Hare and Hounds, Levens

I have a fondness for the classic local pub style food such as sausage and mash or just the simple burger and thick cut chips.

This is why I chose this place to dine, as well as it being a short walk from where I live.

Having only just moved to South Cumbria, both of my parents took it upon themselves to come up to visit me, and the Hare and Hounds Pub in Levens was the choice for food.

This was beneficial to me as I avoided cooking and using up my food, which increased the amount of time I had before the next dreaded ‘big shop’.

Hare and Hounds had previously gone underused in the village until new ownership came in a few years ago which has really turned the pub around with a new menu, as well as a extended dining area referred to as ‘The Barn’.

With it being busy most nights, we decided to book prior to going on Saturday evening to make sure we got a table.

We were greeted by a friendly lady who took our drinks order and showed us to the table.

Unfortunately we had not managed to grab ourselves a place next to the wood burning stove, which is both figuratively and literally the hottest seat in the pub.

We ordered the large fish and chips, the fish platter, and the burger.

All the dishes came and they are certainly generous with portion size,

But luckily we had quite the appetite and were more than capable of leaving the plates, or chopping boards, clean.

The burger was my choice and it did not disappoint. Despite it being a little messy, it had loads of flavour.

I even had a bite or two of the fish platter which was a distinctly different flavour to the burger, however equally as delicious.

On my way to the bathroom I did have to watch my head in some parts with lower ceilings, so if you are six foot tall or above I would advise caution, or a helmet, if you want to avoid a small bump on the head.

Despite that the atmosphere caters for a wide audience with it being a mix of a friendly local pub, for those in the surrounding area, and a pleasant dining experience.

This was epitomised by the gentlemen sat at the bar in their casual clothes and those in their glad rags in the barn area.

Overall it cost about £55 which is reasonable value for three people.

Ratings

Food: 4

Service: 4

Atmosphere: 5

Value: 4

Pros

Fire in the winter

Cons

Low ceilings in parts