This place gets four stars for the banter with the bar man. In terms of the bar itself, there's nothing overt that sticks out to make this place unique -- it's cosy enough, with a fireplace and candles etc, but it's small and the decor doesn't say a great deal.
You may notice it's got quite a local vibe too, since on our visit there were a few loud-to-rowdy locals crowded at the bar. Not that they were unfriendly, but for a single gal it could be intimidating to muscle in between 'the lads' in order to purchase a beverage.
They have a cocktail menu, which is what we were after at the time, so I approached to see if we could knock up a few drinks. I was hankering for a straight up daiquiri, but this wasn't going to happen in Ambleside. He did, however, gladly make my Dad his very first white Russian -- which he loved. Happy days! Especially as that wasn't on the menu.
For me, I had one of their in-house cocktails, which was strong, super sweet, and about 3 of my 5-a-day (it was loaded with fresh strawberries). That alone was enough to make me forgive Ambleside for the lack of proper cocktails. He blended it with ice, filled it with rum, and although it was slow to drink (ice cream headache central) it was delicious.
Really decent lad behind the bar, and of course, plenty of lagers and such to choose from. They do food as well, I believe, but I've not tried. read more