Pubs and Inns

The Bush

Main Street, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9JS

Tel: 01900 822064

e-mail: joesf@btinternet.com

Whatever brings visitors to Cockermouth - the Castle, the museums, Wordsworth's house, Castlegate Gallery - it's always well worth pausing awhile at The Bush Hotel to get a real flavour of the local brews, the local characters and the local atmosphere.

Leaseholder Joe Fagan and Bar Manager Jim Weldon, all with considerable local experience, have an equally warm and genuine welcome for familiar faces and first-time visitors at this appealing former coaching inn. The arched entrance to the courtyard used by the old stage coaches still stands, and behind the striking black and white frontage the inn has an inviting old-world atmosphere, with comfortable chairs and settees, upholstered stools, carpets and a handsome old brick hearth.

The food here is second to none, and a monthly changing menu, using locally sourced produce, assures that even the most frequent of visitors will still have something new to try. Available at lunchtimes only, diners can expect to see dishes such as salads, hot and cold sandwiches, homemade lasagne, homemade steak pie, gammon steak and baked potatoes. The desserts are equally as tempting, with chocolate fudge cake and sticky toffee pudding the firm favourites.

The inn is open all day, everyday for drinks on a long list that starts with a selection from the local Jennings Brewery, including Jennings Bitter, Cock a Hoop, Cumberland Ale and Snecklifter; add to these a monthly Jennings guest ale and a rotating nationally brewed ale and visitors will be spoilt for choice. There's also a good range of other draught and bottle beers and lagers, stout and cider. This is definitely one of the best places in Cockermouth to socialise over a drink, with a convivial atmosphere created by the management, the staff and locals and visitors of all ages and from all walks of life who come here for the good beer and the good conversation. Children and dogs are made welcome and all major credit cards are accepted. When the weather is kind, the beer garden, with heaters for cooler evenings, is a popular spot for alfresco sipping. The Bush also hosts occasional music nights; please ring for more details.

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