The Punchbowl Inn
West View, Penrith · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: Uwe Heide / Google Maps
A small, dog-friendly inn near Penrith with just six rooms, suited to travellers who want a proper pub at the heart of their Lake District stay.
About The Punchbowl Inn
The Punchbowl Inn suits anyone who wants their Cumbria trip built around a good pub rather than a big hotel. With only six rooms above the bar, it's a compact, characterful base near Penrith, well placed for those heading into the Lake District for walking or cycling, and happy to welcome dogs along for the trip.
Rooms are en-suite and come with free WiFi and drinks, kept simple rather than lavish, with the emphasis firmly on what happens downstairs. The restaurant and bar are the heart of the place, serving a menu that regularly wins praise for its Sunday roast, steak and ale pie, and leek and cheese soufflé, backed by a decent range of local ales. Breakfast is included, and the garden gives extra space to sit outside. Staff are consistently described as friendly and attentive, adding to the traditional, unpretentious atmosphere.
Beyond the inn, there's a golf course nearby along with other pubs, restaurants and entertainment within easy reach, and plenty of scope for walking and cycling in the surrounding countryside. Free on-site parking makes it a practical stop for exploring the wider area, and luggage storage is available for those breaking a longer journey.
Reception hours
- Monday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Friday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
We were on the road all day and running out of options to find places to eat. We rang ahead 15 minutes out and the lovely lady working said the kitchen would stay open for us. We were so very grateful she did because the food was phenomenal. Classic pub food done exceptionally well, just incredibly delicious. Highly recommend a stop here.
a month ago · via Google
The level of food changed massively about 10 month ago and now it has gone from good pub food to Michelin star pub food! The food is amazing! Top quality and great wine menu to match! The leek and cheese soufflé is the best we’ve had. The mains are fantastic , we had the beef and the duck but what made it top notch was how the root vegetables were dressed. Very hard to find a place with high quality food, good beers and great wine choices Would recommend to everyone!
4 months ago · via Google
With a new team of chefs, there is now a lovely lunch and dinner menu. The food is of good quality in generous portions. A little pricey but a step up from pub grub. The staff are friendly and attentive. The range of beers, lagers and wines alone make it worth a visit.
4 months ago · via Google
We were staying locally as a big group and so messaged about coming for lunch, the manager was very helpful and took our preorders (we were a group of 17!) It looks like a slightly older pub that's a bit tired however don't let this put you off as the food was great and the staff were so helpful and everything ran very smoothly!! They have a great varied menu that was ideal for lunch!
3 months ago · via Google
Diners like this pub's delicious and high-quality food, with many highlighting the Sunday roast, steak and ale pie, and leek and cheese soufflé. They also mention the cozy, authentic atmosphere, good selection of local ales, and dog-friendly environment. Guests appreciate the friendly, attentive, and accommodating staff, who provide excellent service.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Askham, Penrith, CA10 2PF Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- West View, Penrith
- Good for children
- Yes
- Good for groups
- Yes
- Booking required
- Yes
- Destination
- Penrith