1769 Bar & Restaurant in South Lakeland

Used to be a little bit different, a little bit higher quality in ingredients and in beer offerings. Now it’s just the same downgrade Peroni to Nastro etc. Save a few pence but turns the product into the same as everywhere else instead of that small cut above. Such a shame.

Came here as we were both ravenous and it was the first pub near the car park. Both had the chicken burger. Chicken cooked from frozen I think but a really nice pretzel bun, good portions. Fries came a little over salted would have been nice to add our own. I had a the Rydal pale ale which was nice but not sure I’d get it again. Overall a pleasant experience, no complaints about service, food did the job, nice atmosphere and dogs welcome.

I have eaten here in a few times over the year and it’s great after a long hike. The food is fab, home cooked bar food and always tasty. This is a great find and my go to when I’m in the area.

I rarely post bad reviews bit felt this location was deserving of one. We had stopped in here for a drink and a bite to eat after a long walk on the Fells, I went to order food just after 5 pm on a Sat night and was told the kitchen ess closed between 5 and 530pm.....who.does this on a Saturday!!! Very poor. To add to this big disappointment, the main outside door to the bar constantly slams shut loudly every time someone walks in or out, please invest in a new door stopper

A delightful dining experience with good, hearty food. We really enjoyed ourselves, helped along by our waitresses, Faye and Paige who helped to make the evening memorable.

We stayed in a hotel nearby but came here to have a drink at the bar a few times over the course of our stay at Grasmere. The bar is too small for such a busy establishment. It was packed when we first went in. We found the older bartender (I think he was French) very rude, no warmth to him. I’ve worked behind bars over the years and I realise they must have been run off their feet but at least have some friendliness about you. He was really rude to my partner who was ordering a lager, there’s just no need and he probably doesn’t realise how he comes across. We ate there one night, we had the vegan burgers which were nice. The sitting room with all the sofas was comfortable but reminded me of a nursing home . In spite of it all , it was somewhere to go in what is a very quiet village of an evening.

After nipping in for a quick drink after a hike, we brought two drinks totalling to £7. Giving £20 to the older woman who had dark brown hair tied in a ponytail serving us, she opened the till to mumble “no change” after standing there for a few seconds she gave me £10.50 change and quickly closed the till and walked off. Knowing giving us the wrong change was rude enough but to walk off as well was shocking. She then proceeded to come back to the bar after with change to fill up the till.

I had fish and chips and to be fair it wasn't a bad effort. However, my wife had cheese and chutney baguette with a distinct lack of cheese grated to go further, always thought chutney was an accompaniment was spread on 3/4 the baguette. Very poor indeed. Won't be returning

Ordered starters x2 and 4 mains 1hr 20 mins later. Starters turned up thrown together after request as to when they might arrived 1hr and 15 mins after ordering them. Technically challenging of cheese nachos and prawn cocktail so can understand the delay. The more technical culinary ask if double fish and chips, pork and venison shoulder didn’t arrive. Money returned and voted with our feet I can only think 1769 is the average time for your food to arrive in minutes. Shame as place nice but McBane has a new job as head chef in this gaffe.

This place is badly managed and under staffed, the staff we encountered appeared stressed. Directed to sit in one area by a waitress. We waited 40+ minutes for food, not the end of the world….however it arrived in the hands of the rudest male waiter ive ever encountered……. He stood infront of us plates in hand and shouted we shouldnt be in the area and started to walk away with the food….. i had to intervene and grab the plates from him seeing that we had already paid and also waited a while. He then arrived with more food and again moaned and mumbled at our table….. plates hovering above us… and again i took the plates off him as he was about to wander off… i asked him what his issue was and suggested he change his attitude…..not a word….! Apparently on his third visit to our table ( i wasnt there to experience the miraculous transformation ) he had changed his mood somewhat… Totaly unacceptable… theres no reason or justification for such rudeness..! The food was dry and just not that great, not ineddible just not that great. I heard other tables complaining of cold food and long waits the bar was three deep waiting for a single barman to serve them…tables that were free had empty drinks on them and multiple 4+ seat tables had only 1 or 2 chairs, the place is a mess.! I can only imagine they dont need to rely on repeat business… i cant see why anyone would want to return.

Avoid. Very poor service, treated unpleasantly. Staff unwelcoming. Food was alright but came at a cost. We were directed to sit in the courtyard by staff after we couldn’t find a table in the main restaurant. Ordered and paid for food & drink at the bar. The inn lacked communication, we weren’t warranted that it would be a long wait for food. Waited ages and when the food finally showed, we were met with an irritated waiter. He was passive aggressive & having a go at us for being sat in the courtyard waiting on our food, whilst he was withholding two of our meals. Whether he was stressed or a busy day, we were not made aware that the courtyard was off limits for food at a certain time, in order to be prepared for dinner (5pm). So you can imagine the shock when this waiter not only had the gall to lecture but to withhold our food we’d already paid for and waited a long time for. We were met with horrendous attitudes and it was only on his third return, and only then when he changed his attitude. It ruined the mood of what should have been my parents 31st wedding anniversary celebration. Wouldn’t recommend, no apologises were made, we were made to feel unwelcome and rushed to leave shortly after finally receiving our food. It was upsetting to receive such mal treatment, and even more so for ruining my parents day.

Last orders called bought drinks within minutes trying to throw you out Staff like the gustapo But if you're staying there get ushered into another room Disgusting customer service Why let you buy drinks at last order and not let you drink them Will not go back here ever again Wasn't just me several others treated the same Hang your heads in shame and take some customer service lessons!

Pretty average food. They get by, because there are not many other options in Grasmere

Well worth a visit. Great atmosphere, staff and food excellent. Best Nachos we have ever eaten

Okay spot for an okay meal! Ordinary menu and staff were warm and service was good. No real complaints and there are better restaurants in Grasmere and more locally especially if you are seeking a more inspired menu and cooking!!

I really didn't know what to expect when we walked through the door; we were met with a bustling pub in a traditional setting. The staff were really nice, friendly and attentive. Food was also a surprise, I was expecting big standard pub grub but in fact it was really high quality food. We enjoyed fantastic pizzas, caesar salads and sides. Really good place to visit, especially if you want something less fussy and home cooked. Highly recommended.

Fantastic food and service, everyone enjoyed their meals and drinks. Was looked after Zita who did a great job. Really nice relaxing pub and restaurant

Very average overpriced food. Disappointing as the last time we visited here 3 years ago it was a lot nicer. Wouldn’t recommend! On the plus side, the service was really good, couldn’t fault that. Staff were spot on.

Pleasant little bar attached to the hotel. Found the service to be friendly and the food to be decent, standard pub grub. Beers well kept.

Not the greatest meal…ordered a burger. Now what could possibly go wrong? It was awful. Like a frozen burger from the 70s. I questioned if I’d been given a veggie one by mistake but no. Chips were good though and my partners sausage and mash was fine. Mentioned the rubbish burger to two of the staff but no one offered to do anything although apologised profusely. Well one of them did. Will definitely give this a miss next visit.

Brilliant place for a chilled Sunday dinner as the only place that looked good. Fantastic value, would recommend the pie of the day. Faye was an excellent server.

Finished hiking quite late. It was the only place which still let us order some food in Grasmere on Monday evening. So we kind of had no other options. Turned out to be great place to eat and drink. Staff very nice and friendly, attentive and made sure we're happy with everything. Food was great, Italian chef and floor manager (I think this lovely man was). Pizza was as good as in Italy. Loved it. All 5 of us was very happy with the place. Definitely will go back when I'm in the area again. Thank you for great hospitality

Amazing service and vegan lemon posset! 🍋Super delish. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area

Good atmosphere friendly staff and decent food. Met some really nice people in there as well. Dry dog friendly which is a bonus

Great staff but faster than fast food. I have to start with the staff as they were very welcoming and attentive from start to finish but, for myself and my wife the food was a huge letdown. Prawn cocktail was just prawns and what could only be described as a scoop of mayonnaise, tasteless. Chilli loaded fries were soggy and really really cheap fries. Pizza at a guess (but I do like pizza) were pre made bases and just topped. Although the base was good the hot one I ordered it wasn’t, more heat in the prawn cocktail. We ordered all our food to come together and that it did in around 10 mins, I’ve never been anywhere and received my food that quick. It just screams microwave. We came away for a relaxed night away (a rarity) and were not expecting such a processed meal. Unfortunately I’d say freezer to plate to serve the masses. We did let our server know we weren’t impressed by what we ate and she was very apologetic but at no point would we ever send food back because anything sent out that quick was done without care and would’ve been received by the kitchen that way too. Beautiful building, lovely and clean inside with decor that really works and fantastic staff. Sadly it was just chain food to which we felt really disappointed.😞 Wouldn’t return I’m afraid.

Lovely small bar with a cosy atmosphere. The girl behind the bar was very friendly and recommended me a good cider. The food was so excellent, I would come for that alone. I had a delicious starter of smoked salmon which was excellent on its own but the pan fried chicken was so good and so delicious I would happily eat it every day. My partner had the venison and both of us thought it wouldn't be out of place in a Michelin starred restaurant. We have been to Grasmere a few times now over the years but this is the best food we have ever had.

We waited ages for our food and were told it was because they were very busy in the residents restaurant! After saying we were leaving and requesting a refund, the food arrived while we were being delayed at the bar "awaiting the manager"

Great restaurant and bar, ate twice on trip to Grasmere. Food was good and tasty. The venison loin was great but you may want a side if hungry. The rest of the meals ordered were amazing and good portion sizes. Glitch with the service on second stay which meant a dish wasn't delivered with the rest of the order, but Gabby sorted it out for us. Great customer service from staff behind the bar. Would most certainly recommend.

Fun + server likes to chat if asked

Lovely pub great atmosphere, service was good Only complaint 6 of us ordered food it came out different times but it was really busy with a cycle event on on Grasmere that weekend the pub was extremely busy

Tasty and plenty of food, cozy environment

We turned up 4.5 minutes early so had to sit elsewhere until the restaurant opened at 1800. Ordered pizzas, which were stonebaked. I do like good pizzas, but these were overloaded with cheese and pepperoni so the dough did not have a chance. Remarkably like a Tescos range pizza, but for five times the cost. A few salad leaves would be a good idea, with a nice dressing. But this was stodge all the way. No imagination, no effort, no skill.

Service was friendly and helpful. Young lady behind the bar pulled a good pint . Nothing was too much trouble . Lovely cosy atmosphere with log fire . Food was tasty 😋

American lad behind the bar was unprofessional and unequipped with any kind of customer service skills. He abruptly told me to wait when I tried to give him my drinks order (3 drinks). He could only remember one at a time. We felt like we were getting in the way of him chatting to his colleagues. Never quite experienced this before! When I asked what the pie was he said it was game pie and he had been out shooting deer with his father who owns the place. Basically thinking he was clever and trying to entertain himself. He just came across as very odd and rude! We sat at our table and hoped he would ignore us for the rest of our time there! Which luckily he did! Food was all from frozen and pretty tasteless. My brioche bun was black and burnt so I ate the frozen burger and we got out as quick as we could!

Good pub food and atmosphere. Staff were friendly and our meals arrived quickly. Would recommend

Came here for a light bite to eat. Our table already had dirty glasses when we sat down and they were still there when we left. I ordered the Vietnamese spring rolls and they were vile. My partner ordered the "warm" beetroot orange salad which was also vile. There was no atmosphere cause all I could hear was the bartender bragging about himself.

Incredibly disappointed, 0 stars if I could rate it. I don't like to leave bad reviews but this shows how bad it was. Booked for a weekend break in their sister hotel "The Bridge House Hotel" which does come highly rated 5*. Arrived here "The Inn at Grasmere 1769 bar & Restaurant "on Friday evening for our first of two meals, which were pre booked, and my partner now has food poisoning after eating either the sweet chilli chicken starter, sausage and mash main meal or the lemon posset dessert. We spent all weekend ill in our room and ruined our weekend. Total waste of time and money. I wouldn't recommend and certainly not the above dishes. It can't just have been us as the restaurant and bar was pretty busy with other diners.

Cozy and warm little bar with an open log fire for quick bite and drink. Lovely atmosphere

Don't be caught out by the portion sizes, ordered a venison loin, would not have been enough to feed a child. When I mentioned it i was informed it was a rich meal and that's the reason for the portion size. So my advice is if you eat here you might want to order more than just the main. On the up side the waitress was nice.

A very worthwhile stop in Grasmere. The atmosphere is great, the staff a friendly, wet dogs and people are welcome, and the food is delicious. Would definitely recommend passing it a visit if you’re in the neighbourhood.

Visited last night for our evening meal. Had the Nachos to start followed by the beef burger for main. Both were really lovely and would order again The pub is great and all staff were very friendly. Felt it was a bit on the pricey side but I haven't eaten/drank anywhere else in Grasmere to compare. Would return without a second thought

This is a hotel that pretends to welcome walk-in customers. Lots of fancy paraphernalia aim to create a local aura but really the only thing that creates atmosphere is the clientele.

Lovely place for a drink. We didn’t eat food so I can’t comment for food. But the service for drinks was lovely and seats were very cosy. We love that a lot of elements seemed very tradition pub like. Super cosy.

Service was slow, food delivered ( plonked down) no cutlery! When asked for it took minutes… food cold by time sorted. Quality of food poor, watery pie ( lucky if there was three bits of meat) when asked we said the food and service had been rubbish .. got a lovely big smile and a ooo dear sorry !

Very nice atmosphere and delicious food. I hope to one day visit again!!

Single Bacardi and Coke & a pint of Lager - £15.50. I know it's a popular tourist spot but that's taking the Piss !!!

The food wasn't terrible, but I was left extremely disappointed and feel I was cheated out of a meal that I had been looking forward to for days. Their PIES are NOT pies. You get a runny casserole (which tasted fine, but wasn't what I wanted) with a puff (?) pastry lid on top. Also, because the casserole is runny, you'll need a spoon to eat it, but you're given a knife and fork only and would need to ask for the former. Unless you're happy leaving all the liquid behind, or have some bread to soak it up. If their menu clarified, or if the the staff had explained the type of 'pie' they offer.. it would have been okay and I could have ordered something else or go to a different pub for a proper pie. But the menu merely says 'pie of the day' and the staff, even when I'd asked about the meat used in their pies, didn't elaborate about the type of pie they serve. I would never have known to question whether their 'pies' are actually pastry topped casseroles. Lesson learnt! (A quick Internet search tells me there's been controversy around the topic for years, but it's completely passed me by until now.) Certainly a first world problem, but I was genuinely upset about the 'pie' I was served and the money I spent there. I would have given two stars, but seeing someone else has written a review, three years ago, commenting on the pies not being pies, I feel the business just doesn't care. How hard is it to add a clarification into the menu when new ones are printed? Call it 'POT pie of the day'?!!! Until then, train your staff to let customers know you serve pot pies, not pies that I would think the vast majority of the population expects, when they go for this classic pub dish.

I went into the bar, to ask if we needed to book for dinner, for a table of three. There was a man behind the bar, who I think was the manager, he came around the bar and paid absolutely no attention to me and did not even acknowledge I was there. He started filling the crisp up. I went ask him, if I needed to make a reservation, the only words that came out of my mouth was "Excuse me" with didn't even turned around as he very aggressively told me to "WAIT!!!.... Shocked at his manner, unsure what to do, I waited, he carried on filling the crisps, once he filled the crisp, still with no acknowledgement I was still waiting, he went to get another box of crisp to fill the other end of the bar. I was so shocked at the rudness, I left the bar and went out side to where my partner was standing, and told him what had happened, although he was watching through the door window, we then stood there watching the man behind bar, filling the crisps and pottering around, he had not even noticed I left the bar. It was several minutes later he actually turned to serve me. By this time my partner and I were laughing at timing how long he took and the rudness of this man. If he was in other part of the country being a manager of a bar, he would have no customers. It is only because he is in a very popular resort like Grasmere, he has got customers, if you fancy a laugh of how rude and lack of service I would highly recommend this place..... personally after that, we would not spend a penny in there.

A great couple of evenings spent here. The food while a little expensive,was delicious. The staff were brilliant and it is dog friendly.

Pleasant large country pub with a stylish modern finish. Reasonable selection of beer.

Food was very good, we shared the Artisan Bread and chipolatas which were delicious, then had a prawn cocktail which came with lots of prawns. Main we went with classic sausage and mash as well as pan fried chicken breast, both had really good flavour and were very tasty. Chocolate Ganache to finish. I would certainly recommend eating here and will be coming back. We sat in the bar area and it had a nice vibe to it.

The service is very quick and the food is very tasty and well presented. The decorations of the pub are really good.

Food is simple yet so tasty...freshly made with seasonal veggies and the meat too is very tasty. Service is a bit slow though for a pub but overall very nice. Beautiful location !!

Food was amazing.. fresh ingredients and superb taste.

Enjoyed lunch here today. Food very good.

We had a fantastic family meal here. This pub has a really nice atmosphere and the staff were great. Food was really good across the board!

Went with a friend for a dinner last night at the 1769 restaurant. We had waited 40 minutes to then find out that they had ‘lost the order’ and asked for the receipt back so they could actually make our food. Once it came we were offered some free drinks. We understand that mistakes happen and thought this was a reasonable response with a kind gesture. However, what wasn’t okay, and why I’m consequently writing such a terrible review, is that when we first brought up that we’d been waiting a while, a rude male waiter defensively and loudly exclaimed “well the whole place is ordering food tonight” and stormed away. People ordering food in a restaurant?! Never! Ultimately we were right to have brought up the issue, as otherwise who knows how long we’d have waited. We shouldn’t have been gaslighted into feeling like we were creating problems when other people who had ordered after us were receiving their food with no problems. Otherwise, food was nice but veggie mains options limited.

Best place for a pub lunch in Grasmere.

Staff not really bothered. Feels like a chain pub. Food ok. Nice building though.

Had the Burger on Saturday night and it was like Spam out of a tin but round, very chewy and no texture.

Just dropped into here after a very wet low walk taking in Rydal and gramere lakes from Ambleside (about 2.5 hours). Close your eyes and imagine a friendly ,clean pub with a log fire very friendly staff. Hot tasty soup and a couple of soft fresh bread sandwiches with thick ham and hot thick chips and a local tasty clean fresh pint. Well stop imagining it. It exists and im currently sat in it here in Grasmere. 10/10

Nice food after a hard day's pottering in the lake district! 👍

Very good food, decor, service and ambience

This bar & restaurant provides a comfortable environment & quality food. The staff were really approachable and efficient. My meal was spot on! "Served Hot", so chips were lovely,and crisp- and hand made. The vegetables were fresh and cooked perfectly (which makes a pleasant. change, not just an afterthought on the plate). The meat pie had decent chunks of meat, was moist and seasoned well, so I didn't have to use any salt, Pepper or sauce. Something for everyone on the menu. Thank you for a pleasant and relaxing lunch!

1769 barman Daniel was a great help choosing new ales and gin's 😀

Daniel was the epitome of the perfect host. Taster beers were offered followed by 5 swiftly but perfectly drawn pints. 1769 recommended if you visit Grasmere.

Tried the fish. It was okay. Fresh but serving size not the best.

Very rude bar staff. Tried to start a conversation about the village and I was greated with one word answers. Finished our drinks and left.

Very much enjoyed a home made pizza and some great drinks.

Lovely food and fantastic staff.

Welcome and food was lovely but overpriced for the portions offered.

Cosy pub for a few beers and a bit of nice food before a hike.

We were soaked, and hungry in a busy Grasmere and popped in to get a sandwich and a beer. Sandwich with crisps and an extra £2 for some chips. Busy and okay

Couldn't fault our experience here. Good selection of drinks and food. Pizzas were clearly made on site and fresh out of the oven. Staff fast and attentive. Perfect if you're staying in the village or even in the hotel itself 👍

Really friendly and welcoming, food came out super quick and everyone was really impressed with their meals. Onion rings were particularly good. We'll certainly be returning

Fabulous, welcoming and dog friendly place. We stopped by for lunch and the food was incredible, prompt and piping hot. Beer battered onion rings were the best I ever had and were a firm favourite on our table. Super friendly staff, nothing was too much trouble. Huge thanks for such a lovely lunch and brilliant memories of great holiday with my Dad ❤️

Had fish and chips, it was piping hot and delicious. The staff were very helpful in finding a table and moving us when there was a space, as we were a little cold from a walk. Definitely would eat here again. A thumbs up from me.

Couldn't book a table in the bar area unless a resident. Luckily managed to get a table. Asked the lady behind the bar for menus, was told they were on the table... obviously they weren't, or I wouldn't have asked. She brought 1 menu over between 4 of us, said she couldn't find anymore. Wasn't informed of the soup or pie of the day... Ordered chipolata nibbles, they were edible... Sausage and mash was nice except for the huge lump of un-mashed potato!! 30 mins after we had finished eating the dirty plates were still in front of us, I saw another table move their dirty pots to a vacant table...

Nice pub and nice food after an amble in the lakes

Excellant food, nice atmosphere and comfy seats to relax after a busy day. Well worth a visit for food or just drinks.

Friendly, atmosphere, and good food

Really disappointing, portion size poor, it’s pub grub not a la carte, pan fried chicken minimal mash and vegetables, however when we complained to the server in all fairness were given free drinks…..

The pub has a nice cosy atmosphere and layout/decor. The pizzas were underwhelming though

Nice atmosphere, food was a let down

Food was so disappointing, burgers were extremely dry and tasteless. The sour cream on the nachos was placed under the cheese and then heated so it had curdled. The prices are astronomical for the quality and I would not recommend. Beer and wine selection good and staff were friendly but I would avoid eating here again. We spent easily over £150 with them and felt robbed

Food was average which was not reflected in the price. Something akin to a wetherspoons meal for twice the price. Very good selection of beers but poor selection for the cider drinker. Staff were very nice but overall disappointed with the quality of the meal.

Stayed here for 2 nights. I got charged twice for my meal in the restaurant, and I am yet to be refunded my money back after having to battle with the rude receptionists and staff who work at the hotel who offered 0 help, and nothing offered to me for the inconvenience of the whole situation. There was multiple dry blood stains on the bed sheets in my hotel room. The male waiter with dark hair and glasses in the restaurant tried to patronise me and talk down to me when taking my food order for no reason. As I said, I have had to contact my bank about being charged twice for my evening meal (which was extortionate and over the odds for what I actually got given) and the hotel have actually ended up taking the payment now, and are being very difficult and unresponsive about giving me my money back. Couldn’t emphasise how poorly run and unpleasant this hotel is, and if you are thinking about staying here, save yourself the judgement and hassle and go elsewhere.

What happens when a refurbished goes wrong. Was a traditional pub needing a little tlc. Then they went ott with refurb and lost all character sadly.

Great pub with a good selection of beers and food, hard working staff overall a very good experience on our first visit 👍

Having had a nice meal at The Good Sport, we decided to have another pint on the way back to our accommodation. We called into the 1769 "BAR" only to be told that they wouldn't serve us a drink because we were not residents. Another gentleman who had followed us in was also turned away. Very hospitable. Not.

Had confit belly pork here that was an almost religious experience.

Place was dirty bar staff miserable and drinks well over priced

Didn't have a reservation but the staff were amazing at finding us a table and fitting us in We had artisan bread and oils for starters, which was freshly baked. For my main I had the Cumberland sausage and mash, which was delicious. My wife has the fish and chips which looked amazing and she said it tastes as such Good selection of local beers as well Highly recommended

Good veggie/vegan selection. Had a really nice halloumi burger...nicer without the bun. Also, had a pizza (another night), nicely hand made

My partner and I had lunch there following a hike nearby. We were glad to know there were some healthy options in the menu but didn't find particularly tasty. Overpriced for what it delivers.

Had the pan fried seabream, cooked to perfection. Girlfriend had the fish and chips, nice light patter and fresh fish. Couldnt fault it.

Great food different ales over the week we stayed staff very friendly cant fault it.

You need to be clearer that only guests at the hotel are welcome , you turned us away from a half empty bar , turning trade away , you are not a real pub so don't advertise as such , misinformation

A standard pub bistro menu selection and portion size. Waiter was great

Absolutely TERRIBLE. Rude staff and shocking service. Go to Ambleside instead