The Hole in t' Wall (New Hall Inn)

Bowness's oldest pub, with a serving hatch knocked through to the next-door smithy

The New Hall Inn, universally known as the Hole in t' Wall, dates from 1612 and is the oldest pub in Bowness. The bar room is low-ceilinged and stone-floored, with horse-brasses, antique farming gear and bric-à-brac hanging from every beam. There is a real fire in winter and a small flagged courtyard for warmer days.

The food is straightforward pub fare — pies, fish and chips, ploughman's lunches — done well enough, and the beer selection rotates through local microbreweries (Hawkshead, Tirril, Coniston). Atmospheric in the off-season; crowded enough on summer evenings that an early start is wise. A short walk uphill from the lakeshore at the back of the main shopping streets.

bars and cafes bar bowness on windermere
A story
The pub takes its nickname from the hatch in the side wall that was knocked through to the adjacent blacksmith's forge in the 17th century — the smith could pass a thirsty arm through and receive a pint without leaving his fire.

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