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Blacksmiths Arms

The simple, white-rendered frontage of this former farmhouse recalls its past as a basic beer house then a working inn, farm and smithy, and its interior is little changed since those days, with original oak beams in three of its four rooms, local slate floors and the original farmhouse range. It's considered historically significant, and poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge is recorded as having supped a pint here, but the Blacksmiths wears its status lightly, with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, kitchen-style furniture and warm, experienced innkeepers. Three real ales such as Barngates Cracker, Cross Bay Halo and a local guest on handpump, a Cumbrian pilsner from Tirril, nine wines by the glass, 11 malt whiskies and summer farm cider; darts, board games and dominoes. The hanging baskets and tubs of flowers in front of the building are very pretty in summer, and there are seats and tables under parasols on the front terrace. The surrounding countryside is lovely and walks are peaceful.