The Britannia Inn in South Lakeland

A Warm Welcome and Delicious Food Nestled in the heart of Great Langdale, justifiably one of England's most beautiful locations, The Britannia Inn is a perfect pit stop for anyone exploring the stunning Lake District fells. During our recent stay on the nearby Langdale Estate, we had the pleasure of dining here on several occasions, and each visit was a true delight. If you're looking for proper pub food done well, The food was consistently excellent, with generous, hearty portions that are ideal for refueling after a day outdoors. We found the quality to be top-notch, offering classic comfort food that is both satisfying and delicious, for those who enjoy a drink, the selection does not disappoint. There's a great choice, particularly of local beers, perfect for sampling the regional brews. The beer garden is also a fantastic feature – a lovely spot to relax with a pint when the weather allows, soaking in the incredible views of the surrounding valley. Beyond the food and drink, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful on every visit. Their warm welcome and efficient service added significantly to the positive experience, making us feel truly at home, given its fantastic location and excellent reputation, The Inn understandably gets busy. So we strongly recommend booking a table in advance, especially if you're visiting during peak times, to avoid any disappointment.

Needs a bit of an update but nestled in a beautiful place. Food nice.

We had both the chicken and steak pies. The pies were great, so we're the onion rings as a side, only negative would've preferred the broccoli to be cooked more as you couldnt even get a fork in it, we probably would have complained if somebody had come to ask how our food was but nobody came. Personal preference too, we would have prefered it to be more of a mixed seasonal veg. The mash was a bit stodgy. Desserts were great.

We have just had a 4 night stay with our little dog which has been amazing. The room was spotless and the food was great. It's nice that's there's plenty of staff, all of whom worked hard and always had a smile. They even offered our dog some ham or a sausage. To top it off it's in a great location with plenty of places to visit. We will definitely be back.

What a wonderful find! Amazing proper pub food which is just the ticket after a day walking in the fells. We loved it so much we came back three times during our week stay in the Lakes. My top tip is the amazing pies with meltingly suet pastry. Good

Great pub. Great location. Good beer in spot in form.

Mein erster (und letzter) Besuch im Brit Inn liegt nun schon über 30 Jahre zurück - und ich finde es heute noch so Klasse wie damals. Sehr gute, bodenständige Pub-Küche, sehr angenehmes und freundliches Personal,.. da schmecken Essen und Trinken nach einer wunderbaren Wanderung nochmal so gut...

Lovely lunchtime spent here outside this charming pub in the heart of the Lakes. Catch one of the frequent buses from Ambleside and avoid difficult parking.

Great stop after walking from Skelwith Fold. Coffee was brilliant! They have little oat milk cartons available if you so desire. And the flapjack is excellent! Do not miss out on the flapjack!! Not surprisingly, the place was heaving but plenty of room to sit outside or on the village green as we did. Loads of water bowls around for dogs, which was great.

Ok I didn't stay here just visited the pub part. I must admit when I saw the prices of sausage and mash I did question it. However it really was amazing quality and to be honest the price was fair. Again good local beers on tap and a nice friendly atmosphere. No complaints only praise from me.

Called in for beers in the sunshine on the terrace. Great location and good selection of real ales. Didn't eat there.

My favourite pub of the week on our holiday in Ambleside. Loved this bar, great well kept selection of dark beers. The Barnsgate brewery Goodhew's dry stout was fab! I really enjoyed the Cumberland sausage roll with salad and crisps. The place was buzzing as it was a lovely sunny day with lots of people sitting outside. We preferred to sit inside and it was very comfortable and the barman and staff were very efficient and super friendly. Definitely recommend and looking forward to returning when next visit Ambleside x

We have been coming to elterwater since 1970 and know the Britannia very well It is a beautiful spot and the pub itself has never changed internally The food is excellent service friendly and a real home from home for us Will continue to make the trip as long as possible

I had a disappointing experience at this pub today with my young family. We purchased drinks and settled in the beer garden, where we put up an umbrella for shade on what’s been the warmest day of 2025 so far (17°C with a 12 mph breeze). Staff quickly instructed us to take it down, citing a “slight breeze” and mentioning an incident weeks ago where an umbrella supposedly struck a customer. When I asked about providing cover for my kids, they ignored me and lowered the umbrella anyway. On top of that, the pub feels run-down, prices are steep(£3 for a small fruit shoot), and it’s just not worth it. I won’t be back and wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.

Fantastic historic pub in Elterwater. Gets very busy and seating area isn’t the biggest 🙄. Food a little pricey but well cooked. Would definitely return.

What a lovely spot for a snack while you hike.

We passed through here on our trek and we thoroughly enjoyed the food. I had the ham roll with crisps and salad and my parter had the pork with stuffing and apple sauce. Very tasty and good value. Cute little pub.

We only got food and drinks there in rainy day, but they have lots of beer and fish n chips is really nice!

Pint was over £5 but It was good.

Great little village pub with a good menu and a great selection of local ales. The way a village pub should be!

Nice pub but very expensive, £6.50 for a pint of 1664 It's a shame when pubs take advantage of tourists in this way. Please just charge normal prices

Called for a drink after a walk. Unfortunately, staff behind the bar unfriendly and the toilets were disgusting. Such as shame as in a lovely area but it appears that its all about making money. I would not recommend

Lovely pub in a great location, always worth a visit. Our meals today were very disappointing, warmed up dry pie. We have had nicer meals in the past. The specials appear to be more freshly cooked though. Drinks are very expensive. Nice cosy bar and the fires are always lit.

Wow, albeit a fantastic location and a welcoming fire that’s where it ends. Cannot comment on accommodation, but the food was extremely poor! Cheese and chutney sandwich, there’s me thinking it would be fitting of the location, but it was a standard bread cake with grated cheese and artisan it wasn’t. Chips, well if you like frozen ones you are in luck, that’s what you are served up. The homemade soup was tasty, but served up with dry bread. 2 soft drinks and the bill was £27.00, I would steer clear and try ‘Slaters’ over the road (cannot comment on their food as didn’t have any), or eat elsewhere - very disappointing experience, albeit the 6 mile loop walk made up for the day.

Charged £19.00 for a large glass of wine a small bottle of water and bottle of Italian beer......RIP OFF.

Great hotel in our favourite part of the Lake District. Good food, beer and hospitality. The staff are welcoming and friendly.

This is a lovely hotel in a perfect location if you like walking. The staff are lovely, the food excellent (with amazing portions!), and the ambience of the place is great - to stay and to eat (and drink!)

Always a thrill coming here. It's a sun trap outside. Well worth a visit.

An iconic venue that's never a disappointment the staff are fantastic the rooms are great and the food is amazing.

Lovely unspoiled friendly pub in perfact setting for numerous walks etc. Great beers if you like local ales. Log fires, cosy bars and areas for eating. In good weather sitting outside is a real treat. Menu looked great we just visited for a drink a couple of times but spoke to a guest who stays there frequently and LOVES IT and the FOOD.

An excellent restaurant with speedy service. In fact the staff were incredibly welcoming and efficient. The food was of top quality. We went here one evening and decided to go back the next evening too as our experience was so good.

Lovely lunch in front of a roaring fire. Just a typical English pub!

A perfect stop off after a walk across the fells. Been coming here for 25yrs. The kids used to play on the green in front of the pub. Now they join us for a pint!

We have been coming here for over 30yrs and have always loved it. However they have decided to take off all the bitters claiming that the demand is too low which I believe to be untrue. The couple next to us did not enjoy the drinks because no bitters where available and said they would be going to a nearby pub instead even though they were staying overnight at the Brittania Inn. The Brittania used to have ales such as Neddy Boggle, Brittania Special, Bluebird which were very popular, now they have none. They have become purely profit driven and don’t care about all the patrons who have supported them over the years. The food too was pricey which we don’t mind if the quality is good , but this has gone downhill also with low quality beef and lamb. What a shame!!!! This was echoed by others around us. Don’t usually do any reviews. To whoever is managing the Britannia, probably time to listen to your customers before they all go!!

We visit this time each year as you know what you’re going to get - good service and great portions of food ! Breakfast the same. The rooms are nice clean and functional. I know quite a few reviewers have said about the drink prices and I have to agree, very expensive in my view so we cut down this year with just the 1 pint. Shame. Still highly recommend a visit though.

Always a great stop off walking around the lakes

Nice old pub with burner stoves, a good whiskey selection and an excellent barman

16 th century boozer best in the world.. .food is awesome and.real ale love the fire and people

Visited here first week of Jan and delighted to find the place busy, roaring fire and some delightful food and service. We had a selection of main courses which included venison, gammon and eggs and sea bass. All superb. Topped off the chocolate profiteroles. Wouldn’t hesitate to return or recommend

Friendly staff and decent grub , just what was needed

Delicious food as always a proper pub too

After a morning exploring the fells, we were more than ready for a hearty meal, and the Brit Inn in Elterwater did not disappoint. From the moment we stepped in, the service was friendly, and the staff genuinely cared about making our experience enjoyable—a rare find in many pubs in the Lakes these days. I wasn’t expecting much, as pub meals can be hit or miss, but this turned out to be a very tasty surprise. The food was clearly handmade, fresh, and full of flavor—no pre-packaged shortcuts here! My chicken, ham, and leek pie was a standout, served with proper chips and fresh veggies included (no need to order them separately!). My husband had the traditional sausage and mash, which was equally superb. Portion sizes were generous and filling, just what we needed after a long walk. The drink menu offered plenty of options, making it easy to find something to pair with our meals. Highly recommended if you're in the area, and we’ll definitely be back!

An excellent, local menu, very reasonably priced, and warm, real fires. No better way to spend a chilly autumn evening.

Ideal place for a refreshing beverage

I visited this beautiful inn on 24/11/24. My visit was unexpected as my car broke down close by so with no phone signal I needed to use their phone. I was welcomed by a very polite and helpful member of staff (Owen) who couldn’t do enough to help me, I used their phone numerous times to ring RAC etc and this was not a problem for them. EVERY member of staff could not do enough to make me feel relaxed and comfortable. As I’m waiting (I’m still here) for the RAC I ordered food, oh my goodness it was amazing, mushroom stroganoff, the best I’ve tasted. Plenty of it and FULL of flavour! The next time we’re visiting the Lakes we’ll look at staying here and if not we will DEFINITELY be eating here. Do visit The Britannia Inn. You will NOT be disappointed! Thank you to you all for your invaluable hospitality! See you again.

Lovely pub at the end of a nice walk.

We were lucky to get a table for a family of 7 outside this busy pub during autumn half term holiday. The menu choice was very good, food was brilliant - big portions(!) Definitely the best value meal during a wee'k holiday in the Lakes. Would recommend the potted crayfish.

Went for a drink mid point in our walk. Popular spot, lovely location

Great place with a great atmosphere for a relaxing pint.

Lovely food and excellent service

Lovely spot for a drink while put on a walk. Many outside tables.

Quite simply just about the best pub in that area when hiking/walking. Immensely cosy with fire that I recall never goes out! Very friendly and helpful staff all round. We have been going to this pub on every Lake District trip for over 14 years! Don't fail to go there!

Very popular pub in the village of Elterwater, seems to be the perfect point to start or end a walk or bike ride. We got there early afternoon and got the last table outside. Only stayed for a beer but all very good and top service. Must say the food looked good.

Had dinner at the Britannia 3 times across a week and all of us were really happy each time. Varied, daily changing specials (eg venison, interesting cuts of lamb/beef) all cooked to a very high standard and fairly priced. Great draft ales and very friendly and efficient service too. We’ll be back…!

A proper English pub. Dog friendly, log fire and great real ales. Always found somewhere to sit down, the Britannia Inn is the perfect place to visit when going for a walk.

We have been here many times over the years and love it. Dropped in for a drink last week. Wooooah! £9.80 for a Prosecco and a pint of cider shandy is the same price as a pint of cider - about £7. So by that maybe a pint of lemonade is also £7? I’m sure many people stop for a drink while walking in the beautiful lakes but next time we might find another stopping point. Although living in the North East maybe we just have cheaper pubs up here??!!

Lovely cosy place, wonderful staff, proper pub meals, good prices. As it's only place to eat out in the area( the other pub was closed) definetly book ahead and preorder meals to ensure you get what you want.

Always a welcome pit stop after a walk around langdales and Elterwater.

Lovely meal, excellent friendly staff

We came here for dinner twice during our holiday and it was lovely both times. The staff were so friendly and attentive, and the food was excellent. Thank you, we will be back, hopefully soon!

We ate here twice during our one week family holiday and it would have been more, but they were fully booked. Excellent food and lovely friendly staff, I would highly recommend and we are already looking forward to our next visit. Well done and thank you from the Warden family

Nice old pub, cracking location. Lots of outdoor tables and seating.

We had an excellent lunch at the Britannia Inn, Elterwater. The quality of the food was really good. We had fish and chips and steak and ale pie. All washed down with a pint of Bluebird. Our favourite pub having visited many times before. Always good.

Only stayed for dinner but staff could not have been more helpful and the food was wholesome and generous. Also - good selection of ales. Great place

Perfect place to stop for a drink. Plenty of seating outside, toilets and bar area generally very clean.

Spending the day walking, we decided to stop for a drink before continuing our walk. Pub was busy, but the staff were friendly and service was swift. Sat outside to enjoy the autumn sunshine

One word..EXPENSIVE. The wife had one large glass of rose which cost £10, so take a hip flask with you

Lovely stay and really friendly staff in an excellent location.

Lovely pub in a beautiful location.

Always great food love coming to the britannia my wife's grandparents and mum are from chapel stile

We often pop in here for food and drinks whilst we are out hiking in the local area. Amazing beer garden and great selection of beers. Food is also extremely tasty

First class delicious food and very attentive friendly staff. Always make time to go to The Brittania every time we go to the Lakes, booking is essential as it's so popular.

Superb pub. Great good and well kept local ales. I love the Brit.

Great food, drink and service - also a very interesting building. For me as an ale lover the highlight was the ale - both in terms of choice and quality. A real gem, quite simply a superb pub.

We have had the place as a stop on our hike for maybe twenty years. That says a bit about what we think of the place. Sitting outside with a nice glass of beer and taking a break is absolutely wonderful.

Only one toilet....:( But great place

A real favourite, which we have missed during the lockdowns. Friendly service and excellent dinner.

Visit every time we go to the lake district

Great pub with rooms. Good proper pub food and staff really helpful and friendly. Room was lovely, we had a great view.

Excellent pub with good food. Very popular

The Britannia Inn is in a lovely location and staff are friendly. Very peaceful.

Went for dinner. The food was very good and the service very good. Love the location. One of my favourite places in the Lakes. However, the decor needs some refreshing (meals not cheap).

We didn't stay at the hotel, but we visited several times during our stay in the Ambleside area! It's a lovely place to end up at the end of a dog walk! Great choice of drinks, beers & great, well cooked food & generous portions! 👍😎

Lots of comments about price - and it isn’t cheap. However, on our visit the staff were truly lovely - and they made our visit very special, especially the friendly girls in the dining room. To eat….we had one fish and chips, and the special featherblade beef. They were huge portions - we’d been walking all day so we were super hungry, so all good on that front! The beef was just delicious, really tender and very tasty with excellent portions of veg and chips or mash! The fish was a large one…and tasted very fresh supported by mushy peas and tartar sauce. Sticky toffee pudding for one and the offer of two spoons!

Lovely area, food was great. Lovely place to stay, nice friendly staff. Will be going there again. Would recommend it 👌

Perfect hub after a very long hike. Really stands out in Elterwater. Fantastic lemonade! 🍋 Helpfully close to the bus stop.

Fantastic staff, great beer and in a brilliant location.

Was ok, limited lunch menu so opted to go somewhere else so cant comment on quality of food. Is very busy in season.

A proper pub in a lovely setting, great selection of beers and the staff were very helpful and knowledgeable about the gluten free food options.

Best atmosphere, beers and food in the lakes. Our favourite pub in the whole country! Never disappoints.

This our 2nd visit here, came last year and it doesn't fail. Let's start with the down side, bearing in mind this place is approx 500 years old. The rooms are a little small, but by no means tiny. The price of drinks is a little more than expected. Right now the good bits. It's a beautiful, friendly place, seating area outside is great, although it can get busy, you feel the atmosphere as soon as you walk through the door. The beds are comfy. The food is great, I had venison steak for tea. The full English breakfast is to die for, even haggis is included. You won't need to eat for the rest of the day. Where this place excels is the staff. They are so friendly and welcoming, nothing is too much trouble. A great place to use as a base to explore. You have got to give it a go.

Very traditional Inn. Friendly staff. Good food & drink

Ok pub and inn. Descent real ales. Great surroundings, very quiet. I would rate this place well but it is just ridiculously expensive. I paid £170 for a (very basic!) room. Pints are £5.80 and upwards - London prices! Lager was horrendously expensive. Summer nights are not warm in the Lake District, it could have done with some heating in the evening.

We have been coming to the Britannia on-and-off for thirty years and have always enjoyed good service and good food before now. However we were more than disappointed on this visit. As one would expect, this place served traditional 'pub grub' in a lovely Lakeland setting. However on this occasion, the service, food and drink were mediocre. None of the staff members we interacted with was welcoming, friendly or enthusiastic. It made us feel as though were were imposing on them, certainly not a good impression if one is in the service industry. The beer we had was cloudy (suggesting that it was either towards the end of the barrel or had not settled) and did not maintain its head at all. The food was, sadly, rather bland. I had the Minted Lamb Henry. Well, if it had any mint in it, I couldn't taste it; and it was overcooked as well. My husband had the Chicken, Ham and Leek Pie. This was just dire. It had clearly been reheated (never, ever reheat pastry) and was just a mess on the plate. Very poor. It disappoints me to say this but there are other places to eat in the Langdale Valley and I would suggest you go to them and avoid this place.

This is a popular, friendly pub in a perfect Lakeland location. Just gorgeous.

Coarse service, the only staff with any sense of service is the Scouse couple. It’s a service that is all too familiar in a Bullish tourist area. Luckily nature works wonders, nicht wahr? So with a slow to kick-in summer. Obviously numbers are down compared to last year (2023), so plenty of time for the plebeians to learn more about their ignorance.

My partner and I stayed here for two nights. The room was clean and cosy with all that you need. We had an excellent dinner at a very reasonable price. Breakfast was great with a good range of options. The real ale variety was great. As the weather was wet, we only did a few small local walks, but we're not disappointed. We look forward to returning.

This great place never disappoints and I've stayed there a number of times. The food and service is outstanding, fabulously consistent and a good range of beers in the bar. The location for walking in the Langdales is perfect. Cooked breakfasts a are freshly done and well keep you going on the fells all day! The rooms aren't big but the beds are comfortable and the shower powerful. Couldn't recommend it more highly.

You simply cannot find a better pub for a chilled and relaxing pint.

Amazing chicken and ham pie staff lovely too great place to be