is a welcoming pub that is a must visit for fans of real ale. The pub is located in the small village of Ings that lies between Kendal and Windermere, making it an ideal stopping point for those seeking a break in travel from the M6 into the Lake District.

The inn is housed in a former watermill, hence the name, and first opened back in 1990, whilst the brewery opened in a purpose built extension in 2006. Inside, many of the building’s original features remain, including exposed beams and a real fire, and there are two different bars, both of which serve food.

Food & Drink

The pub’s brewery currently brews 12 beers and most of them are available from behind the bar at any given time, with some of the bar’s pumps occasionally used for guest ales from other local breweries. The dog friendly nature of the bar is celebrated by the brewery with all beer names having some sort of canine reference, such as Golden Retriever, A Bit’er Ruff, and Dog’th Vader.

If you prefer bottled beer then you would be delighted with the choice available from the pub, with a large collection of beers from around the world. Those who prefer something a little stronger may like to peruse the whisky menu that has over 50 different varieties. The bar also stocks a wide selection of wines, gins, spirits and soft drinks.

The Menu

Food is served daily from noon until 9pm. Tables cannot be booked and the pub is popular so you may have a short wait during peak periods. If you prefer something lighter during the day then there is a lunch time bite menu available until 5pm that includes hot snacks, a full cooked breakfast, sandwiches, and wraps.

The main menu is available all day and features all the pub favourites, including a steak and ale using beer brewed on the premises, as well as classics, such as fish & chips and scampi, whilst daily specials offer up some more unusual and imaginative choices. There is a good range of salads and vegetarian dishes. For those who are gluten free, there is a dedicated menu available. The pub is family friendly with a children’s menu that will delight most fussy eaters.

Other Features

Pub visitors can see into the brewery from one of the bars and watch the beer being created. Crates of beer produced by the brewery are available to purchase. On the first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm, the pub hosts the South Lakeland Storytelling Club who will regale patrons with fascinating tales with free admission. The pub has two bars and dogs are welcome in the larger bar. Water bowls can be provided if required and dog biscuits are freely available. There is a small beer garden at the front of the pub.

Accommodation

The Watermill Inn has eight en-suite bedrooms, all presented with a modern, clean style. There is a mixture of single, double, and family accommodation available. Two of the rooms have their own balconies with views out to the surrounding countryside. All rooms are equipped with televisions, radios, free Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee making facilities. Rates include a full English breakfast each morning.

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