A Borrowdale pub has been refurbished and restored to its former glory.
The Yew Tree at Seatoller, at the foot of Honister Pass, has reopened following a careful restoration.
Built in 1628, the pub has deep roots in the area’s mining history and once provided lodgings for German miners brought over to work the rich graphite seams.
Locals may remember it from years gone by as the Ham & Eggs Restaurant, a much-loved stop for visitors exploring the valley.
It stood empty for 17 years and was bought by Honister mine businessman Mark Weir in 2004.
His son Prentice Wilkinson-Weir had a dream to restore it so it would return to being the heart of the community.
He spent last year bringing the building back to life and the pub has now opened its doors to customers.
His dream was to create a welcoming spot where the community and visitors alike can relax, refuel, and soak up a piece of Borrowdale’s heritage.
One of the oldest pubs in Cumbria, it is on the famous Coast to Coast route and now a C2C passport stamping agent, offering walkers a rewarding stop to rest, enjoy a proper Cumbrian meal, and take in a little local history. Hearty, home cooked food is on the menu, prepared by a team of local chefs, with an emphasis on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
It is already earning a reputation for serving one of the best Sunday roasts in the Keswick area.
Inside, roaring fires offer a warm welcome during the cooler months, while the spacious riverside beer garden is the ideal place to rest tired legs on sunnier days. Plus, it is dog-friendly.
