Breweries in The Lake District
Breweries in The Lake District
Great walks, views and outdoor adventures are well loved in The Lake District, but did you know that there were also some great breweries? Many visitors to The Lake District have great memories of having adventures in the outdoors all day and then settling into a cosy pub to tell tall tales with great beers in the evening.
Lake District Beers & Brewers
Of course, the best ingredients are needed to make great beer, but one thing is needed above all and that is a passion for the brew! Consistency is key for a great beer and that takes time, quality control and a lot of tasting to get it just right! Fortunately, some of the best and most passionate brewers just happen to live in The Lake District and they make really good beer!
The Lake District has the largest concentration of breweries in all of the UK (Just under 40) meaning you will be able to find a Lake District beer on sale at a pub near your cottage or for sale in a local shop. Brewery tours, tasting events and festivals are all available in this beautiful part of the world.
Here are a few of our favourite breweries in The Lake District
Coniston Brewing Company
Known for its Bluebird Bitter this brewery has one of the best locations in The Lake District and probably the beer with the best story! Bluebird Bitter was named after the world record holding hydroplane that Donald Campbell broke so many records in. Synonymous with Coniston Water this beer is popular and well known with locals and visitors alike.
Available from many places including the Black Bull Pub which hosts an on-site brewery, the Bluebird Bitter along with an assortment of other craft ales are readily available. You can ask for a ‘tasting pour’ where you will receive three different beers in small sample glasses for the cost of one pint.
Going strong for over 24 years, The Coniston Brewing Company was awarded ‘Supreme Champion Beer by CAMRA in 1998 and now produces over 8 ales, all of which taste even better after a walk up to the top of the Old Man!
Keswick Brewing Company
Opened around 1875, this is the Lakes oldest brewing company still in operation. With a new bar, The Fox & Tap, recently opened there is now a great place to sip and sample all the beers that this brewer creates. Winners of awards such as Gold in Cask for The Keswick Special Beer (K.S.B) in the Independent Beer Awards, we look forward to what they do next!
Barngates Brewery @ the Drunken Duck
This brewery is hosted in a popular gastro pub, the Drunken Duck. Drinking a Barngates beer in the garden of this lovely pub is a special experience indeed. The onsite brewery was set up in 1997 and now has a range of popular beers including Tag Lag and Cat Nap!
Hawkshead Brewery
A well known name and now located in Staveley, this popular brand is growing and going from strength to strength with a new modern brewhouse and eatery where Brewery Tours are often available (regulations permitting) and it is a great place to sample their newest small batch beers.
Great cottages, and great beers go hand in hand and that is why The Lake District is such a great place to visit for all the family.
