A pub with rooms/hotel just off the main road. Very welcoming offering good food, ales etc. The room was dog friendly and spacious. The bathroom was one of the largest en suites I've experienced. I have no hesitation recommending this
William Boud
It's a nice pub.. in a handy location for walking whitbarrow.. I ended a ten mile walk here with a Guinness, which was well earned! I'm going to be scrupulously fair with this review.... so. We'll start with the pros:Nice pub, busy, good atmosphere, staff were helpful.. decor nice.. (it's that 'everything wooden painted grey' vibe that you get a lot these days.. but it looks good. I waited seconds to be served, and was presented with a pint of Guinness.. well poured, clean glass, two finger head (no bubbles) etc etc. It tasted good.Cons:The pint of Guinness was £6.70Not really a lot to say other than that.. I mean.. I have actually run a bar/restaurant myself, and I'm very aware of the challenges facing the hospitality sector.. but I don't feel like that is a fair price for a pint of Guinness in 2023. Of course, when I was told how much it was, it was sitting in front of me on the bar.. and I'm English, so nothing was said.. and it did taste good.. and perhaps that is the going rate..? (I think this pub technically falls in the Lakes national park..? Does that bring with it a premium?) .. I have had a Guinness in a trendy 'hipster' gaff in SW London that was cheaper.. I walked the C2C in June.. and had a Guinness at the end of each day.. and didn't manage to find one as expensive . And I drank in three national parks... in tourist hotspots.. anyway. I'm ranting now... but it's fair to say I was very sad.Chalk boards with prices on are a good innovation...
Claire Hodson
This is a fabulous pub with exceptional food and wonderfully friendly staff. Set in a stunning location. 4 stars given as the bedroom did not match up to the standards of the pub itself .Food & drinks: Food was wholesome and very tasty. Good value too.
Y8497IOstuartb
Arrived by push bike. We initially cycled past the welcoming external signboard entreating us to go in for food and continued about a mile uphill. My wife’s knee was hurting so we limped back to the Derby Arms It was clear we weren’t in a car and we had already done 10 miles to get there. We only wanted a snack The bar we entered was empty other than a lady complaining about a problem with her room booking. Before ordering we were curtly advised there would be an hours wait for food We only wanted a snack but nothing could be done We NEEDED some sustenance and ordered two coffees ( no option of type was offered ) and two packets of crisps. The cost was £8-00 We got two cups of the strongest coffee I have ever had. So strong when milk was added it didn’t change colour. It was small, not quite warm enough and to me really undrinkable How hard would a bowl of chips have been and a latte? This establishment and the staff have forgotten about customer service. Two hungry cyclists had to cycle on looking for food and a drinkable coffee
Brenda I
After a cycle out decided to stop mid afternoon for a hot snack. Before we even ordered we were advised that there would be over an hour wait for any food. Stayed just long enough for a coffee
Alix Mace
Lovely atmosphere, here for an evening meal at the start of our two weeks holiday around Scotland.Beers good too!!
372PatD
Visited with friends on a Saturday night. Great welcome from friendly and attentive staff. The food was great, fish & chips, brisket and the duck all was thoroughly enjoyed. Sticky toffee pudding was the best. All washed down with great choice of beer. Will definitely return.
Great food Staff very friendly and accommodating Had a great time
Good service, great attitude of staff, good food. Reasonable prices what more can you want
Adrian T
The Derby Arms describes itself as a traditional Lakeland pub, but it falls well short on the food. Upon our arrival I was pleased to see a range of local beers, usually a good sign, but not in this case. Our greeting from the barman was non-existent, his first words being to ask us what we would like to drink. His response to us asking about dining was, ‘Have you booked?’ We hadn’t. He hesitated a while and seemed to be on the point of refusing us, before reluctantly telling us that if we could find a table without a ‘pot’ on it we could sit there. The ‘pot’ was a tin can containing cutlery and napkins and very few tables were sporting one. My pint of beer from the Unsworth’s Yard Brewery in Cartmel was lively and although I mentioned this to the barman there was no offer to top it up. I shouldn’t have accepted it; by the time I had taken it to my table it had settled to well short of a pint. The menu was ‘on the board’ and displayed prices for both small and large portions; I opted for a large portion of fish and chips. When my food arrived I queried with the waitress believing that I had been given a small portion by mistake. No, she said, the measly quantity I had been served (see my photograph) qualified as a large portion. Pity help any hapless person who orders a small portion! The average sized piece of fish was sitting on a very few chips with a small bowl of mushy peas and some tartare sauce. I requested extra chips as the few I had been given were woefully inadequate; I had definitely not been served the quantity I had paid for. The chef refused my request for extra chips. Apparently he said that the portion is based on weight and the weight of my portion was correct! I seriously beg to disagree. There was nothing correct about the weight of my portion; indeed it was so underweight it was anorexic. The size of the portion was as pathetic as the absurd excuse! So, do they at The Derby Arms weigh every portion and take some food off if it tips the scales? Does someone who happens to get an overweight piece of fish get denied any chips at all? Such stupidity is laughable if I wasn’t paying for it. Indeed I felt sorry and embarrassed for the waitress being obliged to pass on such nonsense. My portion was nowhere near as substantial as that depicted on the pub’s website; surely this is this misrepresentation? This place needs both a complete rethink of its ludicrous portion control and a new chef; one who cares more about customer satisfaction than making stupid excuses. Definitely not value for money; find somewhere else to eat and don’t waste your time here.
My partner and I stoped for lunch. I had a fish cake from the “lunch” menu, and my partner chose roasted cauliflower from the “large plates” menu. When it came, his plate was the same size as mine, and had roast cauliflower with sauce and pine nuts. When we complained about the size and content, the chef was quite rude, saying he didn’t think it would “look right” on a bigger plate with accompaniments, and he “had to offer this item for vegans” and that my partner “should have had a steak”. The bar staff were polite enough to knock £5 off the price, which made it equivalent in value to a “lunch”, but this experience has left us not wanting to visit one of our favourite stops. This pub has previously provided very enjoyable food.
Matt Kennedy
Went here as a group after doing a charity walk in the area. Was disappointed when we were told we could not sit in one of the rooms in the pub where the rest of our group because we had a dog with us, a dachshund.... we decided to put her in the car so we could sit with everyone else only to find that there were 3 Golden Retrievers already in one of the side areas of the room we had been banned from???
Carina Hoogeveen
100% RECOMMEND!We had a meal here last night as a family and brought our handsome Bernedoodle, Mr Darcy. Very welcoming staff, dogs are very welcome too! With a dog you have to dine in the bar area, but that’s absolutely fine! We had a steak, burger and the chicken pie, all were delicious!!! But the icing on the cake for us was the Cartmel sticky toffee pudding, OMG, the BEST I’ve ever tasted! No picture of that as it was gone before I even realised!! We’d definitely go eat at this pub again!Food & drinks: We had a steak, burger and the chicken pie, with amazing veggies, all were delicious!!! But the icing on the cake for us was the Cartmel sticky toffee pudding, OMG, the BEST I’ve ever tasted! We decided to share one between us as we were all stuffed from the delicious meal. But no picture of this desert as it was gone before I had the chance to!! We’d definitely go eat at this pub again and all order our own sticky toffee pud!!!
smudge61
Stayed for one night and ate dinner. On arrival the place lined a little different to the images in the website. Did consider not checking in. But only booked for one night so took a chance. Check in was via the bar, no problem with that, but what wasn’t on was the whole bar hearing us check in and our room number. Escorted to our room by a polite young man. All the carpets on the way to our room were stained and a smell of cooking hung in the air. The room itself was small but a king size bed . clean and well appointed shower room. Only problem with shower room was the radiator was on full and no way to turn it down. The bedroom was dusty particular lamps and bedstead. No facility to hang clothes except a hook in the back of bedroom door. Plug socket for hairdryer was behind a chair had to search for it and move the chair to get to it. The carpets weee badly stained and the rugs aren’t even laid flat. Didn’t try the tv. Tea and coffee making all good. The furniture was old and mismatched but that was fine for the type of pub/accommodation. However the chest of drawers was old and I didn’t want to put my clothes in the drawers. Evening menu was fairly limited but prices average and food arrived hot and well cooked. However I am not sure the standard as shown on website was on offer. The dining room was pleasant enough, in need of a freshen up and some finishing touches just my opinion. The blinds need repairing. Staff polite and helpful but I don’t think sick and what looked like slippers are suitable for work in a dining room. The bed area was as you would expect for a country pub but maybe a good clean and fresh cushions. Could hear music from the bar in our room which didn’t bother us but light if you wanted an early night or had children. But then you probably wouldn’t stay here with children. Shame it wasn’t as we were expecting based on website, because it could be fab , however I do appreciate Covid is still causing problems financially and hope the owners can build the business.
Global20146852780
We booked on the Tuesday but when we arrived there was a power cut so they couldn't take us and there was no offer of rebooking for another night. However we did phone on Wednesday to rebook to be told it was full so we booked for Thursday instead. When we arrived I asked if they had a gluten free menu or if it was marked on the main menu but was told I should have told them at the time of booking. I informed them I hadn't been asked and as most restaurants cater happily for dietary requirements I hadn't thought anything of it. There was only one other couple in the place and we were seated next to each other in the furthest away seats in the place. There was no music so it was all a bit awkward. I asked for fish to be baked in the oven with chips however the fish was tiny and tasteless and the chips were just frozen ones - very disappointing. The staff were friendly but overall it was a very poor experience.
A pub with rooms/hotel just off the main road. Very welcoming offering good food, ales etc. The room was dog friendly and spacious. The bathroom was one of the largest en suites I've experienced. I have no hesitation recommending this
It's a nice pub.. in a handy location for walking whitbarrow.. I ended a ten mile walk here with a Guinness, which was well earned! I'm going to be scrupulously fair with this review.... so. We'll start with the pros:Nice pub, busy, good atmosphere, staff were helpful.. decor nice.. (it's that 'everything wooden painted grey' vibe that you get a lot these days.. but it looks good. I waited seconds to be served, and was presented with a pint of Guinness.. well poured, clean glass, two finger head (no bubbles) etc etc. It tasted good.Cons:The pint of Guinness was £6.70Not really a lot to say other than that.. I mean.. I have actually run a bar/restaurant myself, and I'm very aware of the challenges facing the hospitality sector.. but I don't feel like that is a fair price for a pint of Guinness in 2023. Of course, when I was told how much it was, it was sitting in front of me on the bar.. and I'm English, so nothing was said.. and it did taste good.. and perhaps that is the going rate..? (I think this pub technically falls in the Lakes national park..? Does that bring with it a premium?) .. I have had a Guinness in a trendy 'hipster' gaff in SW London that was cheaper.. I walked the C2C in June.. and had a Guinness at the end of each day.. and didn't manage to find one as expensive . And I drank in three national parks... in tourist hotspots.. anyway. I'm ranting now... but it's fair to say I was very sad.Chalk boards with prices on are a good innovation...
This is a fabulous pub with exceptional food and wonderfully friendly staff. Set in a stunning location. 4 stars given as the bedroom did not match up to the standards of the pub itself .Food & drinks: Food was wholesome and very tasty. Good value too.
Arrived by push bike. We initially cycled past the welcoming external signboard entreating us to go in for food and continued about a mile uphill. My wife’s knee was hurting so we limped back to the Derby Arms It was clear we weren’t in a car and we had already done 10 miles to get there. We only wanted a snack The bar we entered was empty other than a lady complaining about a problem with her room booking. Before ordering we were curtly advised there would be an hours wait for food We only wanted a snack but nothing could be done We NEEDED some sustenance and ordered two coffees ( no option of type was offered ) and two packets of crisps. The cost was £8-00 We got two cups of the strongest coffee I have ever had. So strong when milk was added it didn’t change colour. It was small, not quite warm enough and to me really undrinkable How hard would a bowl of chips have been and a latte? This establishment and the staff have forgotten about customer service. Two hungry cyclists had to cycle on looking for food and a drinkable coffee
After a cycle out decided to stop mid afternoon for a hot snack. Before we even ordered we were advised that there would be over an hour wait for any food. Stayed just long enough for a coffee
Lovely atmosphere, here for an evening meal at the start of our two weeks holiday around Scotland.Beers good too!!
Visited with friends on a Saturday night. Great welcome from friendly and attentive staff. The food was great, fish & chips, brisket and the duck all was thoroughly enjoyed. Sticky toffee pudding was the best. All washed down with great choice of beer. Will definitely return.
Great food Staff very friendly and accommodating Had a great time
Good service, great attitude of staff, good food. Reasonable prices what more can you want
The Derby Arms describes itself as a traditional Lakeland pub, but it falls well short on the food. Upon our arrival I was pleased to see a range of local beers, usually a good sign, but not in this case. Our greeting from the barman was non-existent, his first words being to ask us what we would like to drink. His response to us asking about dining was, ‘Have you booked?’ We hadn’t. He hesitated a while and seemed to be on the point of refusing us, before reluctantly telling us that if we could find a table without a ‘pot’ on it we could sit there. The ‘pot’ was a tin can containing cutlery and napkins and very few tables were sporting one. My pint of beer from the Unsworth’s Yard Brewery in Cartmel was lively and although I mentioned this to the barman there was no offer to top it up. I shouldn’t have accepted it; by the time I had taken it to my table it had settled to well short of a pint. The menu was ‘on the board’ and displayed prices for both small and large portions; I opted for a large portion of fish and chips. When my food arrived I queried with the waitress believing that I had been given a small portion by mistake. No, she said, the measly quantity I had been served (see my photograph) qualified as a large portion. Pity help any hapless person who orders a small portion! The average sized piece of fish was sitting on a very few chips with a small bowl of mushy peas and some tartare sauce. I requested extra chips as the few I had been given were woefully inadequate; I had definitely not been served the quantity I had paid for. The chef refused my request for extra chips. Apparently he said that the portion is based on weight and the weight of my portion was correct! I seriously beg to disagree. There was nothing correct about the weight of my portion; indeed it was so underweight it was anorexic. The size of the portion was as pathetic as the absurd excuse! So, do they at The Derby Arms weigh every portion and take some food off if it tips the scales? Does someone who happens to get an overweight piece of fish get denied any chips at all? Such stupidity is laughable if I wasn’t paying for it. Indeed I felt sorry and embarrassed for the waitress being obliged to pass on such nonsense. My portion was nowhere near as substantial as that depicted on the pub’s website; surely this is this misrepresentation? This place needs both a complete rethink of its ludicrous portion control and a new chef; one who cares more about customer satisfaction than making stupid excuses. Definitely not value for money; find somewhere else to eat and don’t waste your time here.
Restaurantji Recommends
My partner and I stoped for lunch. I had a fish cake from the “lunch” menu, and my partner chose roasted cauliflower from the “large plates” menu. When it came, his plate was the same size as mine, and had roast cauliflower with sauce and pine nuts. When we complained about the size and content, the chef was quite rude, saying he didn’t think it would “look right” on a bigger plate with accompaniments, and he “had to offer this item for vegans” and that my partner “should have had a steak”. The bar staff were polite enough to knock £5 off the price, which made it equivalent in value to a “lunch”, but this experience has left us not wanting to visit one of our favourite stops. This pub has previously provided very enjoyable food.
Went here as a group after doing a charity walk in the area. Was disappointed when we were told we could not sit in one of the rooms in the pub where the rest of our group because we had a dog with us, a dachshund.... we decided to put her in the car so we could sit with everyone else only to find that there were 3 Golden Retrievers already in one of the side areas of the room we had been banned from???
100% RECOMMEND!We had a meal here last night as a family and brought our handsome Bernedoodle, Mr Darcy. Very welcoming staff, dogs are very welcome too! With a dog you have to dine in the bar area, but that’s absolutely fine! We had a steak, burger and the chicken pie, all were delicious!!! But the icing on the cake for us was the Cartmel sticky toffee pudding, OMG, the BEST I’ve ever tasted! No picture of that as it was gone before I even realised!! We’d definitely go eat at this pub again!Food & drinks: We had a steak, burger and the chicken pie, with amazing veggies, all were delicious!!! But the icing on the cake for us was the Cartmel sticky toffee pudding, OMG, the BEST I’ve ever tasted! We decided to share one between us as we were all stuffed from the delicious meal. But no picture of this desert as it was gone before I had the chance to!! We’d definitely go eat at this pub again and all order our own sticky toffee pud!!!
Stayed for one night and ate dinner. On arrival the place lined a little different to the images in the website. Did consider not checking in. But only booked for one night so took a chance. Check in was via the bar, no problem with that, but what wasn’t on was the whole bar hearing us check in and our room number. Escorted to our room by a polite young man. All the carpets on the way to our room were stained and a smell of cooking hung in the air. The room itself was small but a king size bed . clean and well appointed shower room. Only problem with shower room was the radiator was on full and no way to turn it down. The bedroom was dusty particular lamps and bedstead. No facility to hang clothes except a hook in the back of bedroom door. Plug socket for hairdryer was behind a chair had to search for it and move the chair to get to it. The carpets weee badly stained and the rugs aren’t even laid flat. Didn’t try the tv. Tea and coffee making all good. The furniture was old and mismatched but that was fine for the type of pub/accommodation. However the chest of drawers was old and I didn’t want to put my clothes in the drawers. Evening menu was fairly limited but prices average and food arrived hot and well cooked. However I am not sure the standard as shown on website was on offer. The dining room was pleasant enough, in need of a freshen up and some finishing touches just my opinion. The blinds need repairing. Staff polite and helpful but I don’t think sick and what looked like slippers are suitable for work in a dining room. The bed area was as you would expect for a country pub but maybe a good clean and fresh cushions. Could hear music from the bar in our room which didn’t bother us but light if you wanted an early night or had children. But then you probably wouldn’t stay here with children. Shame it wasn’t as we were expecting based on website, because it could be fab , however I do appreciate Covid is still causing problems financially and hope the owners can build the business.
We booked on the Tuesday but when we arrived there was a power cut so they couldn't take us and there was no offer of rebooking for another night. However we did phone on Wednesday to rebook to be told it was full so we booked for Thursday instead. When we arrived I asked if they had a gluten free menu or if it was marked on the main menu but was told I should have told them at the time of booking. I informed them I hadn't been asked and as most restaurants cater happily for dietary requirements I hadn't thought anything of it. There was only one other couple in the place and we were seated next to each other in the furthest away seats in the place. There was no music so it was all a bit awkward. I asked for fish to be baked in the oven with chips however the fish was tiny and tasteless and the chips were just frozen ones - very disappointing. The staff were friendly but overall it was a very poor experience.