Woolpack Inn - Hardknott Bar & Cafe

Simply superb and exactly what was needed after two trips into the hills for wild swimming. This pub has a quaint charm that’s perfect for an evening meal watching the sun set from the outdoor seating with simply delicious food in front of you, staff only too helpful. Definitely will be coming back.

Amazing place. We were upgraded to the jacuzzi room, yes it is a proper jacuzzi and it was fab. Read reviews about the water looking dirty, it’s just the colour round here and is fine. Great menu, great service, great views. A pretty busy place but the staff seem to be completely on top of everything. We have had a lovely stay. Would definitely recommend staying here 🙂

Stayed here during our time in the Lake District went with my girlfriend for my birthday. The areas amazing, and the inn was very nice, friendly staff that gave helpful directions. The food was amazing and very filling. Would definitely want to come back if we visit the Lake District again

Popped in after driving the Hardknott pass, had a delicious full English and a coffee for the wife. Then the chat behind the bar was super helpful and told the best places to visit next. I would highly recommend visiting if you're passing. We'd like to go back and try the wood fired pizza.

We booked the Jacuzzi Kingsize Double room, we got told the total of the stay would £126 for bed and breakfast however we were charged £140. ||When walking into the room we were quite happy with everything however we then noticed that all of the water was really yellow. In the toilet, sink, shower water and bath water. ||We asked at reception which we were told this was quite normal and that it was safe to even drink. ||For £140 we were expecting a refreshing stay however didn’t even want to use the jacuzzi as the water looked dirty. We have stayed in various locations of the Lake District and have never come across anything like this before. Quite disappointing. ||The food was really nice, we would return to use the cafe but would not stay overnight again. Too expensive for what it is.

A wonderful pub and guesthouse! Maybe people had bad experiences a few years ago, but they've definitely upped their game. Our room looked almost brand new and had the feel of a spa rather than a tiny inn. It was clean and comfortable, with a kettle with teas and coffee. Dinner the night of our stay was very good and the service couldn't have been better. We were pretty exhausted when we arrived, and the staff told my husband we was welcome to take his pint up to our room. The next day we had a excellent breakfast, hot and cold foods, in their charming breakfast room. They even allowed us to leave our car on the premises after check-out time so we could spend the day hiking, which was very kind as true parking areas are not abundant. I highly recommend and will stay here again if we ever make it back to this breath-taking part of the Lake District! Five stars!

We enjoyed it so much, we went back a second time. The setting is absolutely stunning, beautiful views that make it worth the visit alone. The service was warm and attentive, and the food was yummy. Every dish we tried was packed with flavour and clearly made with care. Great options for post-hike. If lager isn’t your thing they’ve got a great selection of wines and whiskeys too. A real gem in Eskdale.

Top location for food after hiking in the local area. Recommend the pizzas but the roast dinners are lovely too. Dog friendly inside and out. The beer garden is a good size and they extend it through summer so plenty of space to enjoy food or just some drinks. In winter, you’ll find the fire on inside the pub so it’s nice and cosy. Free WiFi is a plus as there’s no signal in the area.

If you are attempting the HardKnott pass run, or returning from it then you must stop at this friendly pub. Nice garden to relax in (you need it after HardKnott). Good selection of real ales, my favourite Hardknott Black. Well worth a visit.

The Woolpack Inn is a rare find. It's a pub but also a micro-brewery (the Hardknott brewery) that brews its own ales for sale in the bar. Don't expect too much in the way of decor, it's a pretty rough and ready, basic sort of place but if you're after a warm welcome with great ales and a place to shelter from the rain when the Cumbrian weather turns nasty then this is the place for you. It's a favourite with fell walkers but also readily accessible by road so you don't need to be an outdoor type to enjoy its output. Don't worry if you're wet and muddy too - it's not a problem and well-behaved dogs are very welcome in the bar too.