Stanleys in Allerdale

Great pub with very friendly staff and a number 1 beer garden. You should definitely call in here.

Really wanted to rate this hotel higher, but think it truly fair to give an honest review.After the most incredible drive through the Lake District, and taking in both Wrynose and Hardknot passes which are adventures in themselves, we reached our destination in the small village of Calder Bridge.Hotel has a beautiful location set above the bridge with its sheltered beer garden banking onto the lively and picturesque river Calder.You would never know it was situated only 1 mile from Sellafield, the nuclear reprocessing facility, but please do not let that put you off.During the week the hotel primarily caters to contractors working at the aforementioned site. This steady trade during the week means certain refinements you would maybe expect from a country hotel are lacking in favour of this clientel, hence the well looked after pool table.Good choice of home cooked food typically priced, and the bar has a good selection of well looked after speciality ales. So well looked after, the current trustee has graced the Good Ale Guide for the last 8 years.So here's the bit that lets it down for me.As for the majority of hospitality venues post covid, planned refurbishment programmes have stalled somewhat.To be fair, the accomodation we were given was a non-refurbished room at the much lesser rate, but realisically this looked dated at least 15-20 years on what I would have expected.I must stress, we never viewed the refurbished rooms so am unable to comment further on this.Apparently short staffing problems they were urgently trying to rectify also had an impact on the general housekeeping side of things, as the actual number of rooms made available to the public were reduced.Breakfast was plentiful and wholesome, although I would suggest this again was more targeted towards the weekday business trade rather than the weekend staycationer. I maybe would have expected more traditional local produce with a better selection of cooked choice available.Now here's the most important thing which outweighs any criticism.Current owners Clive and Mel are the hotels greatest assets.The most friendly and forthcoming couple you could meet and make a point of keeping things on a first name basis including introductions to the more regular customers. This is what weekend stays are all about.There is a slight flip to this though, as after 10 years at the helm and about to turn 70, Clive advised he feels ready to retire and was looking for a buyer. The couple are eager to spend the next 10 years travelling.Let's just hope the new owners have as much enthusiasm as Clive and Mel, and also have the extra cash available to bring this little gem of a place back to the top of its game.Many thanks to Clive and Mel for an enjoyable stay and good luck moving forward.

Friendly and welcoming stayed for a few weeks whilst working in the area and was welcomed with open arms By staff and locals alike

Excellent service beautiful room fantastic grounds which are secure for dogs. Areas where dogs aren’t allowed so that non-dog owners have their own space. Brilliant food and drink

Great place to stay! The location and rooms were excellent especially their garden as well! and the owner was very hospitable, we stayed here only for 1 night with a family of 5 adults. We can't really find any fault, it is one of the best B&B we stayed in while travelling and exploring Lake District

Food very good staff very friendly service very good. Childres menu very limited 3 choices for main only two for pudding, portion size for adult very generous but children's very small, five chicken nuggets which were very small then filled up plate be with chips not what you wanted for your grandchildren really

Stopped for a 4 night breakGreat hosts and a very warm welcome,Poppy the dog was made as welcome as we were,.Easy access to lakes and close to some stunning coastlineGood home cooked food and guest alesCan't wait to come back

We went here for my birthday weekend, the beer garden looked so romantic from the pictures and the reviews I had read sold it to. Me.. Wow we were not disappointed. What a beautifully placed pub, the river is gorgeous and the service was also. The owner is funny and friendly, as are the rest of the staff. Home from. Home. The food was delicious and served in great time. Really great place, thank you for having us.

Friendly welcome and a lovely beer garden. Much helped by it being a sunny afternoon sitting next to the river, quaffing a San Miguel. Unfortunately I was driving so just the one.We will definitely try out the food next sunny day we are out that way.

My second reviewHaving now being introduced to Clive and Mell the owners,who are such nice friendley people who really are careful with the Covid rules.They made my family feel very welcome and the food is excellant value.Thank you