The Shepherds Arms

It’s a really nice, quiet pub, tucked away in a dip beside a stream. The beer garden is fairly big, though there are no views, much like the rest of the place. Getting inside from the beer garden was surprisingly tricky: the door was shut and looked just like a store cupboard door. Once I found my way in, the beer selection looked excellent, and the young woman behind the bar was first rate. Friendly and well presented too.

The location was great, the rooms were spacious, and the dining, cleaning and catering staff were all friendly and helpful. Sleeping was another story. The mattress had deep grooves that kept rolling us into them, and the springs poked like enormous acupuncture needles. The pillow was lumpy and hard as well. There was no way to get a good night's sleep on that bed.

For a walk down to Ennerdale Water and back, this is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the food. The gluten-free options were fantastic, with a great-value range of mains and desserts. The Gluten free Burger with chips and all the trimmings was especially worth recommending. The food and atmosphere made for an amazing place to eat. We somehow got a table on our first night, but I’d suggest booking ahead. Thanks again for the hospitality and all-round service during the week. I’ve included a few photos of the meals.

We came back on Saturday evening after the owner had apologised on our previous visit about how the food was served and asked us to return because there was a different chef. We expected a really good meal after that and the reviews, but the fillet steak was just on a plate by itself. There was very little potato, and one serving of vegetables between the two of us. When I asked if it was meant for two, the young lad said yes. The people beside us got their vegetables when they were nearly finished eating. He apologised, but it was too late. Unless the food and service improve, I wouldn’t recommend this place.