The Bridge Inn

I can't comment on the rooms since we didn't stay, though I'm sure they're lovely, and the location is amazing. We went twice on holiday, once for dinner and again just for drinks, since we were staying around the corner. We really tried to like it. The building in Santon Bridge is beautiful, and the inside is nicely decorated, but the good points ended there for us. Drinks and food are very expensive, even soft drinks, worse than Windermere or Ambleside in summer. The food was some of the worst we've had in a long time. The small serving of chili was dry, microwaved, and tasteless, with most of the plate taken up by nachos. None of us finished, and at around £20 per meal, it needs to improve. The bar service and food quality both need work, especially with strong competition and very good pubs just a five minute drive away. We got the impression it might be someone's first time running a bar or restaurant. We wouldn't return, and I'd recommend The Kellbank around the corner.

We stayed nearby and came in with friends for drinks several times over New Year. The service was quick and friendly, and the back room is perfect for watching live sports. Best pub in the Lakes. We'll definitely be back!

After trying hundreds of pubs for a meal, we stopped here for one night, planning to have tea and take a long walk in the morning. We looked at the menu and decided against eating. I've never been in a pub this expensive: £7 a pint, £14 for a pizza, and £25 for a double cheeseburger and chips. It felt like pure greed, charging Michelin prices. We also saw bad food reviews, so we didn't bother.

I've stayed at the Bridge Inn before, so I was shocked at how far the standards have fallen. It used to be a reliable choice. This time there were serious safety hazards and major inconveniences. We weren't told in advance there'd be no chef for breakfast. We had to travel to another hotel, Irton Hall, just to eat, and its breakfast times didn't work with our work schedule. It disrupted the business trip. The room kettle is ancient and takes about ten minutes to boil, which isn't helpful when you're on a tight schedule. At night, there was no lighting on the landing or downstairs. I had to hold the front door open while stepping out for a smoke, so the high winds wouldn't lock me out in total darkness. There's no night call option or porter if there's an emergency. They also now let campers park overnight, which made me concerned about the security of my car. During my five night stay, housekeeping never changed the bedding. I was given one roll of toilet paper for five days, and it was never replaced. The floor is so uneven that the bed sits at an angle, and the bathroom door is so close to it that it only opens partway. Prices have got steep for the lack of service. A pint here is £6.50, while the nearby Kellbank charges £5.20 and has much better food. With the safety risks and no communication about breakfast, this hotel no longer feels fit for purpose. I won't return.