Tucked in the heart of Hawkshead, the Kings Arms has long been a favourite village pub but after its recent renovation it has blossomed into something very special.
The building’s 17th century bones remain, yet every inch now whispers quiet luxury and the public areas downstairs have retained the cosiness and tranquillity of a old country pub but with stunning decor throughout , lovely traditional windows and Farrow and Ball paint colours. gorgeous little lights on every table – you get the vibe…. Up in the rooms, everything is finished beautifully and is home from home with fluffy white towels, crisp linen, and even a discreet Nespresso machine waiting in the room and delicious home baked shortbread.
There are eight traditional, individually designed, en suite bedrooms set within the pub itself (all named after Kings of England).
There is something a bit magical about Hawkshead. Pretty streets, whitewashed cottages, and a backdrop of rolling fells make it feel like a storybook village. When I wandered through, I found independent shops, inviting tearooms, and the Beatrix Potter Gallery, all just a stone’s throw from the front door. A short walk beyond the centre of the village, the vistas open up to the beautiful Lake District with its lush woodland paths, peaceful waterside trails, and scenic climbs for anyone who wants a view with. Whether you arrive on foot, by bike, or with a dog at your side, there is beauty at every turnand with Lake Windermere very close by, and when you have had your fill of fresh air the Kings Arms is waiting with a pint and delicious food, ready to hear all about it.
We arrived in the early evening, rain speckling the stone streets, and was shown to one of the rooms. Every detail had been thought through: calm lighting, lovely furnishings, a serene palette, and a bathroom stocked with fluffy towels and an inviting shower with gorgeous tiles and fittings. It felt like boutique comfort without a hint of fuss.
Downstairs the bar gleamed, its shelves lined with small batch gins, local ales, and a carefully chosen wine list. The staff made me feel instantly welcome. Ollie and Edgar stood out for their warmth and easy professionalism, setting the tone for a genuinely relaxing stay.
The menu is full of hearty, feel good food made from ingredients that have not had to travel far. There are slow cooked comfort dishes, pub classics done properly, and specials that follow the seasons. You simply pull up a chair and leave the rest to the team.
Dinner that evening was a delight. I started with silky pan fried sea bass, pea fricassee and lettuce compote , followed by perfectly cooked sea troutwith a delicious tapioca cracker and crispy sage. Rich had a feather light three cheese soufflé with smoked cream and spinanch and then fish and chips that were crisp and goldenand served with tartar sauce and lemon crushed peas. Chef Ross knows exactly how to blend refinement with satisfying flavours. We laughed, drank good wine, and enjoyed the easy atmosphere.
Morning brought a new perspective. Even though the drizzle lingered, we went for a run up the hill behind Hawkshead, a pretty three mile route that rewarded us with soft misty views of the fells. Back at the inn, breakfast was waiting. I had a delicious coffee and smoked salmon with local eggs on sourdough that was wonderfully tangy, while Rich enjoyed the full breakfast and said the black pudding was a real highlight. Everything was beautifully cooked and set us up for the day.
The Kings Arms is not just another country pub with a fresh coat of paint. It is a place where thoughtfulness shines in every corner, where food is rooted in great local produce and prepared with care, and where hospitality feels completely genuine. We left already planning our next visit, hoping the sun will be shining, though in truth it was perfect even in the rain.
