The Glen Rothay Hotel & Badger bar in South Lakeland

Unfortunately, my visit fell very short of expectations. The atmosphere was lacking - some background music in the dining area would have made a big difference over the sound of people eating. It was also surprising that a Sunday dinner would have been served without potatoes due to them running out, which seemed like a basic oversight regardless of how busy they’d been - fair assumption with such an established pub they’d know how many covers they’d have coming? Additionally, the parking situation was frustrating, with no clear markings, leading to a disorganised and chaotic layout of cars. We paid for our drinks and left without food. I Would not rush back even if improvements are made.

Lovely quirky place for a pit stop, staff were super friendly, we stopped for drinks and sat by the fire,

Called in today for lunch and was delighted with our visit. The food was superb - pie and mash a standout with the most amazing veg 😋 Staff were so helpful and friendly - can’t thank them enough for their care and attention. Will definitely return when next in the area.

It’s a pub we regularly call in during our walk, nice comfortable bar, friendly staff serving nice drinks. Haven’t eaten in here recently but the food does look really tasty and tempting so will be trying it soon

Excellent hotel and staff. Lovely cosy log fire in the lounge. Food not bad at all. Highly recommended. G

Didn't stay just went to the badger bar for dinner tonight. All staff we meet were really friendly and helpful. We had pork belly and steak pie both 10/10, food was genuinely great. Atmosphere was lacking a little in the restaurant room, maybe some back ground music would help. But wouldn't hesitate to go back or recommend. Thank you.

Passed this place so many times, finally stopped for a drink, upon seeing the food coming out had to give it a try. Compliments to the chef. This is a fantastic pub, the staff were so friendly, amazing atmosphere, great music, the food was great, Dog friendly. New favourite pub.

I visited for a hot drink and sandwich on a Sunday early afternoon. Such a gorgeous building, oldy wordy inside, wood panelling, nice old furniture and tables, several areas to sit in. Log fire. Sandwich was delicious, will definitely visit again.

Great mid- walk stop at this lovely bar . Really cosy with the fire lit. Lovely staff and great beer, we will be returning next time we’re in the Lake District.

Nice cosy and authentic feeling pub/bar. My self and a friend were sat near the fire and we were lovely and toasty. We had the fish finger sandwich, which was lovely and such a generous portion! Next time, I won't bother to order the chips on the side! The service was lovely and down to earth and so friendly!

This was the find of the trip. The hotel and pub sits between Grasmere and Ambleside so we got off the bus to try this CAMRA Good Beer Guide pub. Four real ales. Stayed for three pints. Two Bowness Bay brewery Swift Best and a Lancaster brewery Blonde. All very good. The pub is built around a rocky outcrop which make the loos interesting. Deric and Jorvic loved the badger. ( They have a webcam link to an active Badger set.) There is a side beer garden next to the road. Empty in January.

We visited the Badger Bar 3 times during our trip over the New Year break. We sampled the lunch and dinner menu and popped in for drinks. It was very busy with walkers and dogs, but still very welcoming. The lunch menu had a variety of meals and snacks. The evening food had plenty of choice with the specials board in the bar. I had the steak and it was delicious, the onion rings and peppercorn sauce were amazing. The log fires are perfect for diners after long soggy walks. Staff are super friendly and helpful. And to top it off you may get to see Badgers.

Stopped for lunch and a couple of pints after our walk. Very friendly staff and lovely place with different rooms to eat in, most with a warm fire!

Dog friendly, great bar staff and service and good food from a veggy friendly menu. They actually do have badgers fed on an evening! Only pub i ve been which had a pic on display of a local cat that had been barred out (always sneaking in for the heat)! Great rustic decor.

Fantastic place to stay or eat and make the base for all of your exploration. Walks : lots and for all abilities. Scenery to die for. Food at hotel excellent. A very busy place at times.

First visit, it’ll not be the last. Staying close by so we could all walk. Food was excellent, plenty of it and piping hot.

Beautiful bar to stop and have a luch after a walk in the Lakes. The sunday roast was lovely.

Had a lovely stay for one night in the recent freezing weather conditions. Had to rearrange as we were snowed in at home and the manager was happy to rebook and even offered to upgrade us to a bigger room as they were particularly quiet. Our plans to walk into Grasmere had to be changed as the conditions meant that footpaths were very icy and made walking much slower than normal. We were given an extra radiator in the room and to be honest it was still a little chilly. The huge bathroom looked amazing, but the plumbing obviously struggled to cope with providing constant hot water for the shower. We ate in the bar in the evening - good tasty food. Breakfast was also good. We have stayed here for time to time over a number of years as we love the location, but the place could do with better attention to detail if it wants to be a quality hotel.

We have just had the pleasure of eating here for Christmas dinner. Greated by the staff straight away, we went into the bar and got a drink before we sat in the dining room. Staff were super attentive, water offered to the table and starters delivered quickly. All the courses were timed just right .. not too long a wait, and yet not rushed. Each dish that graced our table was well put together, very very tasty, perfect portion sizes and picture perfect. Atmosphere was welcoming, cozy and festive. Will definitely be back when we next visit the Lakes. 5☆ all round

Stayed here for 10 nights while studying. I really enjoyed the quiet room, nicely decorated, warm and cozy. Downstairs was a restaurant, lounge, and bar. The people here were very nice friendly welcoming- weather can be foggy and damp. Food was great and there was always a nice fire burning.

Called in for a much needed beer after a long walk in appalling weather. 1st beer was sent back as it was cloudy and didn't taste right. Changed for a different one without fuss and apologised. Lovely bar, warm and friendly.

As a birthday present from my daughter (thank you so much Bethan), a wonderfully relaxing evening, dinner and overnight stay at Badger Bar. Hugely recommended. There's a gorgeous woodland walk starting just outside the hotel, leading to the lakeside of Rydal Water.

Wow what a place? Among the wildlife, staff that care and the food is good 💯

Totally perfect for that time away

What an utter disappointment . We always come here during our family holidays and have always enjoyed our previous visits. We ordered our meals and within 10 mins we were served with what can only be described as a tradegy. Steak pies had been absolutely nuked in the microwave with soggy bottoms. Raw vegetables and chips if the thats what they were hard potatoes and soggy exterior. The chicken curry was obviously mixed up with the vegetable curry to make up a portion which wasn't mentioned. Come on Badger bar sort it out, your better than this and so is people's custom. I'm surprised that the Badgers are even eating the leftovers 😳

Went for the weekend to celebrate wifes 70th and our 30th wedding anniversary. Booked Rothay room which was great, Staff had put balloons and banners on the four poster and the window to mark the occaision which was a lovely gesture. (thanks Wendy) Staff were lovely as always-thanks to Luke, Freya, Sam, Bethan and Chelsea. Food very good, super service. Looking forward to next visit hopefully before Xmas.

Dropped in towards the end of our walk around Loughrigg Fell. Had a very enjoyable roast beef lunch (Sunday). Good food and friendly service. Will most definitely be back. Thank you.

Nice warm cosy place to stop by with decent pub grub and nice beers on. Parking is a bit limited (like everywhere round this neck of the woods) all in all, a very nice family meal had.

We always enjoy a pit stop at The Badger before we continue on the final part of our walk. The weather was kind and we were able to sit outside and enjoy a well deserved pint of local ale. Always a friendly welcome, highly recommend a visit.

Nice simple bar and two cosy wood-panelled dining rooms, all with wood stoves and one with a great leather sofa snug area. Really nice spot for a great Sunday lunch. A storm forecast saw our mountain bike jolly in Grizedale cancelled so a strong recommendation from YHA led our group of 4 here. Five lovely hours, great lunch and a few beers. Staff friendly and nothing too much trouble. Shout out to Sam! ❤️

Lovely Sunday lunch with the family. A good selection of meat options. The vegetarian roast was second to none. They catered well for our small children too. We have been back for Sunday lunch every time we go to the lakes for as we have yet to find a roast that matches it!

Going from Carlisle to Bolton but well worth slight detour. Love the stout, cosy fire, great spot. Will have to come back & stay & witness the badgers…….as long as we can have the Meryl Streep room! Top barman - above & beyond!

Beautiful old hotel on the road between Ambleside and Grasmere. A great place to stop after a mornings walk over the fells for a spot of lunch and refreshing pint. Busy at usual times but worth the wait. Good service and the Sandwiches were delicious and large. Well worth a visit.

Class Hotel - Get her Booked, central for hiking, banging food, lovely staff, great beer, class breakfast... And they have badgers lol

We were lured in by the badger feeding, but missed it as we were there during the day haha. We came in after exploring the caves and were welcomed and served. The food looked good although we did not eat ourselves, large external garden and the toilets were like caves themselves. Highly recommend the dark stout on cask.

We have just returned from a lovely weekend stay at the badger bar. I came with my parents and my husband and 4mo old. The rooms we stayed in (cottages- otter and bluebell) were spacious, clean and comfortable! The food we had was absolutely top notch and you definitely get what you pay for, huge portions!! Great beers enjoyed in the beers garden. Breakfast was also very good with everything being served quickly and with a smile. The staff here have been wonderful with helping us deal with the ramp to get in and out with the pram and my dad needing a wheelchair with a broken leg - even ensuring he got a sausage sandwich in the morning when he didn’t make it for breakfast. To all the lovely chatty girls who waited on us and served us you are superstars. Thank you for making our stay so welcoming.

A lovely beer garden after a day at Rydal Water. Beautiful sunset

Very welcoming and accommodating staff, Vinnie was especially helpful! Very charming accommodation, and although I didn’t get to try the food, it looks amazing. Coffee was good as well!

Brilliant place to visit or stay quirky toilets with rock walls, helpful staff and beautiful inside 😀

Great place for a tasty beer after a long hike.

Good spot for a drink after a walk round Grasmere and Rydal Water, handily placed, welcoming atmosphere, and friendly helpful staff.

Wonderful find, has been to Ambleside Garden centre and was going to stop in town for a bite to eat, but was rammed, so headed home. Passed this place and had great curb appeal so pulled in So glad we did Lovely grounds and fab traditional pub, great decor Staff supper friendly Great beer And husband liver the rhubarb gin Lunch was great Going value Well presented Traditional Cumbrain portions Will definately call again Thank you

We booked a sundsy lunch. Food and service was lovely. Great setting.

Really enjoyed our visit from the moment we arrived. Great location ,can start many walks from here also there is a bus stop just around the corner, no need to use car at all. Staff friendly and very helpful, can't do enough for you. Excellent meals beautiful breakfast to set you up for the day and evening meals are exceptional, large portions and well cooked. Quirky bedroom and dining room beautiful uneven dark wood paneling. Doors that go no where. Then of course the badgers who come for dinner at dusk every evening. This was our first visit we will definitely be back.

Great food. Efficient service. We really enjoyed our lunch after a hike in Rydal. In fact, best lunch we have had on our week long trip.

Fawlty Towers! Impersonal service. Stayed as a family, in 2 separate rooms, Rydal Suite and Ulswater twin room in 28th and 29th December 2022 as a special family break. We were informed by the owner on Christmas Eve, there was scaffolding still up at the window of Rydal suite partially obscuring the view from the balcony. The reason being the ‘builders had over run in their works’. As we were meeting friends in the Lakes it was rather too late for us to change our accomodation. We were offered £40 off in food vouchers for each day of our stay. The booking price was £440 for 2 nights for our room, plus £330 for the children’s room. I explained beforehand that we were likely to be eating out at least once and subsequently, prior to our visit £80 per night was taken off our room rate. On arriving, the fascia board above our room was new, unpainted and there was no way the work was anywhere near finished. The owner had just tried to deflect the blame in our opinion. With the scaffolding, the Rydal Suite was dark, the view from the window and balcony was obscured and the handle on the inside hand been removed from the balcony windows so we couldn’t open the doors to let air in and for our whole stay the windows were dripping in condensation. The windows in Rydal suite have no ‘inner double glazing’ like they have in the dining room downstairs, hence the room is noisy. The curtains didn’t close properly and I needed to hold them together with a hair ‘bulldog clip’ at night. The traffic noise in Rydal room from the A591 at night felt like we were in the centre of the road. It went on til close to midnight. On the 2 occasions the bath was used in the Rydal suite it leaked and we mopped up with towels. We could hear, everything going on in the room next door when in the bathroom, so taking a bath was not a relaxing experience. On the first afternoon, we went for a walk and came back to find the window seat in Ullswater room where our sons were staying was wet. It was leaking in from the roof. Their room smelled musty and damp from the moment we arrived. I took photos of the leak and went to the reception area and bar area to find a member of staff to be told pleasantly ‘ it’s not the first time it’s leaked and won’t be the last, until the roof is fixed!’ They kindly put a plastic bucket on the window seat with a cloth in it so our children didn’t have to listen to the drip, drip, drip! They offered us a round of drinks ( consisting of a pot of tea, and 2 apple juices) and pudding off the meal on the first evening- which consisted of 2 ice creams and a cheesecake. The children’s room cost £330 for 2 nights. These TWO rooms, Rydal Suite and Ullswater room should never have been available to book. The damp & musty smell in Ulswater room means the leak has been going on for a considerable period of time and probably all filled with mould and Aspergillus fungus. The complacent attitude of the owner and staff, by allowing these room to be available to book, not considering the customer first sums up the overall attitude. There was no personal apology from the owner during our stay, when I am sure a visit to our table in the breakfast room would have been gladly received by us. Aside from the fact my lamb was lukewarm on the second evening I’d lost the will to complain anymore, as I don’t take a mini break and precious family time to complain. My realistic expectations are that the place should be as described and look like the website pictures illustrate. Potential customers, give this place a large swerve. I’d love to add the photographs I took, but I’m not sure how to as I’ve never experienced anything so poor and had to leave a poor review, but hopefully the description and rating is advice enough. The Holt Family.

Visited last night for dinner. Fantastic food, great, efficient team of staff and very friendly. Great choice of food and drink. Spent 20 mins watching a wild Badger which was fantastic. Can highly recommend.

Easy to book online on the day. Very welcoming staff and lovely venue. Very homely. Food was excellent and was really quick to come out. We had a few “off menu” requests that were all handled without any issues at all. Would definitely go back again.

Absolutely stunning Sunday roast. We have been to the Badger a few times (every time we visit the Lakes) but usually just for a drink or two. This was superb and more than enough food even after a 2 hour walk. At £18.50 it was also great value. Highly recommended and we will be back.

Excellent. Beautiful building, delicious food, really nice staff. It's in a great location right opposite Rydal lake with fantastic views and great for a nice explore.

Went for drink and Food Badger Bar. Excellent time wonderful building into the rock

The staff were very helpful accommodating our impromptu visit. We nestled around a table by the bar then they found us a larger table in the first bar. Delicious food served up in the way of steak pie, belly pork and pizza. Generous portions and veg cooked perfectly. I would thoroughly recommend

Badger Bar. Wonderful bar food served at lunch. Huge portions with a good selection on offer (including kids menu). Impressed with the quality of food and service. Parking is convenient.

A Wonderful place to stay...... Great Old Pub in a Beautiful Location with Badger's!!!! What a sight to see.... I would recommend this place highly. The Staff and Service were top notch.. Kind Regards Shane Gardner

Visited here this weekend for dinner. We come to this place whenever in the area and it’s always great. Traditional pub feel, friendly staff, decent pub food and beer…. Dog friendly and you must check out the toilets!

Sunday roast was amazing. Been before a couple of years ago and enjoyed it back then also.

Great atmosphere, super friendly staff!

Delicious food, great staff, lovely pub and free badger feeding in the evenings!

Stopped in for Sunday Roast…really well done and glad we arrived right at noon. It was packed by 12:30. Don’t miss the turn!

We came to this restaurant for lunch, and were overwhelmed by great food, service and beer! The portions were very generous, and the Cumbrian beer was amazing. This is an pub not to be missed.

Best Sunday lunch ever! Staff were fun and friendly. Going back again later this week. Fabulous!

I have been here a few times over the years. A great spot to stop and have some food and drinks on your journey. The carpark can get a bit crazy but once in the food is excellent and the service is great. Dogs welcome too! Even in the rooms. Brilliant stuff.

Really pleasant place to stay,staff were very helpful and polite, food was really tasty, stayed in the cottage it was very nice and clean, plenty of nice walks to be had,

Great place, good beers, food is very good at good prices, the staff are very friendly and welcoming. Great atmosphere. I'll be visiting here again when I'm in the area.

Very good food and great staff. We had the steak pie and chips. It was a large portion and very good. Good service and friendly staff.

Great old fashioned bar with modish beers and great service.

Really excellent food, both snacks and full meals. Had a wonderful belly pork with dauphinois potatoes yesterday and it was so tasty. Thank you.

Lovely place for a drink and food. The Badger bar is a great place for a drink. The staff were very friendly and welcoming.

Everything was wonderful, without exception. I stayed there one night and had lunch there. They have a skilled chef and their dishes are very delicious. But the next day I couldn't eat breakfast. Because breakfast time is very short, only from 8 a.m. to 9:45 a.m I thank the employees for their kindness and good behavior

We just popped in for a drink, friendly service, good beer and wine, we sat outside in the sunshine

Decided to pop in at Badgers for the Sunday roast. Lovely pub with helpful and friendly staff. We had the roast beef and felt it was good value, plenty of tender roast beef and gravy good selection of fresh veg, roast potatoes and a lovely large Yorkshire. Would definitely return.

Great food - we had the pork belly and sirloin steak. Both were really good and it was a reasonable price for premium pub food. Will be back again on our next visit to the Lakes!

Was staying locally and popped in for a pint and a bite. The building is wonderful and well maintained. The staff were brilliant, helpful and really friendly. The beer was local and fresh as you like and the food, delicious. Will likely come back to stay here and I will get to see the badgers!

Very average meal, Steak Pie was dumped on top of chips and then covered in gravy, veg was over cooked and mushy Over priced and very much under quality We won't be back!!

Top notch staff. Friendly and super efficient. Excellent food. Lovely atmosphere. A great pub in every way. A hop,skip and jump away from peaceful Rydal water.

Stopped for a pint and food after a short walk around the lake. Has a very useful carpark for patrons. Drink was expensive, food was fabulous

Lovely room, delicious food and friendly staff, love the enbracing of Cumbria with bringing the rock faces inside and keeping the history of an old 1624 building alive. Dog friendly with Kookie the collie as the inhouse counsellor ready to welcome you.

Good food good service made to feel welcome on a wet afternoon

What a find! Beautiful hotel, excellent service, staff are absolutely lovely. Only one problem: there are a couple of steps up into the hotel restaurant which I struggled with, so be aware of that. But the staff were so helpful and opened up a dining room with no step. The hotel is in a beautiful setting, plenty of resident parking, Windermere is very close by, altogether the perfect place.

Great pub with good ales. Not stayed but it's a possibility

Went to the badger bar for a drink. Dog friendly. No food served but plenty drinks. Good location after a walk by the river as nothing else there so a much needed stop off. Could do with being bigger but know its impossible with the location.

What a beautiful cozy pub! Thank you very much for having me! Everyone was so welcoming! Felt at home! The food is marvellous 🤩 Local ales 🍺 on point 😍🙌 Thanks!

A great public bar annexed to the hotel - where better place to finish your hike and try some Cumbrian brewed cask ales? Marvel at the shear rock face in the gents toilets in what was WW’s local. A marked improvement in the weather means most customers are taking advantage of the large beer garden to the side 👍🏻

Great place for some real ale after a fell walk either inside or out in the beer garden.

Nice pitstop. Only had a drink today but the service was great 👍

I always give the Badger bar a visit when in Rydal, a great stop off for a drink and some good food

Stopped by for a drink and some food. It was 14.35 and the kitchen closed at 14.30. Thankfully the bar staff and kitchen acommodated us and we had a fantastic steak n ale pie with veg and chips. Highly recommend. The staff on the bar were really friendly and helpful.

Great location with walks literally on the doorstep. Good food, friendly staff, good cosy rooms what more can you ask for!

This is the second time my wife and I have ate at the Badger Bar while on holiday in the Lake District. Both times the food was exquisite and the restaurant honestly deserves a Michelin star. The Pork Belly with Dauphinoise Potatoes and seasonal veg was perfect in every way. My wife had the Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli which was creamy, cheesy, and delicious. Both excellent dishes, and the food is always hot and fresh.

Stopped for lunch. Beautifully outfitted dining room, delicious food, and attentive, friendly service from Joe on the bar. The dog enjoyed his dog sausage as well, a lovely extra touch. Highly recommend a visit!

Lovely cosy place, gorgeous decoration and lovely food, dog friendly bar and restaurant, With the chance to see wild badgers, Special shout out to Kookie, the staff councillor, who's always wanted to be mentioned on a review

I love and adore everything this place has to offer, from the food to the atmosphere and everything in between has been nothing short of incredible! The location is also fantastic! Straight across Rydal’s lake and you can cross the bridge for a fantastic hike to go the caves or the top of the mountains. Their leek and potato soup is out of this world!

Great selection of beer, food isn't bad either.

Decided on a last minute stop off on our way to Scotland - what a find! Rooms were clean and comfortable and the staff are incredibly attentive and efficient. We had everything we needed for an enjoyable stay, with lovely evening meal and delicious cooked breakfast in the morning!

A wonderful experience with fantastic friendly staff, great ambience, delicious food and a room fit for a king. This is English hospitality at its best

Went away for 1 night staff were brilliant rooms were really nice food was brilliant and the views were amazing highly recommended it

Had a really good lunch with an excellent pint. Very friendly service too

We absolutely love this place. Stayed in main hotel rooms and also in Otter, dog friendly rooms. We love everything about yhis place xx The staff, rooms, food, location etc. All 10/10. Hope to be back in March xxx

Lovely pub hotel with very friendly staff working there, everyone was great and we particularly enjoyed meeting Kooki the pub dog, super dog friendly with a great breakfast and a lot of nooks and crannies to sit by a fire, nicely located between Ambleside and Grassmere with lovely walks up to the caves and around Rydal Water

Fab place to stay. Staff are lovely and all very helpful. Rooms are lovely and kept clean. Breakfast is delicious.