The Kings Arms in South Lakeland

My dog and I went in for lunch. Beef stew with mashed potatoes and a side salad, it was rich and flavourful with herbs and chunky veg in the stew and absolutely laden with beef. It was absolutely delicious. We sat looking out onto the picturesque village square. The lady serving behind the bar was very friendly and my dog was made to feel like a special guest. Good value meal in a gorgeous country pub. Many thanks and see you again.

Really lovely Sunday lunch in a pleasant and informal setting with a pretty view out over the river. The young people waiting on were really helpful and attentive.

Just had a lovely meal this evening the service was with a smile took 3 children with me all enjoyed see you all soon xx

Visited for a meal only. Good value for money, great service, and excellent quality with a good variety of pub food and drinks...

My daughter and I visited whilst on holiday at Flookburgh, on a Wednesday when they had just changed the menu ordering the Fish and chips (daughter) and Cumberland Sausage. The food came quickly and was piping hot and delicious. My daughter said it was the best fish and chips she'd had in a long time. The staff were pleasant and efficient and we'll definitely visit again when back in the area.

We had a couple of beers outside on a sunny square, watching the walkers go past. Looked far too strenuous to us so we went for lunch instead.

Loved our stay here the manager WILL was amazing with us looked after us all could not of done enough for us the rooms & food was excellent

I cannot believe that this pub shuts at 6pm on Sunday in the height of the summer season and does not open again until Wednesday!!! Today there were 40 people sat outside enjoying a drink in the sunshine and they shut the doors on everyone! I’m sorry but the Owners need to address the situation as it is a complete embarrassment to the village!

Had a unplanned stop of on the way home from the zoo. excellent food great service and I can't recommend the triple cooked chips and pizza enough.

Had a unplanned stop of on the way home from the zoo. excellent food great service and I can't recommend the triple cooked chips and pizza enough.

Fantastic service, Debbie the bar maid was brilliant and couldn’t be more helpful. Live music was brilliant.

Our favourite place to eat in Cartmel. Stay here often with family and friends and love getting back to Cartmel and especially to The Kings Arms. The food is amazing all home cooked and a really varied menu with so much choice. Can highly recommend the Sunday lunch and the pizzas 🍕 See you soon back for the races in August 😁

Fantastic service, Debbie the bar maid was brilliant and couldn’t be more helpful. Live music was brilliant.

OUTSTANDING !!!!!! We didn't stay at the hotel, we only had something to eat as the wife and I were passing through. We were staying in Newby Bridge and had a drive out as we'd never been to Cartmel. You know when you're aimlessly walking round a town and you fear a row may be brewing if you don't eat soon and you're looking at menus on the door of places or stood outside like a tourist saying "What about this place ? Shall we eat in here ?" EAT IN HERE !!!!!!! I promise you the food is amazing !!!! Proper local, comfy, friendly, country pub. Check out the picture of my meal and see for yourself. As you can see it's pan seared chicken, fondant potato, stem broccoli and a bacon + mushroom sauce...... and I don't even like mushroom but it was all perfect. I was thinking of having the braised beef pie but when I asked the very polite young lady, it's a stew in a pot with a lid and not a plate pie with a top and a bottom, you know like they'd have in Wigan, but I'm sure it would have been amazing as well. Highly recommended and will absolutely call again. Thank you.

We ate here last year and had a lovely meal but this time it was very poor. I had a tuna sandwich which came in dry white bread ( I wasn't asked what type of bread I would like and I certainly wouldn't choose white bread). The three panini's looked like a steamroller had gone over them. They were supposed to come with a salad but all we got was coleslaw. I expect a salad to be lettuce, cucumber etc. The worst were the chips which were tiny, dry and looked like dregs. We had to chase up cutlery and the ordering of the food at the till was painful, the lady didn't seem to know what she was doing. I don't know whether there has been a change of management or chef but I really can't recommend this place. Such a shame after our last visit.

A great lunchtime pub in an attractive village. Excellent!

Firstly what a breath of fresh air to be so well looked after by Cheyl (stand in Manager but hopefully permanent!) And Her team. She looked after 8 of us after the races and we had a delicious meal and nothing was too much trouble. Cheryl is very professional and certainly appreciates the customers! Our friends stayed overnight and said how lovely the rooms were too. We returned for breakfast today (8 of us) and again Cheyrl and her staff did everything to make our breakfast enjoyable which it was and delicious again. 😋 the kings is a great place to eat and drink and Cheryl would be a great asset to the team from what we have experienced!

My friends and I went to the Kings Arms last weekend, we had a great night. Staff (Aaron and Demi) were really friendly and provided great service all evening. Drinks were reasonably priced so we returned the next day and the food was delicious. Would highly recommend both the food and drink.

Cold food waiting for one hour from ordering sausages burned and full of gristle

The food was delicious. We came for the races and did not want to leave. Amazing atmosphere and staff.

Great atmosphere and the food was lovely, fabulous selection of drinks and would definitely recommend 😊 a real gem, Cheers 🍻

We came here last week for food which was absolutely lovely i had the chicken and bacon sandwich with chips which was reasonably priced for what you get. i would also like to mention how lovely and attentive ‘Demi’ was she always served us with a smile and she couldn’t do enough to make us have the best experience very professional and a credit to the Kings arms, would highly recommend and will be definitely be visiting again.

We came here last week for food which was absolutely lovely i had the chicken and bacon sandwich with chips which was reasonably priced for what you get. i would also like to mention how lovely and attentive ‘Demi’ was she always served us with a smile and she couldn’t do enough to make us have the best experience very professional and a credit to the Kings arms, would highly recommend and will be definitely be visiting again.

Breakfast first morning was ok apart from toast being on plate with breakfast which was soggy. My husband asked for scrambled egg , bacon and sausage. Only got scrambled egg and toast. Sausage and bacon came ten minutes later on a separate plate ! We were told breakfast was 9.30 am -10.30am so assumed same the following morning. Never stayed in a place where breakfast starts at 10 am !! Came down at 9.30 to no staff. They all started trickling in about 9.45 till after 10. My husband shouted through to staff to be told breakfast was 10am. A guy then came out and said `what do you want ` no menu , we just had to assume what we wanted. I asked for toast on a separate plate and was given a partially toasted roll. I was told the bread had not been delivered. Tables were also dirty from previous night. Ordered tea and coffee which arrived 40 minutes after ordering and had finished breakfast. My husband ordered scrambled egg and toast and again was a toasted roll ?? Shocking service from staff in this hotel. No enthusiasm. Also sorry to say but when speaking to chef previous day his clothes were filthy. Room was okay , very warm. Bar of soap in a tray in bathroom , hopefully thrown away after each guest, liquid soap it should be for hygiene purposes. Supposed to stay another night but left saturday morning. Food in restaurant at night was overpriced for what it was. Soggy toasted Sandwich for lunch. Not difficult to make a toastie?? Will not return to this place.

We really enjoyed the food and the room was nice and spacious. Nice little village, not too far to walk as I can't really walk that far. Would definitely return.

had a splendid time here, food was amazing. the Rib eye and the special cajun chicken were to die for, we especially loved the personal touch when the chef came out to check if everything was all right

This place has gone down hugely since we last visited early last year! Staff are unfriendly and uninterested. Food was terrible and inedible. Albino ‘roast’ potatoes. Rock hard Yorkshire pudding. The meat was well over cooked and looked like scraps. Bisto Gravy. We alerted staff when they came to collect the plates. No one asked how I meals was. The reply sorry about that. We paid up and left. I’d avoid this pub, plenty of other eateries with friendly staff and delicious food! Kings you should be ashamed! You have ruined a great pub!

Arrived hoping to have a light lunch. There was only sandwiches Available so we ordered and waited and waited, other people had ordered after us and their orders were delivered promptly. We had by this time waited 40 minutes!!! We decided to leave and paid for our drinks but they tried charging us for food that we had not had. A very lack lustre apology made. Not impressed.

We visited here with our mothers for Sunday lunch. The food was excellent. Roast beef was delicious and tender and the staff are lovely and friendly. We will definitely be visiting again when next in the area

Not great slow service, very processed food. Pizza would be great as a frisbee. Not a great experience. Wouldn’t recommend.

We’ve dined here before and been happy with the food but last Wednesday, on race day, we were very disappointed. After half an hour the waiter came to admit the order hadn’t yet been put through. Two of us had ordered salmon, fondant potatoes and spring green veg. It arrived eventually on a small plate, the potatoes were hard and the veg was limp salad leaves. We complained but the waiter simply said the usual chef wasn’t working. There was no apology and we got charged the usual, quite high, amount. I appreciate staff issues can arise but the way staff handle customer feedback directly affects the last impression. Sadly we won’t be returning

Went for lunch and really enjoyed the burger, cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, desserts were gorgeous too. Will be booking for an overnight stay soon!!

Had a fantastic experience in cartmel for the races. Stayed at the Kings Arms on the Wednesday evening where I couldn't fault it. The food was great, the small plates were of excellent standard and delicious. My favourite was the king prawns. The rooms were of a high standard and the bed was one of the comfiest I have ever stayed in would definitely recommend! So much so we've booked for June!

Waited forever for our food. Really understaffed. Barman disappeared for an age . 2 of our meals ok. The other 2 dissapointing. Asked for them to be reheated. Not cheap either. Sorry but being honest.

Booked for tea on Sunday online. Turned up at reserved time to a closed pub approx 7pm. A couple of patrons sitting on the outdoor tables finishing their drinks informed us they've just locked up and gone home. They didn't have the decency to call us and cancel saving us the trip. Edit- I wrote approx because I was writing days later and my wife made the booking. I was wrong and We actually arrived at 6.10pm for our 6.15pm reservation and you had already locked up and left so everything you put above is false. Why had you locked up and left BEFORE 6.10pm when you had us due at 6.15? And then make out you'd waited for us? Are you saying you were still there at 6.10 and locked the door and the two customers outside imagined you leaving approx 6.05pm? I appreciate the place was quiet and call to say you won't be able to accommodate us because the pub will be closing earlier would not have been a problem at all. I'd have felt bad knowing I was making staff stay just for us to be honest I was not aware. But to fabricate a story because I wrote the incorrect time in the review is not. YOU HAD LOCKED UP AND LEFT BY AT THE LATEST 6.05PM is this not true?

We visited on a Friday night, my husband wanted to try the fish Friday but unfortunately that had sold out of fish 🙈. I was a chef for many years and get that some times you run out of things but my husband and brother in law weren’t very impressed. Food did take a while to come but as soon as it did I could tell why, everything was so hot and obviously freshly cooked. I had pie and chips and it was amazing. Overall we would definitely come back if in the area, we enjoyed the singer and it was a cute cozy pub

Can’t comment on the food and atmosphere as we didn’t get chance to experience it. I booked a table online and received confirmation of my booking. I then called the pub and spoke to someone on the phone who confirmed our booking was registered on their end. Later when we arrived for our reservation, we were rudely greeted by the staff, who told us unapologetically that there was no trace of the booking on their system. I showed them the email confirmation I had received from the booking and they dismissed it. Also they denied that they had confirmed anything on the phone despite the fact I had talked to them prior. In the end we left without so much as an apology. If you don’t want to take the risk of showing up to your reserved table just to be turned away, I wouldn’t bother with this pub.

Fish and chips for lunch was excellent. Some of the best batter I’ve had around lovely delicate soft white fish.

Dont come here if you want a nice relaxing meal. An odour coming of a staff member was terrible and he is breath wreaked of alcohol. Most shocking of all is he is the manager. Food was cold and very greasy soggy tasteless fish. I couldnt eat it. All they said to me was sorry about that. Worst meal and service i have ever had!

An absolutely delicious meal, with really exceptional friendly service. Gorgeous location, we were lucky to over look the water. Really good value for a meal that exceeded our expecations. We will definitely be back!

Just had a lovely roast dinner. Service was amazing and staff were very friendly too. 100% recommend

Spent best part of Sunday evening in the King's (April bank hol weekend). They had a singer on who was really good and the atmosphere was superb. All people in the pub were having a great time and it was a shame it had to close due to Sunday Hours. Staff were really good too. Hope the Captain Morgan Spice Rum bottle doesn't fall off the wall again 😂😂

Really bad experience from start to finish. There were 4 of us dining (2 adults and 2 children). One my sons has several food allergies and when ordering we explained the allergies and that he couldn’t have Yorkshire puddings or anything with butter (dairy, gluten intolerant). When my son’s roast arrived it had a Yorkshire and carrot and turnip (had some sort of milk/butter in it). Sent it back straight away as was concerned, clearly the first waitress didn’t take food allergies seriously and it could have ended up with an anaphylactic episode / ambulance. When staters came one was missing. One roast came and was stone cold, got sent back and when it returned, it was dry (supposed to be medium rare beef) so that had to go back. There was a really rowdy crowd of people in the middle of the dining area too who had to be told to move somewhere else, that’s how loud they were. One waitress was great and tried to resolve what she could so was thankful for her. Food actually tasted nice so was a shame overall.

Stayed for a weekend, greeted with a warm welcome showed up to our room to which was stunning with a luxury four poster bed, plus lots of extra little special touches. Great atmosphere in the pub section with great entertainment which gave this quaint country pub lots of character. Very dog friendly with lots of strokes and treats for the pooch. A Great choice of food on the menu which was very tasty, plus the full English breakfast was to die for. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will surely be going back!!! 5*

By far our most favourite pub in the Lake District we are never disappointed. We spent the weekend in one of the lovely rooms. The food was excellent with a great choice on the menu. All the staff were attentive and catered for our every need. We would definitely recommend the Kings Arms its well worth a visit

Stayed for 2 nights to celebrate my wife's birthday and had a great time. The room was spacious and very comfortable with a four poster bed and roll top bath. Ate in the pub both nights and the food was fantastic. Very dog friendly place and our's enjoyed all of the attention she got. Would definitely recommend. 👍

We have had a wonderful weekend at the Kings Arms the room was lovely and everything was catered for. The breakfast was excellent and the meals were first class, we will definitely visit again.

Came here for Dinner last week it was terrible nothing like we had experienced before. Food was not up to usual standard staff messing around using foul language- customers having a tiff one of them should have been removed from the premises- staff just watched disgusting. It reminded me of a back street boozer in Liverpool Not a country pub situated in a beautiful village. What a shame it has gone down hill.

Always good atmosphere. Food home cooked, hot and great portion. Plenty choices on beer (not the cheapest pub) . Super clean everywhere and staff so very efficient. Well done.

For me, this pub does the best pint of Guinness in South Lakes. We visit fairly regularly; food is decent, but I’m mainly visiting for the Guinness!

went for new years eve food and party night had a good night well done to all the staff

Sunday Lunch wasn’t great- not like the last time we came back In August. Staff couldn’t care less. Had to ask for cutely to eat my meal no offer of desserts Yorkshire pud was rock hard, gravy was disgusting and veg dried up and in edible. Ended up leaving I had to pay though and going to the Royal Oak of a beautiful roast. What has happened?

Wonderful weekend break. Great food, friendly staff in a traditonal setting. Very resaonably priced compared to other establsments in the area. Can't wait to go again.

What a fabulous location and atmosphere. We had Dinner, Bed and Breakfast on a Saturday/Sunday. The food was better than your standard pub grub so great value. There was a female vocalist at night that leant itself to a busy vibrant traditional pub. Good choice of real ales The Staff were friendly and efficient even under pressure. We will definitely be returning

What a gem! This is a wonderful traditional pub, great menu, open fire, live music and a warm welcome from Fi. We stayed in one of the beautifully appointed themed rooms, luxurious with a four-poster bed and very cozy. I would love to stay here again and will be definitely be recommending it.

We were attracted to The Kings Arms because it is clearly and obviously one of the best pubs and restaurants in Cartmel, this is evident from the amount of regulars and tourists, who create an excellent atmosphere in the inn. Service was great, food plentiful and all very reasonably priced, we will definitely be back. As an aside new owners who are brave enough to keep pubs like this going, are at the centre of town life and they need applauding and as much support as they can get. Well done and good luck !

A nice cosy pub off the village square with some decent real ales. We didn't eat here but the food we saw looked good.

Disgusting, inedible food. Still charged me for a dinner I sent back. Avoid at all cost.

What an Amazing place! The kings arms is a gem of a country pub with accommodation and the food is to die for. I stayed with my wife for a couple nights and had the most amazing time, I honestly can’t recommend the Kings Arms Highly enough.

Had a fantastic Saturday night. Food was fab and the room was absolutely amazing. 4 poster bed and large rolled top bath. Lovely friendly staff and atmosphere in the bar and the entertainment was brilliant. Definitely going back Thanks for a great night.

Neil and his Manager Fi could not do enough and made my husband and his friend’s birthday celebration very special! The rooms are presented to a very high standard and the food and hospitality where such good value for money. We stayed as a party of 4 couples and all enjoyed. A big thanks!!!

Dining standards are obviously high in this village but the King's Arms did not disappoint. Excellent

a really nice meal to round off a week away in the lakes the chips mmm they were out of this world

Some parts of the meal work fine but let down by the fish and chips which is a shame, other than that just olay

Staff is not as friendly .do serve good beer,not tried food

We’d pre-booked a specific table in order to keep our dog out of everyone’s way but someone else had purloined it in the time it took us to walk over the bridge and into the bar! He was a well-behaved pup throughout our lunch so all was well, he made friends with all the adjacent diners hoping in vain for spillages. We had a lovely roast ( it’s up in our top ten!) but I was beaten by the XL dessert. Coffee was 👍

Waited over 1 hour for food ordered forgotten about the 4 of us despite being at table nearest to bar. Food good and we are in cartmel for week but we will not return to here as customers are not valued or respected. We never go anywhere and leave without a tip, so heres one... maybe owner director needs to spend more time in pub and less time on holiday! Your letting cartmel down.

This is a great pub and the best value restaurant in Cartmel with a good atmosphere and friendly staff I would definitely recommend a visit 👌

Went with my mother for a meal on Friday evening and although the food and drinks were excellent our night was ruined by three drunken louts leaning on the bar shouting at the top of their voices and swearing with every other word completely oblivious to all the other customers in there, I noticed several other diners walk out in disgust as nothing was being said or done by the bar staff to stop their behaviour. Also one of the louts was vaping at the bar and blowing smoke into the bar serving area,again no member of staff had a word to stop them, it was such a pity as I said the food was fabulous and all it would have required was a staff member to have a word very disappointing.

Booked a table online for later the same day, only to find a note on the door "sorry no food tonight". Next day still no response. If you're going to have an online booking system then keep it up to date with your availability! Fortunately the Cavendish Arms could fit us in and was very good.

The nicest food in a long time, you could charge more for the food. A great find

The food was good, nothing special, have to agree with a previous review - Seafood Linguine did not contain mussels or clams which was disappointing.

Food was fantastic! Far beyond expectations and very reasonably priced. Drinks were lovely also, only knock was a slight wait and a sticky table. But they were very busy and under staffed. Staff where lovely, would recommend!

We had a lovely overnight stay could not fault food or breakfast atmosphere was lovely also staff very pleasant.Room was very clean could not do enough for us

Greath staff Anthony the head chef is a great chef and is always in for a good chat and laughs 😃 bar staff is absolutely amazing and entertaining. Food is freshly prepared and is value for money they should charge more for the amazing size of the dishes. Will be coming for the Sunday roast as it was fully booked couple days ago.

Great staff. Great food. Great atmosphere! Music at the weekends always Great! Worth a visit!

Nice beer garden to sit and enjoy a good pint

Very annoyed, after checking the online menu, arrived at 7pm on a Thursday, drove 16miles in the rain. Walked past the sign outside advertising food. To be told they are not serving food.

A wonderful pub with amazing food (the big chunky chips were fabulous) & great staff, couldnt have been happier with the service,would highly recommend to anyone visiting Cartmel

Lovely pub, friendly staff and the food is absolutely incredible!!!

We went last Sunday as it was my auntie and uncle’s wedding anniversary the following day. Fantastic Sunday lunch. Choice of meats and a nut roast and a fish dish. I plumped for the roast beef. It came with all the trimmings and the Yorkshire pudding was enormous. For dessert I had locally made Sticky Toffee pudding. Worth the drive from Bolton. After lunch we had a walk round the priory and stopped off at The Cartmel shop to stock up on sticky toffee puddings. Plenty of parking on the racecourse car park.

We visit here whever we pass through the lake district. In winter they have a cosy, friendly, open fire. In summer it's lovely to sit on the front courtyard. Great food & good selection of drinks including local ales.

We went yesterday August 9th for lunch. We were greeted by a very friendly barman. We ordered drinks and were shown to a table with a view of the square. Another member of staff came to take our order. She was extremely bubbly and had a fantastic personality. My wife ordered a jacket potato and I had the most fantastic Fish Finger Sandwich with fries that were not greasy or dry. The whole experience was superb. Will definitely go back again. Superb.

One of the best Sunday roast dinners I have had eating out! The beef dinner was so good! Highly recommend and will definitely be visiting again soon!

A nice pub with a pleasant atmosphere, but the food was horrible. Chips that managed to be dry and greasy at the same time, gritty/liquid peas hiding underneath them, and a peace of tasteless fish. We couldn't eat much of it, but no comment was made when our half-full plates were removed. These are difficult times for eateries and perhaps they were short of qualified staff, but we would not go again.

Disappointed to see someone talking to bar staff and vaping all over the bar area. Not only is smoking in public places not allowed no one was challenging the behaviour.

Lovely pub and really welcoming staff! Would well recommend for anyone visiting Cartmel and wanting a pub lunch

Great breakfast, very friendly staff.

Accommodation, food and service excellent. We stayed in one of the en suite bedrooms which was spacious and very comfortable, best breakfast ever and the fish and chips in the evening was delicious, we will definitely be going back.

Called in for tea after a day at the races and were initially welcomed by being ignored for one of the regulars but after that the girls serving were exceptional, polite and helpful. Food was nothing special but good enough. Admittedly this was after a...

Accommodation, food and service was excellent. Lovely spacious en suite bedroom and really comfortable bed, the best breakfast ever and the fish and chips in the evening was delicious. Will definitely be going again.

Friendly, efficient, great food great prices we loved it. The setting was lovely too and Cartmel is peaceful and calm unless the racing is on then it’s bubbling andcexciting

We had a lovely meal at the ‘Kings Arms’. Warm welcome for all, locals and tourists! Well done Kings Arms!

Telefonisch een reservering gedaan. Met veel enthousiasme naar Kings Arms gereden. De chef-kok was vrij en er was geen mogelijkheid...

My review is based on two bookings we made within a couple of days. Strike 1: As a party of two couples the first booking we made was mid day Sunday online for a Sunday evening booking. We did this after advice given by a...

Hadden gereserveerd om 7 pm. Bij aankomst blerk er die avond geen eten geserveerd te worden. Dat was jammer en...

Lovely place great food, and gorgeous location 👌

Lovely old pub and staff are super friendly.

good pub just a problem with paying different prices all the time four different prices for the same round in two days . staff on but strange pricing

Very busy weekend as races on however service was fantastic as is always when we visit,live music on too excellent 😀