Our View

This 17th-century village pub on the west side of Lake Windermere is situated next to Beatrix Potter’s old home, Hill Top, which can be found just behind the inn. It has been known as the Tower Bank Arms for over a century and Potter illustrated it perfectly in her Tale of Jemima Puddleduck, although history fails to record whether she ever slipped in for a drink during a break from sketching. This cosy, bustling inn is popular not only with visitors to Hill Top, but also walkers, cyclists, holidaymakers and locals. In the low-beamed slate-floored main bar are an open log fire, fresh flowers and ticking grandfather clock. Local brews on hand pump embrace Langdale from Cumbrian Legendary and Brodie’s Prime from Hawkshead; alternatively a good selection of ciders and wines are served by the glass. If you are looking to eat, menus for both lunch and dinner are served throughout the premises. The style is very much hearty country fare based on local produce. At midday, sandwiches of Cumbrian baked ham with wholegrain mustard or roast beef and horseradish sauce, are sufficient for some; others may plump for a traditional lunchtime plate of deep-fried scampi with skinny chips and tartare sauce. For dinner, goats' cheese salad with almonds and orange dressing makes a tasty vegetarian starter. Follow perhaps with braised shoulder of Lakeland lamb, mash and vegetables. Finish in style with raspberry Eton mess. Food and drink can be served in the garden, where the panorama of farms, fells and fields makes a relaxing vista.

Awards, accolades and Welcome Schemes

AA Pick of the Pubs