The Kings Head is sort of nestled back along some side streets in the centre of Carlisle city…read morecentre. I suppose in that sense it's a rather hidden gem even though everytime I ventured in their it was busy. The Kings Head is a well presented, traditional style pub. Very welcoming atmosphere from staff and customers with real emphasis and passion on real ales. This is an absolute must visit if you are a lover of real ales - always spoilt for choice and they are always top notch in quality. Other drinks are available, also at a reasonable price. Great place to stop off for a couple of pints with friends, although we always end up spending longer here than expected - not a bad thing at all though!

This is a very traditional 'pub' not like the fancy bars that are springing up in Carlisle at an…read moreamazing rate. It has beams and uneven floors and they have also added a 'beer garden' at the back which is popular with the smokers! This pub is reputed to be the oldest pub in Carlisle and is well known in the town for its well kept real ale. It has a good reputation for the quality of its beer and is in the Good Beer Guide this year too. They serve cask ales brewed locally and Mike the landlord is very passionate about it. They serve meals (except Sundays) and it is popular with tourists during the day and also has a loyal horde of locals that have been coming in for years. It is a nice pub to pop into and you can always be sure of someone to have a crack with. Staff are really polite and efficient too.

A wonderful little country pub that really fits into the idyllic surroundings of the small cumbrian…read morehamlet of Newbiggin. The pub is a small place but this only brings you in closer to country-like feel of the place. The pub itself boasts a pool table and its own dart team. But when neither pool balls nor bullseyes are being hit, it is a relaxing place to sit at a table and et a gourmet meal or sit at the bar with a pint in your hand listening to all the interesting and funny storys being passed around. The food of the pub comes in a wide range that is most likely going to be the freshest you'll taste in this part of the county. although the service can be a bit slow at times, it gives you time to soak up the atmosphere of the place or have a quick game of pool. So if your in the area, either as a tourist or just passing through, its a very good idea to just stop and maybe sit outside and admire the most beautiful county in england.

Samson Inn is a pub and B&B on Hadrian's Wall. I came here with my husband and another couple for…read moredinner and we had a pretty good experience! The pub itself was pretty full, which was a good sign. The ambiance was nice. It had a traditional pub feel. The view from the windows into the fields were pretty cool and you could see the farm animals across the street. Our server was very nice and very attentive when it came to checking on our group's allergies. I started off with the tartlet of roasted summer vegetables topped with goats cheese and served with a salad. This was pretty good. In the UK I often found it difficult to get lots of fresh vegetables and this was probably the freshest and most diverse vegetable dish that I had while I was there. It had a nice, fresh flavor and I enjoyed the goat cheese and tartlet. For my meal, I had the "Shepherd's Pie" (local lamb in a rich tomato and red wine sauce topped with mashed potato and served with broccoli and roasted carrots). The Shepherd's pie was excellent. It was very fresh and well-made. The vegetables that came with it were lacking a little bit and my broccoli was underdone. The prices are pretty fair. Overall, nice and chill pub, friendly staff, fair prices, and good food!

This is a great English pub in Gilsland, with a small selection of beer on tap, and a nice…read moreselection of food, from standard pub fare (sandwiches, etc.), to full dinners. There is both the main pub room and the adjoining, quieter restaurant area. The dinner I had was a cod filet, presented, for an American, in an unusual, but surprisingly tasty, manner. The dinner came in 3 layers. The bottom consisted of coarsely pureed green vegetables, firmed up into a rough large patty. Then the cod filet, and that was topped with a fried patty consisting of cheese and chutney. A cream sauce was drizzled on top, and the dish was served with baked potatoes. Again, to an American, the main dish sounds strange, but it was wonderfully delicious. The sweet chutney/cheese patty blended well with the cod and greens. A surprisingly good meal, and one I would gladly order again. The people in the main part of the pub were mostly locals, and very welcoming to strangers. The atmosphere of the pub was relaxed and friendly. I truly found this an enjoyable place to be.

This pub does lovely food. Situated on the outskirts of Carlisle next to Houghton it is a lovely…read moretraditional pub. Inside there are a few different rooms to sit in and it's very cosy. The staff are really nice and friendly and happy to help. Although I used to go on an evening to play pool we can't do this anymore because they have removed the pool table although I don't know why as it was really popular. The car park is very large and although it's a lovely pub it never seems to get too busy and it's always possible to get a seat. Worth a look and a pint if you are that way.