The Flying Fleece in South Lakeland

We were knackered after a load of personal stress and a walk from Ambleside to Grasmere (recommended) on a really hot day. SO ... we decided to have a pint (or several) on our return and we chose this place. Lovely staff, nice atmosphere and the 'early bird menu' for people like us who were past it by 8 o'clock (hic !) it was excellent. Seriously, this is a fantastic place to go. Also try the Royal Oak and the also consider staying at Rothay House for your accommodation. Hope this helps. Rob & Ruth.

Called in for a Sunday roast and it was great. The beef was very tasty (slices of Rib Eye) and the veg was good. The 3 sides for £10 was good value too and decent portion sizes for sides with enough to share between 4 of us. The only reason I've not given 5 stars is the roast potatoes weren't good at all - but forgivable as the rest of the dinner was wonderful.

The food was very good, very nice service.

Visited mid week in May, staff miserable and unable to take correct order & food tasteless. Pub wasn’t even busy. Would not recommend or go back.

The food was great here, the staff were friendly and it had a nice chilled atmosphere. I'd been fancying a decent chicken and chips for ages and been keeping an eye out for a pint of Blue Moon - they had both and they were spot on!

Was looking for a spot of weekend breaky after a busy Friday night and this place came up trumps. Proper full English sat in the sun on a Saturday morning. Lovely.

Cracking choice of beers, including Blue Moon, sheltered and appealing outside seating away from the road, loads of inside seating too and good service. The only negative is £2 for a packet of crisps would be punchy in central London, in the Lakes it's daylight robbery!

Called in for a drink on a lovely sunny Easter Sunday. Plenty of people eating and the food looked great. Decided to cancel our booking for elsewhere and ate here. We were not disappointed and would certainly visit again. Highly recommend

Casual eatery with indoor and outdoor seating. One of us had a streak and ale pie with mushy peas and chips which was excellent. Two of us shared the incredible pork knuckle which came with perfect sides that all worked nicely together.

The music was awesome on Sunday night

Best pub we’ve been to during the whole holiday. Great food, great drinks, great music and atmosphere - but more than anything, it was the service from the bar staff that made it such a lovely evening. Josie and Cam were clearly working so hard but really took the time to explain what would work well for our kids and for us. They were both so good- humoured and professional. By far the best service we’ve had anywhere in Ambleside.

Spent time this week, sitting outside for a drink & inside, enjoying a Sunday roast (sampled last year too.) Service is fast, great customer service - would definitely recommend!

We have been here a week and had lovely dinners but unfortunately our night with you on Sunday when we decided to have the roast has unfortunately shadowed over the other lovely meals. My partner had the lamb roast which we questioned as it looked like pork and had stuffing we couldn't see. I had the gluten free ribeye beef roast and it was terrible, so fatty and I asked for no cabbage and still received it. Both dinner tasted as if they had been heated up in a microwave and basically mostly inedible. I was still hungry and afterwards and ordered the gf soip from the starter to fill me up. Do not recommend the roast. The other meals are lovely though. At the end of our roster dinner meal they didn't end up charging us for the gluten free meal out of curtisy. Also like to add there are certain staff that need to pay more attention when taking orders and when questioned about items on the menu. Especially when the question is repeated more than twice.

Lovely afternoon visit to the Flying Fleece last week. I really enjoyed my Bitter and Rotisserie chicken with slaw and chips, followed by cheesecake. All very fresh and this was a meal deal so great value. The service was very good and the staff were super attentive and friendly. Would deffo recommend x

Lovely afternoon visit to the Flying Fleece last week. I really enjoyed my Bitter and Rotisserie chicken with slaw and chips, followed by cheesecake. All very fresh and this was a meal deal so great value. The service was very good and the staff were super attentive and friendly. Would deffo recommend x

Nice location, partner had a good veg curry but I had the fish and chips which I can honestly say the tartar sauce was lovely but the rest! Came out very quick which I think should have been a warning, the chips were warm and chewy and the fish thin and soggy . I think they had been waiting around a while, shame really. I did get a token discount but the money isn't the point, shouldn't have been served. Sorry will not return

Only had a few drinks here, so I can't comment on the food.

Food great and service good but find it surprising that a 6% fee is added when you pay - hidden in the menu - check before you pay

Ok place... Bit like a 'Spoons... But more expensive... Beer surprisingly average.

We had an excellent meal tonight. 3 courses on the early bird menu. Excellent value for money and so much food. The waiter was very knowledgeable, polite and helpful. Highly recommended.

We enjoy eating here. But tonight was very warm and stuffy. The menu also seemed a little lacking. But we will try to return on our next visit.

Unfortunate. Food and service very good. Atmosphere really good as well, right up-to the point where next door, The Tap Yard, decided to turn the music up to an unacceptable level. Presumably this was done for the benefit of the bar and serving staff, because the clientele just groaned. The Flying Fleece deserve better neighbours.

Great food, friendly staff who were very helpful, especially as I left my bag under the table, which they looked after for me until we went back in the evening. Thank you 🙂👍

Ordered scampi very dissapointed well not worth the money salad was soggy n mushy it was like it was days old chips too hard n crispy like they ad been cooked too long waste of money wont b going back.

The Flying Fleece is in a great location, perfect for stopping by after exploring Ambleside. It’s a great spot for a drink, with a good selection of beers and a cozy atmosphere. However, the food was a bit disappointing. The calamari was bland and soggy, lacking any real flavor or crispiness. The shepherd’s pie was very dry and really could have benefited from a boat of gravy rather than the bowl of pickled red cabbage it was served with. That being said, we did have breakfast here a few days earlier, and it was absolutely delicious—so perhaps it’s a better choice for a morning visit than an evening meal.

Seemed a nice place but didn’t really get the “walkers” vibe I was looking for that day so went elsewhere

Pleasant sitting outside in the sunshine with a good pint of ale.

Mmmmm what can I say? Unfortunately, this was the only place with availability at just after 17h. Unusuallly, they were easily able to seat a party of 5 - 3 adults and 2 children. What caught our eye was the early bird two for £16, 95. Great we thought, after a full day exploring the area - we were ready for this. HOWEVER, this offer is not apparently avilalable during school holidays [despite the offer being plastered all over the pub on all literature etc]. Nothing on the menu to say this, no asterisks drawing your attention to this. Challenged the waitress who said this was down to HR !!! Challenged her again saying this was not in line with trading standards and that really what has HR to do with this decision. Anway, as there was nowhere else able to take us and the children were hungry, we ordered. Not sure what meat was in my Schnitzel but it tasted microwaved to death. My daughter had the vegetarian curry - 1st time she had eaten a curry with sweet potatoes with the skins left on. Both grandaughters were not impressed with their meal either. My wife had the best of all, mussels. Left a very bad taste and when we left, it was still haf or more empty [compared to other eateries in the area]. It became a standing joke during the rest of the holiday that despite being hungry we would never eat there again.

Perfectly located by The Bridge House with good outside seating with heaters in winter. Inside food served on 3 quirky levels befitting of the buildings heritage. Staff friendly and answered the where are the toilets question as though it was the first time of asking !

Dog friendly downstairs. Nice atmosphere. Open fire.

Called in on our day out in Ambleside after recommendations. Efficient service and clean setting. Chose the cheese pie, chips & mushy peas;peas were lukewarm, chips not cooked and pie decidedly average. My husband had the steak & mushroom pie and had the same comments. At no point were we asked if our food was OK, even though most of mine was left.

Great pub food, Sunday lunch a must, and one of the few places in Ambleside that does roast lamb if that's your thing. Warm friendly staff, and TV space for watching the rugby 🏉

Great location in the centre of Ambleside town. Just called in as a couple for lunch and were seated straight away. Orders were taken quickly , food arrived in good time and food was good .

Nice relaxing spot for an evening drink with a good double up offer.

Lovely family friendly restaurant in the heart of Ambleside

Very good pub, lovely food. Right next to the brigdehouse. Lovely atmosphere and vibes.

Good place for a drink. However food was shocking. Gammon was raw. Not once was we asked how our food was. First review I have ever left for something by the way I would never eat here again!

Nice visit, food good, buffalo wings a hit, pie delicious, shepards pie nice, rotisserie chicken good too. Service was friendly and good humoured. Thanks

Popped in here for a couple of drinks during our stay to the lakes, beautiful place and lovely setting! Great outdoor space and heaters! Loved it!

Being a Sunday the menu was limited but we looked forward to a Roast dinner. When the meal came it looked like we received what was left in the kitchen. Sweet red cabbage mixed with a bit of green cabbage, 3 pieces of Swede and 4 pieces of carrot, 2 peas. I got 4 potatoes my partner got 1. I ordered a portion of cauliflower cheese which was inedible, looked like dried rice pudding with burnt bits mixed in, which I refused to pay for. The staff were friendly but only saw them on service and clearing plates. Very disappointed.

Nuked pies thimble of mushy peas and under cooked hard chips ok if you like soggy pies very expensive for what you get plus beware hidden charges they add a service charge without letting you know all in all very poor

Four of us ordered lunch from the Flying Fleece. The soup of the day had an long hair in it, my husband paid an additional £2.50 for French fries with his meal, when they arrived there was only bits at the bottom if the dish. Our son ordered scampi and chips, the scampi was nice, but the chips were full of 'black eyes' that he was unable to eat them. I could not eat my soup because of the thought of finding any hairs.

Great place to have a drink or meal, the terrace has a nice view of a little bridge.

Really bad experience today. A group of 4 of us went and when we arrived it was busy which we thought is a good sign. The food we ordered the soup I found a hair in it which then put me off eating here. The chips and scampi was no better the potatoes were bad and we're inedible. The waiter said he took the soup off the bill which to be fair he should have. The meal for 4 of us was £55 and was certainly not worth this. Very disappointed with this dining experience.

Good beer. Food is very poor. We had problems with the offers that were being advertised.

Food is good, restaurant too warm

I had the Welsh Rarebit which didn’t taste like cheese at all. The consistency was unpleasant and the onion marmalade was very cheap tasting. The burgers were of low quality and again didn’t taste very nice. Unfortunately I was someone’s guest so was unable to ask for my money back as didn’t want to upset my host

The place is lovely drinks great. Food absolutely terrible. Its the worst meal I have ever had. 5 in are party and only one of us thought the food was OK. The price of the food is very over priced.

Worst sunday roast I’ve had in a while. We had lamb and beef and they were both tasteless. The food was not fresh at all. It felt like they were cooked yesterday and microwaved before serving. But the yorkshire pudding was the worst of it all. The potatoes were just hard not even crispy and just hard to eat. Really disappointed, definitely not worth the money

What a disaster this turned out to be. I emailed the flying fleece requesting a table for 7 in front of the fire and it was suggested I book via a link. I did as suggested and booked the table on line requesting a table in front of the fire and paid the deposit. This was a surprise for my wife with my son and girlfriend coming from Scotland our friends coming from wales and another friend from Plymouth. The couple from wales were there first and put upstairs in a cold room with the window open. My friend text me saying the guy said he couldn’t put a group of seven near the fire as not enough room. My wife and I had been in there Friday afternoon and a couple were sat in front on the fire on a table for six and we said plenty of room for one more seat. When we got there I found the lad in charge he was rude,unhelpful and dismissive and spoke down to us at which point this put my back up and the situation escalated and must have been uncomfortable for customers. When I looked in the area of the fire there were eight people sat at a table,not in front of the fire but still near enough to be warm.We were a group of seven who would have eaten there and spent a lot on drinks. I

Come across this place when on q day trip. Restraunt well decorated and relaxing atmosphere. Food was fantastic, portion sizes were good.

Great food (really tasty!) in a nice position away from the road. Very dog friendly, with entertaining staff 🙂 close to the tiny house over the river and car park. Very recommended!

Visited for a few drinks on Saturday, good selection of beers and the majority of outdoor seating has access to patio heaters which were ideal as the temp started to drop

Roast dinner was terrible. Had gluten free lamb roast and it was tasteless, fatty and just hard to digest.

Great place to eat. When in Ambleside we always pop in and have a meal here

Great outside space, good vibe.

We had a lovely little sit down and great coffee in the outside seating area, it was chilly day but heaters above the tables made it comfy to stay outside, It was a Wednesday but felt like a chilled Sunday We didn’t get to try the food but saw meals other guests were ordering and they looked lovely

Food was nice and portion sizes good but customer service not the best unfortunately. We were a fairly big table which I understand must be stressful for restaurant staff at times and fully appreciate that, but we booked in advance and were polite/not rowdy etc. and just felt unwelcome. Unsure if we just arrived when they were short staffed, which in that case is understandable, but potentially more staff is needed or maybe it’s best to not accept bigger groups.

Excellent vegan nut roast for our Sunday brunch!

Called in for a few beers 🍻 sat outside under the umbrellas with the heaters on nice place I no they serve food but I havnt tried it so I couldnt comment

The food was nice, however did not warrant the price that it was. Would have expected bigger portion size due to price. Staff were very friendly and helpful, we had a few minutes wait for our table and they served us a drink while we waited. One member of staff did open a window that was behind which did let in a cold draught, however when asked a member of staff did close the window. Despite being a Saturday night and busy, no wait for food.

Enjoyable evening for our walking group after a wet day in the mountains. Friendly and efficient service with good range of GF options for our caeliac members. Thanks Alexi!

As first time visitors to the Lake District we were recommended The Flying Fleece. Assured by the walk ins available and food served until 9 on Saturdays on their website, we headed over to eat. However, on arrival we were told there were walk ins available but the kitchen has closed. After checking the time (8.10pm) I said to the host that the website says food until 9. Her reply was ‘well I’ve just been down to the kitchen and they have closed for the night’. Really poor customer service and really disappointed. We won’t bother trying here again.

As first time visitors to the Lake District we were recommended The Flying Fleece. Assured by the walk ins available and food served until 9 on Saturdays on their website, we headed over to eat. However, on arrival we were told there were walk ins available but the kitchen has closed. After checking the time (8.10pm) I said to the host that the website says food until 9. Her reply was ‘well I’ve just been down to the kitchen and they have closed for the night’. Really poor customer service and really disappointed. We won’t bother trying here again.

Cozy pub and the best Roast dinner in The Lakes.

Great place. Josie was an amazing waitress; attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. The rotisserie chicken was tasty and the portions were generous. 5 🌟

Beware! Bought a pint & a half of beer clearly marked at £4.95 a pint & was charged £8. When I questioned this there is an automatic 5% service charge applied! I questioned why this wasn’t applied when we visited 2 days earlier. Only the supervisor was able to reverse this & refund me. This is totally unacceptable & nothing but a rip off. Happy to pay for good service but not be charged extra before you’ve sipped your drink but above all it’s the fact you’re not told, imagine if a supermarket applied this stealth tactic. I wonder how many others have been scammed here the same way! There are plenty of honest establishments in Ambleside which I would recommend using instead, we won’ return here.

Decent food for a good price. Very large restaurant with tables on three floors, but almost always quite full. Good and fast service. Basically the higher end of pub food.

Love the food, but I object to 5% service being charged automatically and although it is my favourite place to eat in Ambleside, effectively being told what to tip, does put me off returning.

My wife and I just had a lovely meal here. I had the gammon steak and my wife had the burger, which she couldn't finish as it was to much for her (I did though 😋) Such a lovely place. The service was great, made to feel very welcome. Stacey was very polite, attentive and lovely to chat to. (Give her a pay rise....😁) If we are in Ambleside again then we'll definitely head back to The Flying Fleece.

Lovely evening made special by Josie and Alex

Great pub with food if you're lucky to sit by the log burner. Good range of food and drinks coupled with good service from Alexi on the terrace if it is sunny😊 4 local ales

Myself and my wife had the pleasure of having dinner at the flying fleece tonight, this was our first visit on our 7 day visit to the lake district. We was greeted by the smiling face of Josie who allowed us to chose which table we fancied. Drinks were ordered which Josie was kind enough to help me decide on my ale choice with a little local knowledge and we ordered steak which as it was steak night which is a new thing to have a themed special for different days of the week for this pub as I was informed by the lovely Josie. The service was quick on getting the food to us both. In all my days I can't recall having a rump steak as good as what I had today, juicy, full of flavour and no chewy bits, we ate the whole thing. Myself and wife couldn't eat the chips as we was so full on everything else as the steak was big in my opinion. To the Flying Fleece please don't change anything and look after your supplier. To Josie please keep smiling. best wishes J and V

Fabulous weekend of music and beer 🍺

Good pint, good service. Didn't have anything to eat.

Good pub grub. Had a meal last week and took advantage of the early dining offer. All of us enjoyed the meal

Very disappointing. Came here last year and it was excellent, this time I paid £30 to reserve a table, only to be told (after arriving 20 minutes early) the kitchen was now closed. Obviously chose an early finish. The lad behind the bar did try his best to sort it but to no avail, no reflection on him but if you're going to charge to reserve at least hold up your end of the deal. Won't be returning which is a shame.

Great vibe. Great service. Staff friendly and helpful. Will be visiting again.

We have been many times before and made a special journey to come back...but whoever hired the lady behind the bar needs a serious look at the staff they hire...unwelcoming, quite rude and all in all not someone who should be working in a great place like this....such a shame. Would have spent more ( as usual ) but just wanted to get out.

I would recommend coming here. Had two lovely hot chocolates. Two lovely Sunday roasts, one vegetarian and one trio of meats (Lamb, beef, pork). I would liked it if the roasts were hotter, but that's the only complaint.

Fantastic food. Fish and chips... As good as you will get ! Pies, amazing, we got the chicken, delicious. Good selection of beers and drinks too Soo good.

Sadly was let down. Venue was nice, service was poor. Payed before receiving any drinks or food and a 5% service charge was added without prior acknowledgment. Orders were incorrect and included items that were asked to be removed (as confirmed on the receipt) and the chicken sandwich had the smallest bit of tough chicken you ever could see, all for £50 for 3 people. Feel fleeced.

Lovely food. Lovely atmosphere. Very good service.

Beautiful location and great food, highly recommend the cray fish starter. Perfect for dogs, they even get a doggy menu

Staying in Ambleside for a few nights and have been to the Flying Fleece two nights in a row for something to eat. Very nice food and great service from staff. Josie made us feel very welcome.

Terrible table service waited 20mins for our first drink!

Below par Sunday roast. Outdoor seating area is pleasant for a drink.

Food ordered: 3-meat roast, vegan roast, cauliflower cheese Food: - 3 bits of cabbage - Thinly sliced meat - Very thin skin to potatoes, but still the inside is not fully cooked - Gravy very thin - Vegan roast more like frozen patty roast - Frozen veg (peas and carrots) (very obvious water to the vegetables) - Every piece of food was under salted during cooking and no flavours were allowed to flourish - Sourness to the cauliflower cheese, the cream was not fresh enough Service: - Abrubt - Spilled my drink on the walk to the table without mention Environment: - The music from the accompanying venue is too loud and dance themed - Some wobbly tables

Visited on a nice sunny day and sat in the courtyard at the front of the pub which was nice and busy with a good atmosphere. Service was excellent, very quick and young lady serving us was very friendly and chatted to us about how she went paddle boarding after work. Drinks came quickly, followed swiftly by the food. My wife had the chicken pie, chunky chips, mushy peas and gravy. Enjoyed the meal but unimpressed by thimble sized portion of mushy Peas. Cheap ingredient chef, go for big portions! I had the cheese and caramelised onion artisan ciabatta with fries and slaw. Very disappointing, zero effort by the chef here, I make better at home! As for the Artisan Bakery Ciabatta I suggest you ditch the artisan Bakery and pop to Tesco, the ciabattas will be much better from there! This was dry and very plain, nothing artisan about it. As little grated cheddar as you could get away with and a spoon of caramelised onion slapped haphazardly on top. This is a sandwich, it's not difficult. You have to do better than that. A real shame because staff, courtyard etc were great.

As a pub, great for a pint etc.. Food was OK, always worrying when it takes 3 mins from order to being on the table.

Lovely pub 3 floors, staff welcoming, food is too a good standard. Dog friendly.Seating outside too.

Great food & super service from Calum!

Lovely building. Not bad beer. What I don't like is how the bar staff reach round and add 5% service charge on the contactless machine before you pay!! Is this company policy? I understand for table service, but being served at a bar?🙄

Bustling pub, good food in a great location

Found staff very rude and arrogant, so sadly won’t be rushing back Beer garden was lovely though

WiFi password (sept 2024!): father

What a gem, fabulous staff and very welcoming, thoroughly enjoyed the food here, plenty of food on the plates but unfortunately was too much for us to polish off , we had the cheese and onion pie the pie is pretty big but enjoyable, chips and mushy peas was spot on very fluffy chips and the best onion rings I've had in ages. Fabulous place for food if you are in the area.

Popped in while waiting for a friend and was not expecting much. Looks like a bit of a chain from outside but good service, friendly staff and the pastrami sandwich was lovely!

Wouldn't say its an excellent service but the food is valuable with its price.

We called in a couple, of times and it’s a nice enough place to stop for a drink. I personally was keen to keep returning as I found a new favourite beer.