The Arts Bar & Grill in South Lakeland

Beautiful place, great wall decor. Generous and delicious meals. Wow factor was history of the building and amazing service from Stacey. Will definitely return and would recommend.

Ate upstairs with family during a trip to celebrate a birthday. Ostensibly, the location, menu and social media presence of this place seemed promising. The illusion of promise was shattered once we stepped through the front door to be ‘greeted’ by what appeared to be a server who seemed more interested in his phone than the customer. We chose an assortment of menu options intending to share the items. The best of these was nothing more than entirely average. The worst was bafflingly poor. It was difficult to reconcile the beautiful decor, prime location and decent menu options with the quality of the food. Worst of all were the ribs, which were quite possibly the worst attempt we have come across anywhere. When we complained about their cremation, we were met with a bizarrely passive response with no proper apology or further action taken, beyond a glare directed towards us from the chef . One can only assume the maladroit service offered by the wait staff had been adopted by those in the kitchen also. Trust me, it is not hyperbolic to claim that archaeologists have unearthed juicier ribs than those on offer here. To conclude, the experience was lacklustre in just about every way, ranging from average at best to simply diabolical. I remain convinced that I could give the food a run for its money with an air fryer and 10 minutes on Asda’s frozen aisle. Ultimately, we left with a strong regret at having fallen victim to the facade and wished that we had selected one of the myriad other higher quality options in the area. A baffling mismatch of style and substance, I would recommend spending your hard earned money literally anywhere else in Bowness.

Went for food and drinks. Lovely helpful staff, great food, great atmosphere. Would recommend. Great cocktails and price.

Lovely little place for our lunch with young children. Without being asked, they provided puzzle sheets and crayons when we sat down. The food was lovely. The service was a little slow, especially considering it wasn't that busy but we were happy to sit the quirky decor and relax while on holiday.

The staff here were just brilliant. Very good knowledge and recommendations for cocktails and very good customer service. Really enjoyed birthday drinks with my husband and will definitely return next time we’re in Bowness

Exceptional service from the friendly attentive CJ. Great tunes & lovely welcoming atmosphere. For those seeking the above, give this place a try 🥂

Disappointed the website advertises happy hour every day however on purchasing a cocktail we where told this wasn't included on weekends...

Very poor cocktail, no real clue on how to make a mojito, made up pricing and advertising 241 it's not on Saturdays but nowhere does it state this. Windermere isn't a cheap place to visit, but this place doesn't even use lube

Spending a week in Bowness and dropped into the arts bar on a wet and windy Saturday. We were served by a young lady who was polite, informative and helpful. Enjoyed mojito, pina collada and rose wine. Excellent.

Wish we found this place earlier lovely little place atmosphere was brilliant music was good would recommend and definitely be visiting next year when we are back

Excellent location, setback a stones through from the main street. Windermere offers a number of options for vegetarians and vegans, but this was an amazing find with a clear, good vegan menu very friendly and helpful staff and great environment.

What a lovely bar. It's slightly hidden away, but it's definitely worth finding because the welcome and service were second to none. The food menu was excellent and we had a lovely lunch. The choice of gins was vast and my wife enjoyed trying the world's oldest pink gin. Overall, absolutely recommended and the manager was amazing; so passionate and clearly believes in the bar.

Come in this evening as a young lady, Stacey greeted me with a very warm welcome. She had advised us of the history of the pub which I really liked. As a young female I don’t tend to feel safe by myself and going out drinking can be a scary experience. Stacey and staff this evening had made me feel extremely comfortable and safe. Massive kudos to Stacey she is doing fabulous managing this place could not be a better manager. Piper x

Stacey was welcoming friendly and helpful. She explained where we could sit and organised tables to fit 7 people and went through the menu with us. It really could not have been a nicer lunch.

Staceys service was impeccable, the drinks came fast and the atmosphere was great. I would Definitely recommend.

Two very lovely waitresses on a busy Saturday night the best cocktails I’ve ever had and it was a plus that they were two for one! We had the nachos and the ribs and they were lovely! Great atmosphere too

Such a good night! The host is an absolute star - so helpful and charming. We had a fab night, thank you. We’ll be back!

My partner and I had my birthday weekend in Bowness and came across this bar, we were attracted by it being dog friendly. We were all made to feel extremely welcome, including my two Pugs. The atmosphere and music was great, and the staff were superb. Ella couldn’t do enough for us and even concocted a lovely non alcoholic drink to help with my hangover. We were so impressed that we returned the next day, this time for cocktails and food - both of which were delicious (I think we tried five different types of cocktail and all were fantastic!) If you are looking for a dog friendly, cosy bar with amazing staff and great food and cocktails, I would highly recommend the Arts Bar. We will definitely be returning! Thank you so much Ella and Stacey!

Visited with friends early on Friday evening and had the early bird specials, also took advantage of the cocktail offer! Starters (small plates) were huge portions and the mains were also large. Small menu (burgers, ribs, roast chicken) but good quality and for four people, two courses each, cocktails and drinks for well under £100, you can't go wrong. Coupled with excellent, friendly service and eclectic mix of artwork on show, this made for a great experience

Me and my friends came to the arts bar and was made to feel right at home by Stacey the manager who is amazing and nothing was to much to ask we will definitely be visiting again when we are back in bowness

One of the best cocktail bars in bowness,stunning food and drinks. Stacey was the girls name that was in the bar she made us 2 special cocktails for me and my misses,absolutely lovely.

Honestly idk what peoples problem is with this place the cocktails are fantastic the people who work here are funny as anything and the atmosphere is chill. Highly recommend

Arrived at the bar after a 5 mile walk looking for some snacks and a couple of drinks. Walked in and the barman looked at me like I’d just walked into his house uninvited. I asked if I could order some food and he told me to go and sit down and he would come and take my order. We waited outside for 15 minutes and nobody bothered to come out. Wouldn’t mind if they were busy but there was only one other couple there. We got up and went the the Village Inn instead. Much better, turned out I wasn’t invisible after all.

Where do I begin? I’m writing this review 48 hours after my visit - I’ll tell you why in a minute. All seemed well on arrival. Friendly, welcoming to children etc. The first waiter was a nice guy. That’s where it ended. Three adult meals and two kids meals came out. We asked for some mayo which never materialised. We eventually procured some from a neighbouring table. The kids meals were bigger than the adult ones. Every adult meal had something missing. Admittedly they remedied the issue without argument but still very meagre portions. We went inside to pay the bill and raised our concerns. Those concerns were met with blank faced incredulity. The young girl really didn’t care. A half hearted apology coupled with a myriad excuses - it seemed it was everyone’s first or second day. Avoid like the plague. With so much choice in Windermere you can find better places. And the 48 hour delay in writing this? I’m still waiting for my mayo.

Came here for the advertised craft ales. Nearly 30 on the drinks menu, went to order and only actually had 2. Glad we weren't eating. Tables wobbly, sticky and just general untidy. Stick to the Tap Rooms down the road.

Called mid afternoon. Excellent in every respect really attentive staff, nothing was too much trouble and the food is absolute top drawer. Not bad prices for the quality. Highly recommended

Strange one because I’ve been to this bar probably 20 times in 5 years. This year was a little different as I now have a 1 year old. When we arrived it was obvious that it was understaffed, again not there fault, but not mine either. If you show us a table you’re excepting that you can serve us. Service was very poor, couldn’t even get a teaspoon, he said “if I get time Il bring you one” it never came! Food was fine, as were drinks, baby was in his high chair enjoying some food, time came to change him and I kid you not they have no changing facilities. Not only that but they said I can’t change him at all in the building, I had to walk to another bar to change my son. Why are you offering high chairs and a FAMILY friendly environment with nowhere to change the very things that sit in the high chairs, madness. I had to leave my 12 year old as I was on my own and hadn’t paid. Staff just said “I’ve only just got here what do you want me to do” Won’t be going back.

Great location , let down by staff not knowing or applying the special offers as advertised on their signs and menu !

Sat at the front near the entrance could see all staff were very busy in and out taking orders none stop for maybe 2 hours until the place quitened saw a family or 2 couples having a drink whilst smoking as they got up the table got knocked and glass got smashed the barman was not around straight away but came out and spoke to these people and they instantly started to shout at the barman who was running ragged to serve everyone I heard him say he they wasn’t happy to complain to management at the pig as he was only a barman and did not have time to give them the necessary paperwork all in all food was great drinks were okay I would revisit

Service shocking! Sat outside and as we are are not god! a gust of wind blew a menu that knocked my partners drink over. Told the bar staff he then accused us of knocking it over. I have never been barred from a pub before...

Called in for a drink and then had some food, which was good. The problem we had arose when there was a big gust of wind and it knocked my beer over and smashed the glass. I told the staff member so he could clear it and he questioned me and basically inclined I'd knocked it over......after a conversation I walked away before I did something I regretted, as I do not like being called a liar! The upshot my friends were told we were barred 🤷🏼‍♂️ My friend decided to go back shortly after to speak to the manager, when he arrived he spoke to another couple who saw the whole incident, so got him to come out and he would not have it or apologise.......Upshot Terrible experience, ran by inexperienced staff who do not know how to run a bar......Lastly my friend who went back to question it asked for the Managers name and was not given it, again very......totally disappointed!

Came for a bite to eat in the sun and a cheeky cocktail or two. Lovely quiet little spot just off the hustle and bustle of the busy street gave a relaxed atmosphere and the staff were funny and friendly. Food was excellent (as were...

As you might expect this venue looks great- it is brightly coloured, trendy, comfortable and full of quirky art. There is an exstensive menu and some cheeky deals e.g. ordering between 5 and 6.30 on certain days you get 2courses for £15.99. Two of us...

Came here with a friend for a beer and a bite to eat, the upstairs the lights flicker every 30 seconds like a disco - not good for migraine sufferers or epileptics. It was that bad it was giving us a headache so moved outside....

It was off to a bad start when they fobbed off my wife with the menu and overcharged her. The drinks were watered down to the point they were flat. If you like Gin or Rum, this is not the place for you. As for...

Popped in for a couple of cocktails. Weren't great, very icey. Not busy so would have expected more. Now, I'm not an old foggy, but a few things need to speak up! Firstly, the music, it was a bit "boom jiggy" for us. Swearing, ok...

A quirky bar and restaurant set in an old building just off the busy main street. Good selection of beers and a short but tasty lunch menu. The staff were quite friendly and clearly this is a venue for late evenings too.

After lots of fair and high reviews I need to post this. Ordered food and drinks as did the only other couple in about 10 minutes after us. Drinks came. 20 minutes later other couples food came. Hmmm. Staff said nothing to us. Another 20...

Great for casual food. Ellen was very friendly & helpful. Sharing platter was something else!! Very tasty & great value.

We found this bar by chance and I only read the reviews before writing mine and was surprised by some of the negative feedback we found the cocktails very good and the staff very friendly the service was great and everyone seemed to be having...

Always consistently good. Matt and Katie always make me feel welcome and l really appreciate it aswelll as the expertise in what they do, is amazing. Always a favourite place of mine, off the immediate beaten track….a little g of a place.

Katie and Mark were absolutely wonderful hosts. The welcome and atmosphere made this my favourite place to have a drink or two. The vodka and cokes were delightful 😊 I didn't realise until the last night that there was an upstairs and I went up...

We only went in for drinks. Interesting place and an easy walk from out hotel (The Belsfield). Staff were friendly and the drinks were good. We come to The Lakes quite regularly and will certainly return here in the future.

Came here for something to eat on a Sunday evening. The service and staff were amazing. Food was lovely and reasonably price. The portions were large. The atmosphere and music were great. Lovely place. Would definitely recommend.

Called in last night for a meal and drink. Staff were friendly, food was good too. Apparently a new chef. We got a 15% discount, as we were staying at a guest house that is apparently owned by the same guy - so made the...

Very unfriendly. Average brown food. Passive aggressive waitress was extremely rude to the elderly lady in our group because we had the temerity to move a table.

Can't fault the place. We sat outside, garden was lovely. The food was amazing, we got half Jerk chicken, absolutely massive and tasted great. Waitress was absolutely fantastic, can't fault the service. Next time we're in the lakes we're coming back. Thanks :)

Been here before for cocktails and it’s always been good, but visited recently (01.09.22) while in Bowness for my husband’s birthday and it was absolutely dreadful….waitress tried to take our order before I’d even opened the cocktail menu, then disappeared for the next 15 mins....

Our first visit to arts bar. The waitress served us promptly and food arrived in good time. The menu has a good varied selection of food - from light bites to burgers. We had a selection of starters as we fancied trying different things. The...

Went to the Arts Bar for lunch yesterday at around 13:00pm (29/08/22) the waitress working seemed like she couldn't be bothered, we were left waiting to be served at our table for 30 minutes whilst people who came in after us were served. When we...

Yes, it was Bank Holiday weekend and yes, everywhere was busy but there really is no excuse for the appalling service at this place. Very friendly and chatty waitress sorted a table for us outside but we had a 20minute wait for our drinks and...

We came to the arts bar looking forward to a lovely cocktail, only to be told no mojitos and no pinacolida. Then after waiting for over 20 minutes we complained, but waiter said they were busy. Not happy, and will not return.

Una bella location rovinata da cibo non all’altezza: il Dirty Dog era un hot dog surgelato e freddo 😡; la...

We turned up a bit late on Sunday evening and were greeted by Katie and Murray with a very warm welcome. They made us feel so good I absolutely will be going back before my trip ends.

A lovely little place for a cocktail or drinks, staff were great and cocktails were well made. All table service drinks and food.

We waited an hour for our food and when it arrived, there was no cutlery and no drinks! We waited a few minutes before going inside to ask for cutlery and were told they were very busy and only had three staff. By the time...

Food took over half an hour to arrive, when it did it was without cutlery. I waited 10 mins before entering the bar to chase up. The waiter ‘serving me’ said they were really busy and I needed to wait! I have to concede his...

Wow ,,,,, I’m guessing under new management since my last visit …. But wow ,,,, cocktails , good selection , and wow ,,, they are strong … no watered down rubbish . Tapas food , very nice , good for soaking up the very strong...

Not a bad place - situated on the hill with a fab outdoor space. Drinks a little expensive but staff friendly and they are also dog friendly.

Called in for a drink and some food. Drinks were OK but meat platter for 2 consisted of meats that cost around £4 in the supermarket, served on a few rocket leaves with 2 breadsticks for £16.95. Definitely better value food to be found locally

It’s okay, food is average, and the price suits the quality. However the cocktails were very good! Nice outdoor area. Service okay.

Called in day before my birthday for something to eat. We hadn’t booked but didn’t wait long to be seated. Not really a ‘full course’ type of place but servings were generous & filling. Opted for the prawn & crayfish cocktail with bread & butter....

Had this place recommended but will ignore this person’s recommendations in the future. We went for cocktails, and when we entered we were told to go sit down upstairs, we looked at the cocktail menu for 10 mins and picked our drinks so we went...

This bar is the place to be in Liverpool. Always a good time to be had. To be specific, one of the staff, a girl by the name of Lottie I believe, is the signal greatest bar tender I have had the privilege of being...

Brilliant service and extremely friendly staff. The food was tasty and quick service - an amazing place just to sit on the outside terrace in the sun with a beer or two

Poor quality food . Ordered 2 chicken wraps with salad came with a lettuce leaf on each plate with a minimum filled chicken wrap

Lovely little place with a relaxed atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff. The food was amazing, we had wraps and a selection of tapas and enjoyed every single mouthful. A month later and I am still salivating over the best chorizo I have ever tasted. Would...

We came here at the beginning of the year when you had to sit outside because of COVID. We had amazing service, both had the Burgers and I must say the Beef burger is the best I have ever eaten. Amazing job we are hoping...

Had the most amazing tapas! Me and my boyfriend were both so impressed with the tapas and could not recommend enough! He had cocktails and I asked if they were able to make non alcoholic pornstar martinis (as I am 7 months pregnant) and they...

Stopped for Tapas and a cold beer,Home made Hummus and beetroot dips were divine. Chicken wings had a real kick and too many more dishes to list . so much to choose from, truly mouth watering . The service was excellent. The food was so...

Arrived and women who presented us was very condescending because we were young lads. Immediately seemed she didn’t want us there, first thing she said was “you’ll be ID’d mind”. Like em yeh pet, fully aware of how it works. However the second person who...

Loved this place went every evening we were in the Lakes by far our favourite in Bowness. Really welcoming staff, great drinks and really tasty Tapas. We were there on the first evening they started serving food and the waitress apologised for things being a...

This lovely place is tucked away from the main tourist area. The terrace was especially busy and there were 2 staff working their socks off - making sure guests were seated, taking orders and keeping tables clean. Some people were being turned away because it...

Perfect spot for drinks and people watching! Great menu and prices. Vast range of cocktails and drinks. Very friendly staff and we will definitely return.

Went here with my girlfriend for a few cocktails. Best cocktails we’ve ever had and great service with a cool atmosphere. First class

we sat in the sun for drinks and cocktails - staff very friendly and service good - i had the larious bramble which was very tasty - highly recommend this bar for drinks and location

We visited Art's bar today for a drink and we were not disappointed, the cocktails looked amazing and the taste was even better, thank you to all the lovely staff for your service and care.

We came here for drinks this evening and my boyfriend ask if they had any local ales on tap. The waiter (?in his 40s/50s?) said no, and my boyfriend then automatically replied “don’t worry, no problem I’ll order something else”. The waiter then arrogantly replied...

We got lucky as we managed to get a table for 2 as soon as we arrived as they were only doing drinks on the Saturday evening we went, nice little courtyard area with friendly staff and good service, didn't go in the building but...

Me & my husband came here everyday on our trip to Bowness, mostly for drinks but did have food one day & it was lovely. Staff were great too.

Wow what a brilliant experience. Big thanks to Sorin and his colleagues for making our experience amazing. Customer service is exceptional and innovation in cocktails is impressive. Service is brilliant snd we say a big thankyou! Highly recommend the Arts French (a fab lakes twist...

Arrived without booking & used the track & trace app - all staff wearing masks (though when we left masks were not in evidence) We were seated quickly & after sufficient time to read menu we gave our orders. Menu at time of visit was...

Friendly prompt service, had a snack and a few drinks in here - staff really friendly and attentive- place was reasonably busy but nothing felt like too much trouble

We called in here for a drink and had a very pleasant hour or so. Great cocktails and selection of drinks. We didn't have anything to eat, but the food looked excellent! Definitely hope to go back for food.

Highly recommended. Lovely atmostphere, great tasty food, fab service. Mediterranean style, trendy and chic.

Our last day in Bowness, and this terrace looked very welcoming. We both had burgers, my wife went for the chicken, and I had the wild boar, with stilton. It was absolutely beautiful!! Nice couple of pints to wash it down with. Great service, and...

We returned today for the first time in 5 months, we have so missed the warm and friendly welcome from Sorin and his team. Today we were greeted and welcomed like friends by all the team and made to feel so special. Food was fabulous...

This is a fantastic place to visit on holiday. The adult burgers were amazing and the children's burgers were equally as good. The service was excellent and very friendly. We would wholeheartedly recommend here as a place to eat out.

Amazing place, we would highly recommend, lovely chilled our atmosphere. Lovely food and the cocktails just wow. Helpful and accommodating staff, can’t wait to go back.

Called in to the Art House for pre dinner cocktails... Brilliant, best cocktails in town by a country mile. Comfortable, roomy, good service, lively atmosphere. I would recommend the place.

Had cocktails there last night. Well executed and tasty! Reason I only marked 4 out of 5 is because of the older waiter who was a bit abrupt and awkward.

Brilliant place to relax. Was the nicest bar I went, for the 2 days I was visiting Bowes I went in there 3 times. Staff were all great especially Rafis who was very welcoming and served some of the best cocktails. He’s definitely and Asset...

Good outside space on terrace overlooking junction. Sensible with Covid precautions. Very good selection of cocktails, well made. Staff helpful and pleasant. Dog friendly outside. Different approach to usual bar makes for a nice change!

What a fun night, good food, amazing cocktails and all this done in a Covid friendly environment. Rafi, you are a cocktail genius 👍🏻

My friend and I bagged the last sunny table at lunchtime on a very busy day in Bowness on what was probably the last Saturday of proper summer so we were very lucky. My friend had the burger which honestly looked like the best burger...

Stopped here today for a quick drink and a bite to eat! COVID compliant and we felt really comfortable. Sat outside with the pooch. Service was great and friendly. Aperol spritz were on offer 2/£12 and delish. The food was awesome. Baked Camembert with a...

We decided to pop in for one cocktail and ended ip staying for 2 hours, it was such a friendly cosy place, good staff and great cocktail barman.

Love love love the Arts Bar always great food, service and atmosphere. Cosy bar inside but great outdoors space with heaters to keep the chill at bay and the lovely great cocktails help. 😍😍😍

This is by far are favourite place to eat and drink in Bowness. The staff are welcoming and so friendly. Food is so good and they even get the dog a drink. Water of course. We've been there 3 times over the last 3 days.

Lovely relaxed atmosphere with good service. Chicken Supreme was delicious but the best part for me was the Sticky Toffee Pudding - the best north of Knutsford.