The Brown Horse Inn

Spent the loveliest few days at the Pods at the Brown Horse Hotel Winster in the heart of the Lake District. This is local to me but felt like a million miles away from anywhere, we stayed in the Oresstt Head pod which is one of eight and is set just minutes from the pub up a little path, all the Pods have local names of places and are all individual. Our pod was just perfect for the weekend and I would certainly recommend to anyone near or far definitely a little gem to be found.

Popped in for lunch and we had fish and chips after reading reasonable Google reviews and rated at 4.7 stars. The pub is pleasant, albeit perhaps ready for a refresh in terms of decor. Upon receiving the fish and chips, the first thought was wow what a large fish. Unfortunately, first impressions then turned to major disappointment. The fish was actually a very small fillet surrounded by masses of batter, which whilst crispy was too much with a tiny fish and sickly. Mushy peas were a dollop in a dish hard and probably scooped cold and microwaved for 15 seconds as were less than Luke warm and flavourless. The tartar sauce was homemade and flavourful and perhaps the star of the plate. Service was swift however only 6 other people were using the pub at the time. We were not asked what we thought of our meals at any time by the staff who whilst pleasant I think knew that their food was sub-standard and could see we had left masses of batter and chips. This in my opinion is a pub selling mediocre meals pretending to be a gastro pub and charging gastro pub prices. Nearly £19 for fish and chips should be lovely, this wasn't. Two miles away is the Hare and Hounds pub which is fabulous in every respect and charges similar prices.

We booked a meal for Thursday 25th July. We were spending 5 days in Bowness. It had a good choice of menu. We all picked different meals.The Staff were very friendly and helpful. We all enjoyed our meals very much and would return again. I would recommend it.