We spent a week in Kendal exploring the town, hiking and trying lots of craft beers which we have missed in our 4 years living in St Kitts where the choice of alcoholic drinks is very limited. During our week we hit up all the best pubs in Kendal and because we had my fur-brother Diesel with us we got the lowdown on the best dog friendly pubs in Kendal too. Read on to find out which Kendal pubs you should definitely visit, and which ones are not worth your time.

Dog Friendly Pubs in Kendal

The New Union

The New Union is a great pub with lots of choice of beers, ciders and whiskey. There are usually four cask ales, six craft kegs, three craft ciders and over 100 whiskeys available, sourced from a mixture of Cumbrian, national and international breweries.

There is also a large fridge packed with bottled craft beers and ciders and a range of 20 gins so plenty of choice for any taste.

All dogs get their own bowl of iced water and there is a large beer garden with lots of tables outside, although there are some plant pots around and a small, decked area it did used to be the pub carpark so it’s not the best-looking pub beer garden in Kendal.

Dogs are also welcome inside the pub which is decorated in a lovely modern style with plenty of comfy seating and a large open fire in winter.

The New Union hosts a weekly quiz night on Wednesdays with cash prizes available, Thursdays they have a jam night which is a variety of live performances from local singers and musicians. On these nights it gets very busy and popular with locals so get there early to grab a table.

Indie Craft Beer & Bar

Indie Craft Beer & Bar is a small micropub is located just off the main high street and although it’s small in size don’t let that fool you. They have a massive selection with around 170 different beers to choose from including 12 choices for beer on draft or keg and a huge selection of bottles and canned craft beers for any taste.

As a dog friendly pub they also provide dog water bowls and treats to furry patrons which is one of the things we loved about it.

There are only a few tables inside on the ground floor but there is an upstairs seating area and outside there are around a dozen tables on the pedestrianised high street where it was great to sit and sip while people watching.

We loved it here and think it is one of the best pubs in Kendal for craft beers, we visited more than once because of the vast selection of beers.

Handsome Snuff Bar

Handsome Snuff Bar looks really small from the outside and stepping inside there are only a handful of tables. There is more seating upstairs however and this delightful little pub has some fantastic beers making it one of the best pubs in Kendal.

Owned by the local Handsome Brewery and with beers named things like Handsome AF and Handsome FKR it’s impossible to not love it here. They are also dog friendly which just adds to the charm and water bowls are provided.

We think Handsome is a Kendal pub not to be missed on any visit to the town.

Fell Bar

Fell Bar is located on a backstreet off the main high street and would be easy to miss if you didn’t know where you were going. There is no outdoor seating and through the window it looks like there are only 3 tables in the bar, however it is set on 3 floors so there is ample seating even on a Friday night when we visited and it was busy.

There is a good choice of craft beers with 8 keg and 6 cask lines, it is one of the coolest pubs in Kendal. The top floor is home to Jim’s Pizza which serves large homemade pizzas so if you get the drinking munchies then this is the pub to visit.

There is also often live music on the ground floor but we didn’t catch any on our visit.

The Factory Tap

The Factory Tap is the Tap House for the Bowness Bay Brewing Company which is located on the same premises.  It boldly claims to be the premier real ale pub in Kendal and it’s easy to see why with nine beers on draft and four kegs the choice of beers is fantastic, they don’t only serve Bowness Bay beers though they have plenty of other choices.

Most of the beers served are sourced from local Cumbrian breweries however the inn has hosted beers from further afield as guest ales and are always looking to host new beers. They also serve a selection of wine and have an extensive gin menu and they regularly have beer and gin festivals throughout the year.

The Factory Tap has a spacious beer garden and is another dog friendly pub in Kendal with water bowls and treats available for four-legged patrons.

Food is not served regularly instead they have visiting street food vendors that set up in the beer garden.

Oddfellows Arms

This little down-to-earth pub is down a side road from the main area but is dog friendly. Walking in feels like walking into a sitting room with the bar running down one side.

It has a shabby feeling and there’s not much choice for drinks, but they do have the odd local beer. There is also a tiny beer garden/smoking area out the back.

There is a pool table that is free to use, and the music is great, (think classic rock hits,) but we think there are much nicer pubs in Kendal that are also dog friendly if you only have time to visit one then give this a miss.

George and Dragon

The George and Dragon is part of the craft union chain and has a large outdoor beer garden with TV for sports fans and it is dog friendly, so water bowls are provided.

It is located on one of the oldest streets in Kendal and it is thought that there has been a pub on the site since the 1700s when it was previously an Inn which catered for travellers and had stables for up to 20 horses.

There is karaoke and free pool weekly with drink offers available mostly on spirits. They also host regular live folk music nights.

Inside seems pretty shabby despite the recent renovations and there’s not much choice for good beers, we ended up drinking Strongbow dark fruits, which was rather disappointing. Unless you want to watch sports in a pub in Kendal then give it a miss for one of the nicer pubs just around the corner.

Old Pubs in Kendal

Ye Olde Fleece Inn

Ye Olde Fleece in is oldest pub in Kendal and was built in 1654 it is a Grade II listed building and was previously called The Golden Fleece Inn. The pub is one of only a few remaining historic timber-framed structures in Kendal and it is located on The Old Shambles which used to be a row of 12 butchers’ shops.

The pub looks very small from the outside on the high street but don’t let that fool you, the pub stretches all the way along The Old Shambles making it very long once you get inside.

They have a great selection of beers, wine and spirits and some of the best pub food in Kendal, there is also a great selection of delicious homemade cakes and desserts to choose from.

Ye Olde Fleece also welcome muddy boots, muddy paws and muddy wheels so however you have spent your day you can always pop in for drinks and delicious food.

There is a small beer garden behind the pub with tables and chairs which is nice on a sunny day. For a historic pub in Kendal with plenty of character this is one that you must visit.

Ring O Bells

Is this the most haunted pub in Britain? Go for yourself and find out. A short walk outside of the main town centre is the Ring O Bells which is one of the oldest pubs in Kendal dating back to 1741 and one with the most fascinating history.

The pub was built to provide refreshments to the church wardens and bell ringers and is a listed building. It is thought that the snug room in the pub was once used to lay bodies out before funerals at the parish church next door and that there was once a secret tunnel between the two.

The Ring O Bells is the only pub in England to be built on consecrated ground and claims to be haunted. There is a CCTV video of a glass seeming to make its own way off the edge of the table but we are sure if it’s real or not.

The food is decent with a limited menu but the dishes served are good value and the inside of the pub is nicely decorated with some period features. It is also a dog friendly pub so four legged friends are welcome.

On Mondays there is a folk night from 8pm and there is a karaoke on the first Saturday of every month.

Horse and Rainbow

The Horse and Rainbow is one of the oldest pubs in Kendal dating back to 1638, it is a popular place to watch sports and there is a pool table which costs 50p to use as well as a couple of slot machines. They also host darts matches on Tuesday and quiz night on Thursday.

There is not a massive choice of beers, but they have offers on spirits and a good range of gin. It is another dog friendly pub in Kendal and water is provided for fur-friends.

The Wine Bar

The Oldest Wine Bar in Kendal is in a Grade II listed building which was originally a grain store and was converted to a wine bar in 1984. Serving a large selection of good quality wines, crafts beers and cocktails The Wine Bar is one of the most sophisticated pubs in Kendal.

The Wine Bar also has a lovely peaceful rooftop sun terrace full of palm trees, flowers and herbs which they use in signature drinks. It is the perfect beer garden in Kendal to enjoy during the summer months.

Best Pub Food Kendal

Ye Olde Fleece is our top pick for best pub food in Kendal but there are a few other pubs dotted around that do pub food if you to try somewhere different.

Wakefield Arms

Geared up for dining rather than drinking, the Wakefield Arms is a must-visit if you’re looking for delicious good value pub food in Kendal. As part of the table-table chain, they serve food throughout the day so you will always be able to get food here in Kendal.

Wednesdays are especially exciting with their Pie and Pud night, where you can indulge in a pie and pudding combo for just £8.99.

If you’re looking for great value during weekdays, they also offer a daytime value menu where you can choose two mains from just £10.49. And if cocktails are your thing, you’re in luck! The Wakefield Arms offers 2-for-£10 cocktails all day, every day.

If you are looking for the best Sunday roast in Kendal then the Wakefield Arms is high on the list. On Sundays you can enjoy a selection of meat with all the trimmings, including unlimited roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, and gravy from just £9.49 per person.

Miles Thompson

The Miles Thompson is the only Wetherspoons in Kendal and it is located inside the old bath house building. It is the largest pub in Kendal so whether you are looking to eat or just drink there is plenty of seating for everyone. As with most Wetherspoons pubs the food is decent, and the beer is good with plenty of choice for all tastes and various food and drink offers throughout the week.

The building is named after the architect who built it in 1864 and was formerly known as Shearman House. Built as a public bath house for families it had 8 large baths, laundry facilities and a drying area. The chimney for the bath house is 70 feet high and is still in place today, it can be seen from as far away as Kendal Castle on a clear day.

The Duke of Cumberland

One of the standout pubs we discovered in Kendal was the Duke of Cumberland. This pub has a lovely spacious beer garden, perfect for enjoying a pint on a sunny day. With ample outdoor seating you’ll have no trouble finding a spot to relax and unwind.

For those cooler evenings, there are four cosy outdoor cabins with fire pits where you can snuggle up and stay warm. The Duke of Cumberland is another dog-friendly pub, with a unique brewhouse and kitchen style that sets them apart.

You can indulge in delicious pub grub while sipping on local craft beers, and if you’re in the mood for some friendly competition, make sure to visit on Mondays for their quiz night starting at 8pm.

This pub specialises in craft beer, cask ale, cocktails, and premium lagers, so there is something for every taste. And if you’re feeling peckish classic pub food is served daily from 12pm to 9pm. So, whether you’re looking for a vibrant atmosphere or a relaxing evening with good food and drink, the Duke of Cumberland is definitely worth a visit when exploring the pubs in Kendal.

Pubs with Beer Gardens in Kendal

White Hart

Located in the heart of Kendal, the White Hart Inn is a standout pub that is sure to capture the attention of ale enthusiasts. As part of Robinsons Brewery, a renowned British family brewery with a remarkable history spanning over 181 years, this ale house offers a truly authentic and enjoyable experience.

Upon entering the White Hart Inn, visitors are immediately greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The pub boasts an impressive selection of 17 draft beers, ensuring that beer enthusiasts of all tastes can find something to savour. From classic favourites to unique and innovative brews, there is no shortage of options to explore.

The interior of the White Hart Inn is tastefully decorated, creating a cosy and welcoming atmosphere for patrons to enjoy. However, it is the expansive beer garden at the back of the pub that draws you in with ample seating available, this outdoor oasis provides the perfect setting to unwind and bask in the sunshine while sipping on your favourite drink.

In addition to its impressive drink selection, the White Hart Inn also offers pub food, but the menu is somewhat limited. For a truly special treat, don’t miss the daily afternoon tea, available from 3-6pm at the very affordable price of just 12.50 per couple.

Overall, our experience at the White Hart Inn was nothing short of delightful. With its exceptional drinks, and inviting atmosphere it is undeniably one of the top pubs to visit in Kendal.

Masons Yard 24

One pub that stood out during our pub-hopping adventure in Kendal was Masons Yard 24. This unique establishment dating from 1826 boasts a charming, restored interior with original features. As we entered through the building’s unconventional side entrance, we were greeted by a lively atmosphere and friendly staff.

Masons Yard 24 has some incredible drink specials. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, they offer discounted cask beer and wine, while Fridays are dedicated to gin and Prosecco specials. This made it an ideal spot to unwind after a long day of exploring Kendal.

But the allure of Masons Yard 24 doesn’t stop at their drinks. The pub also has a reputation for serving high-quality dishes sourced from local Lakeland specialist suppliers. Whether you’re craving traditional pub fare or something more unique, their menu will surely satisfy your taste buds.

One of the highlights of Masons Yard 24 is their large, picturesque beer garden with covered heated seating areas. It’s the perfect place to bask in the sunshine while enjoying a refreshing pint or indulging in their delicious food offerings.

So, if you’re looking for a memorable night out in Kendal, Masons Yard 24 should definitely be on your list of pubs to visit in 2023. With its inviting ambiance, great drink specials, delicious local food, and charming beer garden, it’s no wonder this establishment has become a local favourite among both residents and visitors alike.

The Barrel House

The Barrel House in Kendal is part of the Bowness Bay Brewing Company, this vibrant spot is perfect for a night out. With its delicious cocktails and wide selection of craft beers, it’s a haven for beer enthusiasts.

The Barrel House Bar spans several floors and has outside seating in the beer garden, providing a great atmosphere to enjoy your drinks. Whether you’re looking to socialise with friends or simply unwind after a day exploring, this place has got you covered.

There are events running throughout the year and if you’re a fan of live music, you’re in for a treat – they have performances every Friday from 8pm and Sunday from 3pm.

You can also bring along your furry friend and enjoy a pint together in their welcoming space. There is no kitchen on site but throughout the month they have various travelling food vendors on-site, so you won’t go hungry while enjoying your time there.

Best Pubs near Kendal

Hawkshead Brewery

Hawkshead Brewery is no longer located in Hawkshead but is now much closer to Kendal in the village of Staveley. Located on a small industrial estate the brewery is a large glass fronted building with an outdoor seating area which is decked with picnic benches and umbrellas.

Dogs are welcome and there is a barrel of water and bowls provided. Inside the bar there are plenty of tables and chairs and you can see the brewing vats in action. There is a large choice of local craft beers and international beers to choose from as well as various ciders, gins and wine.

Food is served daily, and the menu has things like cheese board, mixed meats, pork pie, sausage rolls and a selection of toasted sandwiches. We didn’t try the food, but it looked good when it came out.

You can also buy Hawkshead Brewery merchandise and gifts inside, we got matching t-shirts, and they are great quality, very soft cotton and wash really well.

Eagle and Child

The Eagle and Child in Staveley village, Cumbria is one of the best pubs near Kendal with lots of choice of local beers and the usual wine and spirits which you can enjoy in the fabulous beer garden across the road.

There are plenty of shaded areas in the beer garden for dogs and children and it is right next to the River Kent so if you fancy a paddle to cool off then you can. It also adds to the peaceful atmosphere with the trickle of the river.

They also serve food, which is delicious, and the portions are huge, it is worth a visit even in winter when the weather is cold to see the quirky, weird and wonderful antiques and trinkets dotted around the pub too.

During the winter months there is a cozy log fire to enjoy and warm up after a busy day. The Eagle and Child also has rooms available to stay in so if you are looking for somewhere to stay near Kendal then consider booking.

Sun Inn

One of our favourite pubs in Kendal was The Sun Inn, located in the nearby village of Crook. Stepping into this historic pub felt like going back in time, as it dates all the way back to 1711. With its rustic charm, complete with stone floors and roaring fires during the winter months, The Sun Inn creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

We were lucky enough to visit during the summer and were able to enjoy their beer garden. It was the perfect spot to relax with a cold drink in hand while soaking up the sunshine. The Sun Inn takes pride in their seasonal menu, which features delicious dishes made from locally sourced produce. We didn’t have food here on this visit, but we have eaten here before and it’s always really good quality.

What makes The Sun Inn even more special is their warm welcome to furry friends. Diesel, my adorable fur-brother, was greeted with open arms and had lots of dog treats. It’s safe to say that he felt right at home.

As beer enthusiasts, we were pleased to discover that The Sun Inn offered a great selection of real local ales from established breweries such as Tirril, Fell Brewery, and the Lakeland Brew House. Whether you prefer ale or have a taste for wine, cider, or spirits, they have something for everyone.

If you find yourself in Kendal in 2023 and looking for a pub with history, charm, and a warm welcome for both two-legged and four-legged visitors alike, make sure to pay a visit to The Sun Inn in Crook village. Trust us when we say it’s one you don’t want to miss!

The Watermill Inn

The Watermill is a lovely dog friendly pub in Ings near Windermere. It is also an Inn so you can stay the night and it is the home to Windermere Brewing Company. On the premises they brew delicious craft beers all with dog related names, (Collie-Wobbles anyone?) There is also the option to take beers away if you are driving so you don’t have to miss out on them.

The beers are worth a visit alone, but the pub food at The Watermill is fantastic, we opted for homemade steak and ale pie, and it was delicious and huge. It is not the cheapest pub food in Kendal but we think it’s worth it.

Located next to the River Kent it is a peaceful pub with plenty of outdoor seating, perfect to spend an afternoon sampling the beers if you are staying overnight or walking. Or if you are driving you can always buy a pack to take home.

The Station Inn

One of our favourite pubs near Kendal was The Station Inn at Oxenholme. Located within walking distance of Oxenholme Station, which has direct trains to Windermere, it’s just a five-minute drive from Kendal town centre. The inn itself is housed in a charming former farmhouse, adding to its unique appeal.

What we loved about The Station Inn was its spacious beer garden which is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a cold pint on a sunny day. There’s also a large play area for children, making it an ideal choice for families. If you’re feeling adventurous, they even have a crazy golf course where you can putt your way to victory.

One of the highlights of our visit was meeting the resident alpacas that call The Station Inn home. They added an extra touch of charm and made our experience all the more memorable.

Inside, we found the recently refurbished pub to have an elegant yet cosy interior. As beer enthusiasts, we were delighted to discover that The Station Inn serves four real ales, with two changing options alongside two permanent offerings from local Hawkshead Brewery and Moorhouse Brewery.

You can also stay overnight in the Inn or there are camping facilities onsite for motorhomes or campervans.

The Black Labrador

One of the best kept secret pubs in the Lake District is The Black Labrador pub in Underbarrow. This 16th Century Inn boasts a charming, terraced garden area, perfect for enjoying a drink or two on a sunny day. Inside, you’ll find comfy sofas situated in front of a blazing log burner, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere to snuggle with your significant other if visiting in the winter months.

But it’s not just the ambiance that makes The Black Labrador special. Their menu features traditional pub food recipes, with some extra special gems and uses locally sourced produce. The staff provide great service, making everyone feel welcome.

For beer enthusiasts, they always have three real ales stocked, mainly sourced from local breweries. If you’re more into wine or whiskey, then they also offer an extensive wine list as well as a good selection of Malts.

So if you’re looking to experience the charm of Kendal’s pubs, don’t miss out on The Black Labrador in Underbarrow. It’s one of those hidden gems that will leave you wanting to come back for more.

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