This is what the AA Pubs web site says about
the Brackenrigg Inn...
This white-painted roadside inn dates from the 18th
century and occupies a
breathtakingly beautiful position with sweeping views over Ullswater and
Helvellyn.
Inside there is a traditional bar with plenty of wood panelling, an open fire
and a welcoming atmosphere engendered by relaxed and friendly owners Garry Smith
and John Welch.
They offer a good choice of real ales, such as Coniston Bluebird, Jennings
Cumberland and Copper Dragon 1816, as well as lagers and continental beers.
The wine list is well-balanced and full of interest, with helpful suggestions on
food and wine pairing and a very good selection by the glass.
Fresh local produce is to the fore on the comprehensive menus, which include a
bar and an à la carte choice. Typical choices from the bar menu include starters
of smoked haddock chowder; game terrine; and French onion soup, followed perhaps
by Herdwick mutton shank on a bed of mash with a white onion sauce; or local
venison cobbler.
From the a la carte, you could start with monkfish tail wrapped in Cumbrian air
dried ham, served with pineapple risotto cake or a caramelised red onion tart,
followed by honey roasted Barbary duck breast on caramelised swede with baby
vegetables and a port wine reduction; or a light garlic fish stew of
locally-sourced fish and shellfish.
For those who can't tear themselves away from the peace and beauty of the place,
there are smart bedrooms, some housed in the newly-refurbished Stables Cottages,
where a good night's sleep and a traditional Cumbrian breakfast are too tempting
to ignore.
Excellent wheelchair access throughout.
And
here
are some of the things that Les Routiers said when they visited…
“
The sweeping views across Lake Ullswater and the fells from the tranquil setting
of the Brackenrigg are second to none. ....
position overlooking Ullswater is beyond compare
The vista over the surrounding countryside is matched by an appealing homely
feel throughout the unpretentious interiors of this 18th Century coaching inn ... the long, white-washed inn was once a farm.
This is thanks in part to the attractive panelled bar with its polished floor
boards, open fire and cracking local ales ... the view over the surrounding countryside, and the carpeted
lounge-cum-family dining room with its polished mahogany furniture.
The dining room and separate restaurant are both traditionally appointed, and
the latter also has splendid views. En suite bedrooms are simply stylish, and most have lovely lake
views.
A sound local reputation ... built up over the years...
for well executed, contemporary food is well-deserved.
The bar menu is built around local produce and available in the bar, lounge and
terrace. Choices include Cumberland sausage with apple mash, steak, kidney and
ale pie and cod and chunky chips.
The restaurant table d'hôte may list asparagus with feta and pine nuts, followed
by pan-fried calves' liver with Woodall's dry-cured bacon. Chicken
confit with Bury black pudding and Cumberland air-dried ham topped with a soft
poached egg, perhaps, followed by roast rump of lamb with a warm new potato and
red pepper salad infused with basil and served with balsamic roasted tomatoes
and Madeira jus, all washed down by locally-brewed beers or wine from a very
reasonably priced list.