Newly renovated country pub The Brackenrigg Inn opens its doors today to Lake District locals, walkers and guests of Another Place, The Lake.
Another Place, The Lake is tapping into local Cumbrian spirit with its latest venture – a refreshing take on a traditional country pub, The Brackenrigg Inn.
A short stroll from the hotel and commanding views across Ullswater and the fells beyond, the reimagined Brackenrigg has an atmospheric bar, seven en suite bedrooms, a sun-trap terrace and six acres of meadows.
With local beers, spirits and soft drinks featuring heavily at the bar, the Lakeland flavours extend to the kitchen too – with a menu championing Cumbrian producers and making heritage ingredients sing.
From satisfying bar snacks (Cartmel Valley pigs in blankets with mustard mayo) to a ploughman’s platter peppered with Cumbrian speciality cheeses, Cumberland sausage and mash and a sticky toffee pudding that lives up to local legend, The Brackenrigg’s dishes distil the essence of the landscape.
Hearty pub classics to sate hikers’ appetites – steak and ale pie with seasonal veg and creamed mash, fish and chips with marrowfat peas and chip shop curry sauce – sit alongside butternut squash and crispy sage linguine with toasted hazelnuts, and tear and share favourites such as baked Camembert with red onion chutney and crusty sourdough bread.
Upstairs, seven guest bedrooms each have their own distinctive character, with six looking straight over the lake. After a long day in the fells, guests can escape to a timeless rural sanctuary of soothing earthy tones and rustic finishes, enlivened with contemporary pops of bold colour and fresh floral prints.
Guests staying at The Brackenrigg can use everything on offer at Another Place – just a few minutes down the hill – including its indoor swimming pool and outdoor hot tub, outdoor swimming and lake sports coaches and equipment, Kids’ Zone, three restaurants and library.
Writing a new chapter in the life of this community inn, interior designer Gillian Panter, of Kay Elliott Architects, used the idea of Lakeland stories and literature to tie the spaces together.
Downstairs, brass details, low lighting, Chesterfield sofas, wall panelling, a moody colour palette and a characterful mix of locally sourced antique furniture with contemporary finishes evoke an eclectic library feel.
Alcoves and armchairs by original fireplaces have been converted into cosy corners for conversation or reading, while Wordsworth and Wainwright beckon from nooks and crannies turned secret bookcases.
A couple of the bedrooms even feature handcrafted wallpaper made with the pages of Lake District books.
From Persian rugs to 100-year-old chairs, each vintage piece is imbued with memory and personality, creating an authentically laid-back and lived-in ambience – where dogs and hiking boots are welcome.
Collectively, these antiques echo the cast of local characters you might meet at the bar and the adventures they could recount.
Gillian said: “To minimise the environmental impact of the refit, we sourced 80% of the furniture from local antique shops – mostly in Penrith, just ten minutes down the road, with other pieces found at auction and some made bespoke by local craftsmen.
“It’s inspiring to think of the history in some of these pieces. We don’t know where they’ve come from or what they were used for before, but that’s all part of the beauty.
“Having sourced so much of the furniture locally, it’s really helped spread the word about the Brackenrigg reopening. I can’t wait to see locals and guests alike
chatting by the bar or enjoying a sunny spring drink on the terrace.”
Plans are brewing for quiz nights and live music soon. And, longer term, the Another Place team hopes to plant a kitchen garden and orchards, build a natural children’s play area and create an outdoor feast space in the grounds – as well as re-establishing the pub’s tap room and microbrewery.
David Vaughan, Another Place hotels director, said: “The Brackenrigg’s roots are in the local community, and we’re extending a warm welcome to everyone who finds themselves in the Ullswater Valley – whether that means home, a good hike, a day trip or staying the night (or three).
“Our bar, restaurant, terrace and rooms will bring a new energy to Ullswater’s north east shore, as well as enhancing the experience for Another Place guests.”
