Mountain Warehouse has today announced this year’s winner of its annual ‘Britain’s Best Post-Walk Pint’ award as the Golden Rule in Ambleside.
Each year the outdoor retailer embarks on a quest to find the nation’s favourite pub to rest weary legs after a ramble nearby. The 2018 winner was the Ben Nevis Inn in Fort William at the foot of the Scottish mountain. This year, store teams from each UK branch nominated a pub nearby, using their love for getting outdoors to help aid their decisions. Nominations were then rigorously judged by a Mountain Warehouse panel at the London headquarters, and 12 regional finalists were chosen and offered to the public to choose a deserving winner.
Finalists for 2019 were the most diverse to date. The Golden Rule was competing against an environmentally forward pub in Bridport, a Scottish brewery-inspired establishment, a pink pub in Wales and several watering holes with impressive walking routes nearby such as the Trans Pennine Trail.
As well as taking this year’s crown, the Golden Rule broke the competition’s record with 601 public votes and it’s easy to see why; Set in the magnificent Lake District National Park, The Golden Rule is popular with residents and visitors alike as a post-walk retreat. The Coffin Route is a local favourite walking route; taking walkers from Ambleside to Grasmere and back in a day. Highlights along the way are views of Grasmere waters and the picturesque surrounding fells of Loughrigg. Proudly standing as a Grade II listed establishment, The Golden Rule prides itself off simplicity – with no background music or televisions, it is just the place to relax and have a locally brewed pint. Owners John and Margaret Lockley have been running this fine pub for over 39 years, which adds to the family friendly atmosphere present at the Golden Rule.
John Wrennall, Pub Manager at the Golden Rule, said “We are all delighted at winning this prestigious award. Thank you to all of our friends and customers from far and wide for supporting us, and finally a special thanks to all of our staff for the enthusiasm they always show.”
Founder of Mountain Warehouse, Mark Neale, said “It’s a pleasure to announce that a pub in Ambleside has won our coveted title of ‘Britain’s Best Post-Walk Pint’ for 2019. The Lake District feels like a spiritual home for us, as not only do we have 7 stores in the area, but this wonderful part of the world represents what we are all about; enjoying the British countryside and getting outdoors. I always love visiting our stores in the Lake District and I look forward to popping into the Golden Rule for a pint on my next visit which is very much overdue.”
As well as the honour of the ‘Britain’s Best Post-Walk Pint’ crown for 2019, the Golden Rule will receive an engraved tankard trophy and a £500 bar tab to share a celebratory drink with its locals on the house.
