The Wilson Arms

Booked a 2 night stay with my partner - The room was tidy although the bathroom was quite mouldy and had silverfish running around the floor. We had an hours wait for breakfast on the first morning and the staff had packed away the bread/toaster etc well before our food arrived (food actually arrived 30 mins after breakfast restaurant had closed). In the afternoon we asked if we needed to book a table to eat at night. We were told there’s absolutely no chance of a table as they are so busy. The nearest place for food is in Coniston (over an hours walk away). We didn’t think it was unreasonable as a resident of the pub/restaurant to expect to be able to eat and drink there. We had to return home half way through our stay and lose our booking costs of £109

While staying at a nearby caravan site we decided to have an evening out and gad noticed this place this on the way there. When we arrived the pub was closed but a beer tent/marquee had been set up in the garden. We queued up as it was really busy as they had a band on and ordered our drinks and meals and were issued with a buzzer to collect when they were ready from round the back. The food and drinks were quite pricey for what you got, mediocre basic food packed in takeaway boxes . That was not the main problem though, we could live with that. What was an issue was the rude bloke behind the bar and the facilities. We couldn’t get a signal and tried to use the WiFi which came up with ‘Wilson staff’ and ‘Wilson guest’. I asked the girl serving our second round what the password was and she said she didn’t know and asked the man behind the bar. He asked me if I was a guest and I told him I wasn’t, but was having a meal there and would be there all evening. His response was ‘Then there isn’t one then’ and walked off!!! Never before have we been refused WiFi in a pub or restaurant, especially as we couldn’t get a signal and wanted to contact home. Went to use the toilets which were in a worse condition than some festivals we have been to. There were only 2 which were Unisex and the man before me had peed all over the seat. No toilet roll in either one of them and no hand wash or sanitiser. The waiting on staff were lovely and friendly but the man behind the bar (Dave, may be the manager) was so abrupt that if we hadn’t paid for our food and drinks we would have left. For a venue that caters for a large number of people, 2 unisex toilets which are lacking the means to be hygienic is not good enough. Luckily I had some tissues and hand sanitiser with me but noticed that most didn’t. Because of his rudeness I didn’t want to point out that someone should check the facilities and in any case, his manner made me think he wouldn’t have cared anyway. I believe there are other places nearby so you may be better off going elsewhere.

Visited for a drink with some walking friends. We waited by the bar to be served for ages. When we asked if anyone was serving, we were abruptly told that the barman hadn't had a break or lunch...he eventually appeared, totally miserable, and opted to serve a local who had just walked in before us. Needless to say we walked out and won't bother with this place again. Take your custom elsewhere...this place doesn't deserve it.

We have just returned from a lovely weekend here. We stayed in the shepherds hut with a hot tub. It was perfect in every way. Very clean and cosy. If you want to cook you can as there is a little kitchen with all the mod cons. Everything was thought of the underfloor heating and USB ports in every socket was a great added touch. The hot tub was really good we used it every evening. It’s fenced off to make it more private. We had to fill it which didn’t take long and then used wood to heat it up which wasn’t a problem. The food and service in the pub was excellent the staff are very friendly and work very hard . The views are amazing as well. It’s also Dog friendly. A really lovely place to stay. Definitely returning in the summer.

This was a bit of a sudden decision as we noticed the excellent rate. Booked Saturday and stayed Monday, room nice and clean, bathroom a little small but OK. It was a twin room, and my bed was a bit soft for me but ok. We ate in the bar in the evening, excellent tasty food and great knowledge of gluten free procedures. (I’m Coeliac), another great bonus was a gluten free beer on hand pump in the bar - this may have lead to me having one more than was absolutely wise! Excellent breakfast ( no sausages or black pudding for me) perfect fried egg and perfectly fried a bacon just a little crispy. Will stay again without hesitation.

Stayed on the motorhome site for two night. Ehu and Elsan, no showers but pub toilets when open. Nice quiet spot, ideal for walks to Conniston. Pub food excellent good sized portions, friendly helpful staff will definitely stay again