Latest news with #DogAndGun
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Yahoo
Lake District walks with pubs: 5 scenic trails that end with a pint
The Lake District isn't just about peaks and panoramas—it's also home to some of the UK's most inviting country pubs. What better way to finish a walk than with a well-earned pint in a cosy inn? Whether you're a seasoned fell-walker or just fancy a gentle lakeside stroll, here are five Lake District walks with pubs at the end (or en route!)—perfect for a day of hiking. Walk time: 1.5–2 hours | Difficulty: Easy Buttermere is a beautiful place for a walk (Image: Newsquest) The Buttermere loop is one of the Lake District's best beginner-friendly walks, circling a tranquil lake with views of Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike. Afterwards, head to The Bridge Hotel, a traditional pub serving real ales and hearty Lakeland fare. The Bridge Hotel is a classic walker's pub with character—think slate floors, hearty food, and open fires. In the summer, its riverside beer garden is one of the most peaceful places to unwind with a pint. You can even sit outside with a pint and watch the sunset over the fells, a perfect end to a wholesome day. Walk time: 2–3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate Catbells (Image: Supplied) Climbing Catbells gives you one of the most rewarding views for minimal effort. The short but steep ridge walk is a classic. Catbells offers a short but exhilarating ridge walk with stunning views over Derwentwater and Borrowdale. It's a perfect intro to fell walking. Afterwards, make your way into Keswick and reward yourself with a pint of real ale and a hearty pub meal at the Dog & Gun, one of the town's most popular pubs with walkers. Walk time: 2.5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate Helm Crag (Image: French and Lamming Media)This iconic walk starts in Grasmere and takes you up Helm Crag, known for its quirky rock formations. Once you're down, make your way to Tweedies Bar, a relaxed and walker-friendly pub. Tweedies Bar, part of the Dale Lodge Hotel, is one of Grasmere's best spots for craft beer lovers. It boasts over 15 taps, live music at weekends, and seasonal menus that champion local produce. Their beer garden is perfect, particularly for a relaxing pint on a summer day. Walk time: 1.5 hours (each way) | Difficulty: Easy The Britannia Inn at Elterwater (Image: Karl Hillman)This riverside walk follows Langdale Beck past waterfalls and ancient woodland, finishing at Skelwith Force. Ideal for families or dog walkers. You can choose to stop at Chesters by the River for amazing cakes and coffee or opt for a pint and classic pub food at the Britannia Inn in Elterwater. Ideal for a relaxed day out through the summer holidays, as you try tire your children out. Walk time: 3–4 hours | Difficulty: Challenging The Black Bull Inn is perfect after completing the Old Man of Coniston (Image: Black Bull Inn) The Old Man of Coniston is one of the most climbed fells in the region, with industrial heritage, mountain tarns, and panoramic views from the summit. After descending, you can relax at The Black Bull Inn, famous for housing the Coniston Brewing Co. After conquering the fell, the pub's hearty meals and lakeside views will feel richly earned. Try a pint of Bluebird Bitter, brewed just yards from your table. The Lake District is built for walkers—and it's also home to one of the UK's strongest traditions of pub culture and local brewing. Many of these inns and taverns date back centuries, offering historic charm alongside excellent food, open fires, and local ale. Whether you're looking for dog-friendly spots, child-friendly meals, or vegan craft beer, there's a pub at the end of every worthwhile trail here.
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
First Dates' Merlin Griffiths teams up with supermodel for an unexpected new project after cancer battle
FIRST Dates star Merlin Griffiths has teamed up with a top supermodel for a new podcast after his cancer treatment. The barman from the Channel 4 reality show will be working alongside Jodie Kidd for the brand new project. 4 4 4 Titled Three Landlords Walk into a Bar, they will do a deep dive on British pubs from ghost stories to industry analysis and will be chatting with some of the UK's most successful publicans and industry leaders. "Expect everything from ghost stories in Britain's most haunted pub to tales of the Beatles, building inclusive spaces, and the importance of the perfect pint (of course)," read the announcement on Instagram. In the accompanying video to the social media post, fans are given a preview of some of the guests and conversations that can look forward to hearing in the coming season. Jodie shared it to her Instagram stories saying: "I loved doing this podcast." The supermodel is landlady at 16th century boozer, Half Moon in Kirdford, West Sussex, who has often spoken out about the importance of pubs to local communities. 'People are always surprised when they find out I run a pub. It's one of the toughest yet most rewarding jobs," she said in a statement about the podcast. "There's a whole world behind the bar that most punters never get to see – the highs, the graft, the sheer heart landlords pour in." Merlin who is the landlord of the Dog & Gun in Leicestershire also wants to raise awareness about the pressures facing pubs in the U.K. "Being a landlord isn't just about pulling pints and hosting quizzes – it's late nights, leaky pipes, and learning to adapt fast," he said. "Amidst turbulent times for the industry, we wanted to sit down and explore how Britain's pubs are evolving to stay at the heart of their communities – whether that's finding new ways to get people in the door or embracing game-changing tech to serve up top-quality pints more efficiently and sustainably.' Merlin's new project comes as the bartender recovers from cancer treatment. He was diagnosed with bowel cancer and had chemotherapy and two operations to remove a tumour in 2021. Despite getting the all-clear from doctors that he was cancer-free, Merlin admitted to struggling after his treatment and that he still needed to be closely monitored. 4
