Farmers Arms — Restaurant in England

Form outside it looks like a nice little pub. To start off I was hit with shock at the price for a pint of lager and a half. £7.50 for that. We took them outside as the pub offers a fantastic outdoor seating area that really does get the sun right until the end. But as we planned on having a few drinks, I wasn't best pleased with being ripped off for a pint. I then switched to the pub chains bitter which was £3.50 a pint. This was a much more enjoyable price. I am not a stinge but the prices are probably set just to make money off people who come in for only 1 drink. When you're having a few it is pretty extortionate. I had the fish and chips which was lovely. My girlfriend had the 3 bean chilli which was pretty bland and boring. Just some chopped tomatoes, beans, and a spicy powder thrown into it.

Anyway then to top it off the pub is pretty soulless, has no life. Atmosphere was no existant. Sounded like a pub after the last orders bell had gone off. Could really do with some nice relaxing background music on.

I can say we wouldn't take our money back here again but did enjoy the experience... Apart from the extortion and lack...

First impressions were it was OK, not great, but OK. Bar man was polite. Ordered diet cokes and two steak and ale pies with seasonal veg and chips. Food arrived fairly quickly.

The veg was slightly undercooked but that wasn't too bad. What was bad, was the pie. It looked great, but the top tasted horrific. There was something definitely wrong with it. Neither my wife nor I could eat it.

It was supposed to be filled with chunks of beef, but it certainly wasn't. My pie had some beef but my wife's had barely any, more mushed veg. And the sides and base of the pie was wet stodge! So the rest of the pie was left too!

Chips were delicious as was the gravy.

But a very poor show for a dinner.

We were going to complain but then a dog at a table across from us threw up and my wife just wanted out.

We spoke to a guest at our b and b and they too had an equally poor show for their dinner.

Don't think I could recommend this place at all. I will be emailing them too.

Reply: We definitely ate at your place. And if there was no onion or some kind of squished veg, that raises more questions.

I have...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Traditional Charm & Delicious Food in the Lakes!

The Farmers Arms in Portinscale is a true gem — a traditional country pub with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and excellent food. We visited during a short stay in the Lakes and ended up coming back multiple times because the experience was just that good The staff are friendly and attentive, and the menu offers a great mix of pub classics and homemade specials. I had the steak and ale pie, which was rich and comforting, while my partner loved the gammon from the specials board. The portions are generous, and everything was cooked beautifully. Even the onion rings were a highlight!

The pub is dog- and family-friendly, with a lovely beer garden that’s perfect on sunny days. It’s also a great spot for events or group meals — the atmosphere is relaxed and the service is spot-on. Booking ahead is a good idea during busy times, but they do their best to accommodate walk-ins too

Highly recommended for anyone visiting Keswick or the surrounding area — we’ll...