The Swinside Inn, Newlands, near Keswick

We went last year and had a wonderful time with local couple George & Judith, we tried to ring and make a booking this time but the phone was unavailable so we decided to go on the off chance to have a meal, wish we hadn't bothered. Bitterly cold, unwelcoming, with very few people eating. Our meal was average and we certainly won't be going back. Looks uncared and practically derelict, S & N should be throughly ashamed of themselves and so should RBS as they own the building!

George and Judith have finally decided running a pub is not for them and are leaving shortly. They maintain they have been defeated by poor support from the brewery - S and N. It is to be hoped that the next couple who run the pub can be given the prompt, active and financial incentives to return the Swinside to what it used to be ie a bustling and friendly countryside inn offering good basic fare and care. Currently the establishment is in a downward spiral. Is it to become another boarded up pub? There are many Swinside fans who have drited away over recent years who would love to see it in its former glory.

Great place with stunning views and a superbly friendly welcome.

My wife and i stayed at the Swinside in mid may 2010 for 2 nights whilst walking in the Borrowdale area.The Inn is in an unbeatable location with stunning views of the fells ,particularly Catbells and Causey Pike, and is in the Newlands Valley between Keswick and Buttermere.The new owners had only taken over the inn 12 weeks previously and were working hard to upgrade the Swinside.The food was excellent fresh home cooking, and George Judith and the staff were very freindly making us feel very welcome.Georges brekfast was excellentand the bar had a continually changing selection of real ales.I wil definately plan to repeat our weeekend at the swinside

Steve and Jane Warrington

Great place lovely food. Very oldy woldy

We received a very warm and genuine welcome from George and Judith and enjoyed their converation as well as their hill-walking advice over the two nights with them. Breakfasts were excellent and the local lamb chops were delicious. We hope their good reputation spreads, thus enabling them to refurbish the pub soon. Our ensuite room was clean and perfect for our needs as walkers and we would certainly return. Excellent value for money.

We stayed here last week and the couple were very friendly. Judith showed us to our room and then we came to sit by the fire with a pot of tea. George made a very good breakfast which set us up for the day ahead. The food was very accomodating and the sweets are just to die for!!! It was very hard to find a pub that took dogs where we could just step outside and go for a country walk. On brilliant sunny days the bear garden is a brilliant place to be after a long walk in the hills. I have been here before and we come often, were just so glad that somebody has come in to build up its reputation again. I will definatly be comimg back and have already made more bookings for this year.

The couple are friendly and welcoming. The pub is lovely inside and has a roaring fire and comfy seating. The only problem is the food. Tiny portions - the smoked trout starter was minute and not good value at £3.95. The main courses came with a tiny amount of chips and they were the 'leftovers' in the bottom of the bag ( frozen) little bits of chip.the cheese board ( 4.95) had four crackers, 8 grapes, a small piece of smoked cheese,brie and stilton. No side plates, no cheddar or similar hard cheese , the cottage pie had hardly any potato on top.The veg was frozen and uninspiring - mashed carrot ( a spoonful) and peas ( a spoonful ). I am sure that it is only inexperience but getting a proper chef and portions right would make the pub perfect.

We ate at the Swinside Inn twice during our stay in Catbells and had a really enjoyable time each night. George and Judith are fantastic - really chatty and helpful. They were very accommodating for our group of ten; the food was very tasty and, even though we were a big group, came out on time, all together and piping hot. Would definitely go back.

George and Judith went out of their way to make us feel at home, were genuinely friendly, great for a chat, and provided an atmosphere where we had two really lovely evenings.

The food was wonderful and true value for money, and the service was quick even with an almost full pub. They've not been in the pub that long, and you can tell it's really important to them to constantly improve, so personally I would discount the earlier reviews.

Will definitely be going again when we're next in the area.