Our 7 Favourite Pubs in Keswick
One thing you can be sure of when you visit Keswick is that you won’t be hunting high and low for somewhere to have a drink after a day hiking the fells or cruising on the lake.
If you’d like to know more about pubs in other areas of the Lake District, check out our handy guides to: Windermere Pubs / Dog Friendly Pubs / Hawkshead Pubs / Grasmere Pubs / Best pubs with Views
Our pick of Keswick’s breweries and Pubs
There are pubs and bars aplenty in and around town, so whether you prefer somewhere traditional or somewhere modern, you’re spoilt for choice. And Keswick is also home to several breweries and distilleries, so it’s the perfect place to enjoy a local pint or dram too.
Keswick’s breweries produce a wide range of beers, from traditional ales to experimental flavours. And if you’re looking for something stronger, you can sample some of the local whisky and gin.
The Crafty Baa Keswick
Quirky and compact, with an eclectic mix of knick-knacks on the walls and ceilings, tons of character, friendly staff, and an outstanding drinks selection of craft beer, whiskies (over 100 of ‘em), gins and other drinks, you can’t beat a night out at the Crafty Baa – and we haven’t even mentioned the tasty food.
Fill up on everything from the foot-long chilli dog (there’s a veggie one too) to sharing platters of cheese and charcuterie, mini flatbread pizzas or grilled cheese sarnies. Delish.
There’s also live music every Saturday and an open mic night every Thursday. Your four-legged friends are welcome inside too.
The Fox Tap
Enjoy a beer or two where it’s brewed at the Keswick Brewing Company’s dog-friendly Fox Tap bar.
Pulling up to six cask and four keg beers, with bottles and cans available from the shop to take back home with you, there are also plenty of spirits, wines, ciders and soft drinks to choose from if beer’s not your thing.
There are tables outside on warmer days and regular brewery socials featuring new beer releases and visiting street food trucks serving up tasty scran from around the world.
You can also book on a tour of the brewery to see how the beer you’re supping is made and get to sample three of their top tipples.
The Pocket Café Bar
There are lots of reasons to love the small but perfectly formed Pocket Café Bar. There are the drinks – local real ales, Cumbrian lager, Belgian beers, gin, and wine.
There’s the food – fresh, thin, crispy, homemade sourdough pizzas, generously filled paninis and smaller plates if you just fancy a nibble.
And, there’s also the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and regular top-notch entertainment, with live music and open mic nights to get toes (and paws – yes, it’s dog-friendly) tapping, and a quiz night every fortnight.
It might only have been open a couple of years but this little gem has already become a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike.
Derwent Walker Cocktail Bar & Restaurant
If you fancy amazing cocktails crafted by an expert mixologist to sip on, flavoursome light bites and tapas-style small plates to nibble on, chic décor to feast your eyes on, and relaxed, friendly service to put a smile on your face, then get yourself down to the Derwent Walker Café Bar, where a great night for all is guaranteed.
On the food menu you’ll find dishes such as Crunchy Salt & Pepper Chicken Pieces, Hoisin Duck Pancakes, Vegan Meatballs, a selection of sliders, sides & fries, and sweet stuff to finish off.
While the visually stunning cocktail concoctions are a treat for the senses. Try the Good Fortune, which is served in a teapot to help the flavours develop. Lush.
The Dog & Gun
This traditional pub in the heart of Keswick has been dishing up its famous Hungarian goulash for over 60 years – don’t worry, veggies, there’s a version for you too.
People also go for the great selection of real ales, beers, wines, spirits and cocktails, and the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
If goulash is not for you, there’s a full menu of pub classics (include veggie, vegan and gluten-free options) and a choice of roasts on Sundays.
The fire roars in the colder months, and of course, as its name suggests, the Dog & Gun is dog-friendly too.
The Wainwright
If a cosy and traditional pub is what you’re after, the CAMRA-recognised Wainwright will hit the spot. This popular, dog-friendly freehouse serves up a great selection of local real ales, generous portions of hearty food, and service that’s second to none.
Dishing up their own take on classic pub grub, from the tiny kitchen, all their beef and lamb is sourced from Cumbrian farms, and fish comes from a local supplier.
When it comes to beer, locally brewed beer and cider are the order of the day, with eight top tipples always on tap.
And, fittingly, for a pub named after Alfred Wainwright, they show hiking videos on the TV to inspire your own walking adventures.
The Pack Horse Inn
Old wooden beams, a real log fire, great beer, wines and spirits, and tasty home-cooked food, the Pack Horse Inn is everything a traditional Lake District pub should be.
A welcoming (doggies welcome too) and busy community hostelry, there’s a quiz night every Wednesday to test your general knowledge and live music at the weekends.
The food menu doesn’t stray too far from the tried and tested classic pub favourites, but it’s all freshly cooked to order and comes in belly-filling portions, with plenty of choice for non-meat eaters, and roasts on Sundays too.
Embrace the adventure of a Cottage Holiday in Keswick
Choosing a self-catered cottage in Keswick promises a holiday filled with exploration, adventure, incredible food and drinks, and a true taste of village life.
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Discover more of Keswick
Keswick is a small town in England that is known for its picturesque scenery and its many outdoor activities. The town is situated in the Lake District, which is a popular destination for hiking, climbing, and other outdoor pursuits.
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