The Derby Arms in South Lakeland

We had booked 5 rooms through Booking.com well in advance and when we arrived at 4pm we were told that our booking had been cancelled (Booking.com had taken our money the previous day). This eventually got sorted by Booking .com and we found good alternative accommodation for the night but the way we were treated by staff at the Derby Arms was awful.

Enjoyed the beer and atmosphere. The food looked excellent.

Good pub and good ale prices. Great live music

Had a great meal here. Food was good, hot and tasty. Service was good and friendly.

Recommend by the camp site we stayed at one hour walk there, The staff were very friendly however the food was overpriced and very disappointing never again.

Pleasant dining area. Good service. Menu very meat heavy with limited vegetarian and fish options. A safe option for meat eaters. As I don't eat meat, I shan't be returning soon.

What a disappointment. The barmaid was unwelcoming and the chef was rude and hostile. The one room was filthy and the toilets were filthy also. Seems to be a common trend when reading some of the other reviews.

Great food, lovely atmosphere. Very welcoming

On the face of it this should have been a great night. A village pub with excellent live music, but the atmosphere was dire and there were less than 15 customers in., no surprise as the bar staff were so sullen they were practically hostile, have never felt so unwelcome as a paying customer

Came in here on a Tuesday for dinner in August with the two kids, while staying at local campsite. Lovely welcoming staff and a homely feeling to this pub. Great selection of beers and ales. Had a pint of Swan Blonde, which was lovely and smooth. Kids weren't too hungry so my youngest ordered the brisket loaded fries from the starters and they did my eldest a kids' portion of Mac and Cheese. I had the pulled beef brisket and mushroom pie. Loaded fries was a massive portion! Can't believe it's a starter as I couldn't imagine eating much else after it. The brisket was very tender and BBQ sauce flavour was good. My pie was excellent. Generous filling with lots of beef. The greens were very well cooked. Gravy was a little on the salty side and the fat chips could have done with a couple of minutes longer in the frier as some were a little underdone. Minor things. Rest of the meal was lovely. Food: 4* Service: 5* Value: 4*

Had a great overnight here with great staff and food.

Friend helpful staff, an old pub untouched so still has the charm of days gone by, dog friendly meet so lively dogs and their owners. Motorcycle, cycle friendly has a good trade with passing walkers, & cyclist Food is on form limited menu but what they do they do very well.

A most enjoyable couple of nights at the Derby Arms while on business in the area. The second night was unplanned while I awaited delivery of replacement contact lenses. Both the dog and I were made thoroughly welcome by cheerful and friendly staff. For non-drivers there is a bus stop a few minutes walk away linking Kendal to Ulverston with an hourly service. To be repeated.....

We have just returned home after spending two nights at The Derby Arms in Witherslack. Everything about our stay was excellent. The pub has a great atmosphere, all the staff were extremely friendly and efficient and our en-suite room was great. We had breakfast and dinner there both days and the food was delicious, compliments to the chef. We really look forward to returning to The Derby Arms, hopefully in the not too distant future.

Had a delightful pork pie and ham and ham hock terrine platter to share. The venue is great too, lovely building.

Dog friendly welcome and value for money 30 minute drive from Windermere. Full English breakfast was hearty and washed down with fresh coffee. Super dog friendly welcome from all staff. Good sized clean room ticked all the boxes for a stay over after a day out in Windermere. Friendly, engaging locals and good sized, well lit beer garden to chill. Easy check in and out. Really enjoyed our stay. Thank you 😊

We checked the menu online which showed veggie and vegan options. Booked a table online but when we arrived we were told the online menu was years out of date and none of these options were available. The staff did offer to make us roast veg and hummus, but locals standing in the way blocking the entrance door had set a bad vibe for me so we passed.

Don't go to the trouble if you have a gluten allergy. As Usual, you have to ask if they have any GF option, talked to like a child, cant choose for yourself, they will go and ask the chef, yes we can do lasagne, but then you will have to ask again if there are choices for desert. This is constructive criticism, we would love to eat here it is a lovely place, but why bother when just down the road at Leven's Hall they actually write GF on their Board or menu WOW! Hoe thoughtful of them, i don't have to beg for this information, they don't even need to know my dietary condition. Maybe if the owner had to explain each of his ailments to a waiter or over the bar while out with friends for a relaxing afternoon, (Every time he goes for a meal, then they say i don't know, ill have to ask the Chef. Then your told in a bar, no you can't have, this or this or this in fact we don't have much, lasagne is gluten free. ) He might be energised enough to bother, to find a meal that is gluten free, stick with it, and put GF next to it on the board, to avoid all this nuisance and difficulty, for private quiet but seriously frustrated customers.

I visited this lovely pub recently with my partner and two friends whilst we were staying at a local AirBnB. We enjoyed some drinks outside, an evening meal and also visited for breakfast. All very enjoyable but I think the breakfast in particular was very good value at £10 for a very good quality full English. Staff were friendly and our friend’s dog was made very welcome. There was also some live music on the Thursday night which was a lively addition. Would definitely visit again if staying in the area.

V limited lunchtime menu and 3/4hr delay before food arrived. Friendly staff.

Second to none. Staff so friendly and helpful

Friendly place for an end of ramble pint.

great chips lovely lovely lovely staff

Really nice country pub/bar/restaurant/hotel. Great service. Clean room/bathroom. Very comfy bed.

We had an amazing stay at the Derby Arms the host went above and beyond to make our stay as comfortable as possible. We had an evening meal and two breakfasts and they were all spot on, would definitely recommend.

Holidaying locally and ate at the Derby Arms one evening. Emailed ahead to book a table which was replied to swiftly. On arrival met with friendly welcome. Well kept beers and good selection of wines. Limited menu offering that evening as only one chef on, but the starter and mains we had were very good. Nice local pub in community ownership. Very happy to give the team support of our custom and would return when in the area next.

A last min booking, room was small but had everything you'd expect above a pub, food in the restaurant was great and good choice of drinks 👌🏼

Cant comment on rooms as haven’t stayed there in years. Beer however was brilliant and the “locals” exceptional company

Faultless yet again, thank you team, you are a top notch crew 👍💯

Lovely meal in a very nice pub with friends

Great food and a friendly welcoming atmosphere.

My pet hate is places that don’t stick to the times published on their websites. Turned up at 2:05pm for lunch, which per the website finishes at 2:30, to find there are in fact no food orders after 2. A bag of crisps and half a lager later, feeling sad! Won’t be back.

What a gorgeous pub! Food is delicious and absolutely love the decor too, would really recommend x

Brought my group here for lunch today and they throughly loved the experience. The haddock & mushy peas was complimented and the burgers were right on too. Might have to do this again 😀🤔

Amazing service Hester is as a star xx Your Pub is gorgeous love the beer garden ❤️

A lovely warm welcome, cosy and comfortable, in a gorgeous location

I visited here with my family on Saturday evening (27/04/2024), we were greeted by a warm, friendly atmosphere, great local ales on offer, and the food was excellent,freshly prepared and very tasty. They have a kids menu which has plenty to offer them, we all really enjoyed our meals, they were reasonably priced too, i would definitely recommend it and go out of our way to go back.

A good range of real ale and an excellent breakfast

OK for a lunch on arriving or leaving the South Lakes.

Had a lovely walk from meathop,a lovely oldy world pub nice staff and a good pint also the food was a good standard will definitely be back and can recommend it if your in the area

Really comfortable and welcoming hotel. I can thoroughly recommend the full English breakfast 👍

Stopped by for a drink we were too late for food but Kaster tried his very best to help us out. He is an asset to your team and a very welcoming barman.

We turned up on Wednesday and were told food wasn't running tonight as it was quiz & curry night which was fine as we just turned up after pitching up the tent, we walked so couldn't get to any other pubs in the area so we sat down and committed to the curry & then two group of locals got fish & chips, soup & bread & brownies for dessert which was a bit annoying as we were told there was no food. Curry was decent tbh, quiz was a bit long and quite overly difficult really. Just give them a ring before to see if the food was on first.

We stayed at The Derby Arms en route to our short break in Scotland. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel welcome by the staff. We had our two dogs with us, they were made very welcome too! We had a lovely evening meal and a lovely breakfast the following morning. I had the vegetarian options and both were delicious. Nothing was too much bother, the staff were so attentive.

Classic vintage country pub, with a good selection of ales and wines. Outstanding food, friendly service and clean bogs.

Lovely old pub! Take care where you sit in winter! You'll be boiled alive sat by the glorious real fires or sat in a draught by the old windows! Food lovely, staff very friendly with regulars but visitors are barely acknowledged! We will however be back, and prepared! Ideal lunchtime meeting place x Super dog friendly!!

Had a lovely time in the Lakes a few days away weather was cold and damp but The Derby Arms was so warm and friendly place so enjoyed time and food was spot on

Lovely food and staff very friendly

This is a fabulous pub with exceptional food and wonderfully friendly staff. Set in a stunning location. Sunday lunch is great. Will return.

Superb. Relaxing, friendly, very welcoming. The staff and the locals were really good fun. Great food and cracking service.

Loved this place when I visited. Service and food were superb. Very welcoming and very helpful with advice about the local area. Totally coming back.

Called in after a walk from the campsite 🙂 friendly staff just had drinks 👍

stopped for late afternoon dinner food was great

Great Sunday lunch, service was good food as expected beer choice was good. Price wise was as expected nowadays so no complaints. As we were early in service and it was quiet due to the roadworks would have been nice to sit nearer main room fires (we did book) in the empty unbooked tables but maybe we were put there due to kids. Not really a big deal. We were well looked after.

Very poor service. Booked 2 double rooms, left our luggage in the room and our cars in the car park as we were going to a wedding nearby, arrived back at midnight and couldn't get into the hotel. No-one on site, no emergency telephone number and absolutely no way to get into the hotel turns out the door lock had apparently been been broken by a guest slamming the door to hard. Had to pay £70 in a taxi to get home and return the next day for our car and belongings. We were not offered any compensation for our taxi or the inconvenience and petrol expenses for having to return the next day. Its a good job we lived within a taxi journey and could go home in an emergency and were not strangers to the area or we would have been abandoned in the middle of nowhere with absolutely nowhere to stay at 12.30 am in the morning except in our cars minus all of our luggage which was stuck in the hotel room. Poor running of a business.

After a cycle out decided to stop mid afternoon for a hot snack. Before we even ordered we were advised that there would be over an hour wait for any food. Stayed just long enough for a coffee

Arrived by push bike. We initially cycled past the welcoming external signboard entreating us to go in for food and continued about a mile uphill. My wife’s knee was hurting so we limped back to the Derby Arms It was clear we weren’t in a car and we had already done 10 miles to get there. We only wanted a snack The bar we entered was empty other than a lady complaining about a problem with her room booking. Before ordering we were curtly advised there would be an hours wait for food We only wanted a snack but nothing could be done We NEEDED some sustenance and ordered two coffees ( no option of type was offered ) and two packets of crisps. The cost was £8-00 We got two cups of the strongest coffee I have ever had. So strong when milk was added it didn’t change colour. It was small, not quite warm enough and to me really undrinkable How hard would a bowl of chips have been and a latte? This establishment and the staff have forgotten about customer service. Two hungry cyclists had to cycle on looking for food and a drinkable coffee

Visited with friends on a Saturday night. Great welcome from friendly and attentive staff. The food was great, fish & chips, brisket and the duck all was thoroughly enjoyed. Sticky toffee pudding was the best. All washed down with great choice of beer. Will definitely return.

The Derby Arms describes itself as a traditional Lakeland pub, but it falls well short on the food. Upon our arrival I was pleased to see a range of local beers, usually a good sign, but not in this case. Our greeting from the barman was non-existent, his first words being to ask us what we would like to drink. His response to us asking about dining was, ‘Have you booked?’ We hadn’t. He hesitated a while and seemed to be on the point of refusing us, before reluctantly telling us that if we could find a table without a ‘pot’ on it we could sit there. The ‘pot’ was a tin can containing cutlery and napkins and very few tables were sporting one. My pint of beer from the Unsworth’s Yard Brewery in Cartmel was lively and although I mentioned this to the barman there was no offer to top it up. I shouldn’t have accepted it; by the time I had taken it to my table it had settled to well short of a pint. The menu was ‘on the board’ and displayed prices for both small and large portions; I opted for a large portion of fish and chips. When my food arrived I queried with the waitress believing that I had been given a small portion by mistake. No, she said, the measly quantity I had been served (see my photograph) qualified as a large portion. Pity help any hapless person who orders a small portion! The average sized piece of fish was sitting on a very few chips with a small bowl of mushy peas and some tartare sauce. I requested extra chips as the few I had been given were woefully inadequate; I had definitely not been served the quantity I had paid for. The chef refused my request for extra chips. Apparently he said that the portion is based on weight and the weight of my portion was correct! I seriously beg to disagree. There was nothing correct about the weight of my portion; indeed it was so underweight it was anorexic. The size of the portion was as pathetic as the absurd excuse! So, do they at The Derby Arms weigh every portion and take some food off if it tips the scales? Does someone who happens to get an overweight piece of fish get denied any chips at all? Such stupidity is laughable if I wasn’t paying for it. Indeed I felt sorry and embarrassed for the waitress being obliged to pass on such nonsense. My portion was nowhere near as substantial as that depicted on the pub’s website; surely this is this misrepresentation? This place needs both a complete rethink of its ludicrous portion control and a new chef; one who cares more about customer satisfaction than making stupid excuses. Definitely not value for money; find somewhere else to eat and don’t waste your time here.

My partner and I stoped for lunch. I had a fish cake from the “lunch” menu, and my partner chose roasted cauliflower from the “large plates” menu. When it came, his plate was the same size as mine, and had roast cauliflower with sauce and pine nuts. When we complained about the size and content, the chef was quite rude, saying he didn’t think it would “look right” on a bigger plate with accompaniments, and he “had to offer this item for vegans” and that my partner “should have had a steak”. The bar staff were polite enough to knock £5 off the price, which made it equivalent in value to a “lunch”, but this experience has left us not wanting to visit one of our favourite stops. This pub has previously provided very enjoyable food.

Stayed for one night and ate dinner. On arrival the place lined a little different to the images in the website. Did consider not checking in. But only booked for one night so took a chance. Check in was via the bar, no problem with that, but what wasn’t on was the whole bar hearing us check in and our room number. Escorted to our room by a polite young man. All the carpets on the way to our room were stained and a smell of cooking hung in the air. The room itself was small but a king size bed . clean and well appointed shower room. Only problem with shower room was the radiator was on full and no way to turn it down. The bedroom was dusty particular lamps and bedstead. No facility to hang clothes except a hook in the back of bedroom door. Plug socket for hairdryer was behind a chair had to search for it and move the chair to get to it. The carpets weee badly stained and the rugs aren’t even laid flat. Didn’t try the tv. Tea and coffee making all good. The furniture was old and mismatched but that was fine for the type of pub/accommodation. However the chest of drawers was old and I didn’t want to put my clothes in the drawers. Evening menu was fairly limited but prices average and food arrived hot and well cooked. However I am not sure the standard as shown on website was on offer. The dining room was pleasant enough, in need of a freshen up and some finishing touches just my opinion. The blinds need repairing. Staff polite and helpful but I don’t think sick and what looked like slippers are suitable for work in a dining room. The bed area was as you would expect for a country pub but maybe a good clean and fresh cushions. Could hear music from the bar in our room which didn’t bother us but light if you wanted an early night or had children. But then you probably wouldn’t stay here with children. Shame it wasn’t as we were expecting based on website, because it could be fab , however I do appreciate Covid is still causing problems financially and hope the owners can build the business.

We booked on the Tuesday but when we arrived there was a power cut so they couldn't take us and there was no offer of rebooking for another night. However we did phone on Wednesday to rebook to be told it was full so we booked for Thursday instead. When we arrived I asked if they had a gluten free menu or if it was marked on the main menu but was told I should have told them at the time of booking. I informed them I hadn't been asked and as most restaurants cater happily for dietary requirements I hadn't thought anything of it. There was only one other couple in the place and we were seated next to each other in the furthest away seats in the place. There was no music so it was all a bit awkward. I asked for fish to be baked in the oven with chips however the fish was tiny and tasteless and the chips were just frozen ones - very disappointing. The staff were friendly but overall it was a very poor experience.

Such a gem of a place and with great character. The beer garden is fabulous, especially in the sunshine, but does have plenty of cover. The food was lovely at lunchtime - I had the perfect Greek salad. The service was good and friendly. We asked if we needed to book to return for an evening meal and were told we didn't. When we did return that evening, pizzas in the garden were all sold out, and we were told we couldn't eat from the restaurant menu because we hadn't booked. Eventually, after considerable wrangling, they agreed to serve us. The cauliflower dish I ordered was quite awful. It looked very unappetising and didn't taste great. Very disappointing. The chicken pie was OK. There was a band on too in there evening. We love live music however this band were far too loud for the space.

Called in for a pint and stayed for three. Excellent welcome and needless to say excellently kept beer. Hope to be back soon

Chicken pie terribly disappointing chicken was rubbery and sauce like watery. It had a strange taste. Oven chips not brill at all veg really hard undercooked. The beer was not good either. Overall a horrible 🥶 meal. Would never recommend to anyone.

Food wasn’t great to be honest:( Didn’t find the staff very friendly but at the same time they were accommodating with my dog so that’s the positive.

Took ages to get served despite only one other person at bar. Only one bar tender and two waiting staff. Though meal came quickly … Very pricey £15 for a vegetarian main of charred cauliflower which was more like a stater in size and not filling at all. Cauliflower over cooked but great flavours. If this was a normal portion size would’ve been great. Pub itself - Quite dirty with food on walls and skirting boards. by our table Toilets dirty and no soap in either dispenser. Used to like this pub but felt like it had been let go and not enough staff in.

Called in after a long day walking in Windermere - we had a great meal the food was gorgeous but a little pricey! Probably normal for the Lake District but even £5.50 for a pint seems a bit steep! Would come back though and recommend. Dog friendly also which is great when you’re out and about with the doggo!!!

The Derby Arms is a brilliant place to stay! The location is highly convenient for visiting the South Lakes. We received a warm welcome and thoroughly enjoyed our comfortable room furnished with quality items. The bathroom was excellent - clean and with a brilliant shower....

Booked coupe of nights stay, and evening meals while visiting South Lakes area. Friendly welcome and shown to room, room dated but also authentic of the old building, bed was brass head and tail and was very high, reminded me of Little House on the...

Pint and fish n chips, ale was really nice, f&c basic but ok ( oven chips ). Service was prompt and helpful. Would I go back, yes, pay for what you get! Clean and tidy too. Thank you.

We have visited The Derby Arms a good number of times over the last ten years, but had stopped going because we were unimpressed. A friend suggested we should try it again, so we went last weekend. We are still unimpressed. My steak pie appeared...

I stayed with my partner and our little doggie Ted on Thursday 1st December for 1 night. We arrived late but the lovely Louise made us a pint, had a chat and a tour. She made such a fuss of our little dog, giving him...

Had a great meal while watching the football, and service was great as always . Robbie was a great host of the night !

One night stay, reasonably priced. Enjoyed a relaxing bath in the roll top. Had a great meal of steak and ale pie Played darts and pool for free and chatted with locals Hosts were great and helpful Continental breakfast basic cereal and tea or coffee...

13.11.22 Went for Sunday lunch today with my parents after a lovely walk with my dogs. Very welcoming and lovely staff, great craic with the other customers. A really pleasant dog friendly wonderful pub which does great food. Not many gems like this left sadly...

Have been to the Derby Arms a few times, never disappointed. Only two staff on tonight, they worked so hard and were unfailingly helpful and pleasant. We were served in good time, had several (very good, well kept) beers, and a most delicious beef brisket...

This was our local pub for our week in the South Lakes. We visited 3 times for food on one occasion and just drinks on the other occasions. I can't rate this pub highly enough, I wish it was my local. Welcoming, very dog friendly,...

old building ,if you are disabled forget it stairs very steep room ok ,breakfast reasonable dinner not too bad ,price of spirits dear but beer ok .not over the moon about this hotel but did what we wanted

Had a nice lunch with family, food was excellent and service was great. The team there are very friendly. We are staying in the area for a short holiday and decided to have lunch here. We were very pleased. Would highly recommend.

Very rude staff and not a warm welcome at all. Went for food two groups of people ordering in front of us the girl then runs and wipes the food board down and tells us no more food the kitchen is closed. Shocked. Not how...

My family and I stayed at a nearby house for a week, and we thought it would be a great end to our holiday to have a last day breakfast but we couldn’t find anywhere that could accommodate 10 of us. A quick social media...

Best Sunday lunch had for a long time. Lam and Beef both tender and loads of veggies and toasties and amazing cauliflower cheese which is my favourite. Staff lovely and friendly. Thanks yum.

found by accident mid walk so far one of our favourite place since we moved up from Lancashire with our 2 daughters. Great atmosphere no matter what time or day we visit

Stayed here on our last night of a 9 day walk from St Helens merseyside to Bouth cumbria.. Excellent stay room very comfy and a bed I dident want to get out of the following morning . Would highly recommend this place.

We stayed in room one for two nights for a nearby wedding. Everything was lovely, large comfortable bed, great breakfast, great staff… everyone friendly. Nice peaceful location with great seating inside and outside. No complaints at all

We had a great time the food was fantastic and the staff were very helpful and kind. The room we stayed in was very nice. We would recommend a stay here to everyone. Best wishes to all at the derby arms and we hope to...

Ruime kamer en badkamer (met bad op pootjes), heerlijk Engels ontbijt met ook een veggie variant. Gezellige bar met veel...

Just been staying at camping site nearby. Been here six nights for a drink and food . Great beer sadly No Bacardi but gin and tonic was fine .good old fashioned pub lovely staff .great food and very dog friendly. Can’t wait to come back...

Booked for Sunday lunch . Very friendly staff . Dog friendly nearly all the tables had very well behaved dogs. Sunday lunch was excellent Plenty tender Roast beef ,huge Yorkshire pudding . Roast potatoes and a dish of veg and jug of gravy . Lovely...

After a busy day decided upon pub grub but being easter week found our go-to venues fully booked. This pub seems to cater for locals well although it was quiz night, some good ales at the bar. Regarding food, really wished we had stay at...

We’ve stopped over here for a quick pint whilst we continue our journey to our parents house in Ulverston for many years, And it is clear this pub feels barren and the atmosphere has left the spot. I understand there’s been a change of hands,...

Absolutely fab local pub. Very good food, excellent value for money, down to earth, choice of real ales, brilliant staff. Cannot fault it.

Seven of us had lunch here. The menu had very little choice and would have benefited with the inclusion of a few spicey or veggie items. All of us opted for the steak. This was a 'misteak'. At £25 a pop it was woefully overpriced...

My friend and I stayed for a night and the staff were lovely. Thank you David for the lovely breakfast.

Visited again yesterday for their Sunday dinner. Beef, potatoes and large Yorkshire with individual gravy jug plus shared carrots with parsnips, broccoli with cabbage and cauliflower cheese. Pipping hot and great service- no room for their sticky toffee pudding which is enough to share!! Well...

Booked a table for dinner for us and our dog, staff were friendly and made us feel welcome. We were seated by the fire, really cosy and welcoming. Food was good, both main and desert. Would highly recommend the Sunday roast which we had on...

We are local and met friends here tonight for tea. Was lovely environment, friendly staff and even though it was busy we were looked after. The meal was hot and freshly cooked we all enjoyed our food. I had scampi and the tartare sauce was...

Excellent food, booze and atmosphere. Glen and the team looked after us very well. We had a delicious Sunday roast with monster Yorkshire puds, followed by the best sticky toffee pudding ever. Looking forward to coming back soon!

Visited The Derby Arms after booking a table. Staff seemed to ignore us initially then we were seated. We ordered the scampi and fish and chips. After trying to avoid being disappointed we decided we had to say something. The chips were inedible , probably...