The Hare and Hounds

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“Historic and homely 16th-century country inn. Rooms are individually designed with lots of character. Beds are king-size and very comfortable. The restaurant serves excellent pub grub and the bar serves great cocktails and local ales. A typical Cumbrian pub with a touch of metropolitan pizzazz. ”

Hotel review

This is a country pub with a sprinkling of metropolitan pizzazz. Formerly owned by a large pub chain, the 16th-century coaching inn, in the quiet village of Levens in the south-east of the Lake District, was re-energised when taken over by Becky and Ash Dewar who formerly worked in bars and restaurants in London. The low-beamed snugs and traditional oak bar have been brightened up with pale-grey colours, smart banquettes and vintage advertising posters, with the occasional bold splash – pea-green walls in the back bar – to create a bit of wow. It’s smart but not too smart; there are still rough plaster walls and simple scrubbed tables. The dining room is more contemporary, cleverly created out of an old garage, and with bi-fold glass doors to the lane outside. It’s a buzzy space with menus offering modern comfort food such as fishcakes with wasabi mayonnaise dip, baked cod with a herbed crust, and pan-fried pheasant, as well as their signature hand-rolled pizzas and burgers. Bedrooms are country-fresh with soft colours, bright feature walls and chunky wooden furniture. They’re cleverly styled to make good use of sometimes small spaces, and all have views over the village or surrounding countryside. Make sure you’re back in time to try one of their signature cocktails made with Cumbrian-distilled spirits. Or, if you prefer something long and thirst-quenching, one of their five local hand-pulled ales. Enjoy on the terrace perfectly placed to catch the evening sunsets.

Helen Pickles
Helen Pickles Review published: 2024-02-26

Recommended for

  • Active Holiday

    • Everything the Lake District has to offer is on the doorstep from superb hiking to a plethora of watersports

  • Great walks

    • Nearby Whitbarrow Scar & Gummer’s How are both easy climbs with fantastic 360° panoramic views

  • Country Escape

    • As traditional and rustic as an inn could be! Set in Cumbria's stunning landscape

  • Local exploring

    • Just 4 miles from Kendal, this is an ideal base for exploring the Lake District

  • Fishing

    • The rivers have brown trout, sea trout and salmon while the lakes offer coarse fishing

  • Self catering to rent

    • The Barn Annexe is a one bedroom self catering apartment which can sleep up to four

  • Restaurant

    • Serving simple but tasty pub grub including hand made pizzas and renowned burgers

  • Other Activities

    • Visit the topiary gardens at Levens Hall or spend a day at the races at Cartmel

  • Museums

    • The Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry in Kendal is fascinating

  • Sights nearby

    • Sizergh Castle and farm shop are a couple of miles away

  • Pet friendly

    • Dogs are allowed in the barn annexe apartment

  • Watersports

    • Lake Windermere is 20 minutes away by car

  • Sailing

    • Boats are available to hire on the lakes

  • Owner managed

  • Boutique

  • Full of character

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Designer

  • Quiet

  • Gourmet

  • Intimate

  • Charming

  • Contemporary

  • Traditional

  • Child friendly

  • Village

  • Inn

Facilities

  • Rooms

    5 rooms in this hotel

  • Self catering to rent

    The Barn Annexe is a one bedroom self catering apartment which can sleep up to four

  • Restaurant

    Serving simple but tasty pub grub including hand made pizzas and renowned burgers

  • Pet friendly

    Dogs are allowed in the barn annexe apartment

  • Bar

    Selling craft ales, cocktails and much more!

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Fireplace

  • Child friendly

Activities

  • Great walks

    • Nearby Whitbarrow Scar & Gummer’s How are both easy climbs with fantastic 360° panoramic views

  • Fishing

    • The rivers have brown trout, sea trout and salmon while the lakes offer coarse fishing

  • Other Activities

    • Visit the topiary gardens at Levens Hall or spend a day at the races at Cartmel

  • Museums

    • The Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry in Kendal is fascinating

  • Sights nearby

    • Sizergh Castle and farm shop are a couple of miles away

  • Watersports

    • Lake Windermere is 20 minutes away by car

  • Sailing

    • Boats are available to hire on the lakes

Map & Location

Other reviews

The Hare and Hounds

Originally published by The Telegraph

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