Pub Awards: Best Inn finalist - The Wheatsheaf Inn, Kendal, Cumbria

Nestled in between houses in a small village, it is a traditional inn which has served the local community for generations. Now, it is part of the Individual Inns estate, having been refurbished three years ago and made into a modern pub, dining and accommodation offer.

Technically, the Wheatsheaf Inn site itself is not an inn – or at least not yet, there are plans to develop rooms above the pub into accommodation. Instead, the venue has the unique sleeping quarters set within an old school building, next to a church, atop a hill overlooking the inn and the small village.

Views

The result is a truly individual experience with fantastic views across the valley floor looking out towards the sea. Accommodation is mainly bunk beds, set into a series of rooms which can be let separately or together as a large party. A main sitting room can be used as a communal dining space, and there is also an additional kitchen area which makes the building completely self-catering.

A mini-bus service means that a quick trip is available too and from the main pub for those staying in the building, as well as visits to the pub’s sister site, the Masons Arms just a bit further down the road.

The pub has an excellent all-round food offer with a number of local cask ales and keg beers as well as a range of spirits and wines. An outside seating area allows for walkers to drop in for a pint and a snug side room can be used for dining during cold and windy winter evenings.