老地下城吉爾飯店(The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel)

This was the third in our trilogy of classic walkers inns of the Lake District. Over the the last few years we have visited Buttermere Court (The Fish) and Wasdale Head and have really enjoyed our stays. Unfortunately, the best definitely wasn’t saved till last. Quite the opposite. It’s a real shame because the location is stunning. But that just can’t cover all of the failings this place has. The rooms are dated and not helped by having to walk across the landing to the bathroom. The breakfast was fine and the breakfast staff were friendly enough but it’s the evening where things go wrong. The food is average at best and overpriced for what it is. But what really stands out from both nights we stayed there is the miserable demeanour of the bar staff. It really does feel like you are putting them out by asking for a drink. For a group of 9 people to all say how universally bad their experience has been takes some doing. Looking forward to our next Lake District trip already but it won’t involve a trip to The Old Dungeon Ghyll.

After a sweltering 13 mile hike up to Scafell Pike in the 28 degree heat and having run out of water, I dreamed of a cold pint on the way back to the car. When I got inside the lovely pub, I asked the barman "Do you have any ciders on?", to which he replied in a very rude tone "You can start by taking a look". I also asked "Can I also please have a pint of tapwater?" The barman responded "Well you can have a glass", who then handed me a tiny glass of warm water, which I was charged for the privilege (illegal in the UK). Lovely spot but wasted on by rude staff - a short walk can take you to much nicer venues.

We already knew that the ODG pub was the best way to end a climb in Langdale but had no idea the hotel would be SO good! Super helpful staff, great food, comfy bed, proper old school lounge and brilliant breakfast. Traditional decor might not be to everyone’s tastes but everything was clean, nothing was too much trouble and we loved it. We’ll be back!

Well what can I say, this place is like stepping back in time in the best way possible. Came into the bar on a busy bank holiday weekend, although the staff were very busy they were incredibly welcoming. Great selection of local ales on tap and it was lovely to hear a strong Cumbrian accent and proper local words from the charming young fellow who served us, I think his name was Zac. I could have listened to him talk as he served people all day! We intended to only have one drink but ended up having quite a few more! Excellent atmosphere and when we visit the lake district again we will definitely stay here rather than the more fancy but rather soulless 'boutique hotel' we stayed at this time. A proper piece of local history in a stunning location.

Great food, reasonably priced and quick service We visited after a 16km walk around Bowfell. The bar staff were friendly and helpful 1 x alcoholic and 1 x non alcoholic drink came to £8, we both ordered food which was again reasonably priced (I can't remeber the exact prices but it was less than £10 per meal) The food came out piping hot in less than half an hour and tasted fantastic. Highly recommend

Called in for drinks afew times over the wkend and good to see it's still the same place. Very old unique pub and the Guinness was superb. The wi fi is exceptional too which is good as there is no signal in the valley at all. We had the pie and thought it was superb

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! First time I’ve stayed and I love it ! Price is brilliant and includes breakfast ! Beer is excellent as is the food and after a day on the hill well deserved and from an icon of the Lake District! Always loved the climbers bar - now I love the hotel too !

Absolutely amazing pub. Myself and friends stayed at the nearby NT campsite for climbing and scrambling weekend and had our evening meals and copious refreshments at the ODG. Ohhh what an experience. This is an authentic climbers' bar with the atmosphere to match so expect great characters punters and staff alike and literally hanging off of the walls. The weather being the weather and doing what the weather does, the roaring fire was a godsend to warm out bones before we had our meals. The deep fried Haggis with extra gravy was brilliant and filling which is a pity because everything else on the menu looked just as good, but alas unlike bovines i only have one stomach and it only had room for the sticky toffee pud (and copious refreshments). As I have already mentioned twice before, copious refreshment was had. There was a good selection of beer on and the copious I tried were great and in excellent condition. Prices were reasonable for the area and in general really. If you are looking for spoons prices I guess you can always go to The Justice but you'll never know what you are missing out on. :-)

We were snowed in at the ODG this weekend and it was an amazing once in a lifetime experience. The whole crew of the hotel, from receptionist and emergency coordinator and yogi, Linda, to barmen, Mark and Cam, through to the chef (Alex?) and the owner, Neil, all rallied round to help us out in what would otherwise have been a mountain survival situation at the end of an inaccessible, snow-filled valley. While the rest of the Lake District became gridlocked with abandoned cars, we enjoyed the hospitality of people who are the epitome of true Cumbrian grit. When we became stuck in snow, they added us on to their bookings and looked after us. The owner came through in his 4x4 to get the fire going in the residents’ lounge and regaled us with the story of how he bought the hotel in the first place forty years ago. Linda and Joanna, amongst others, cancelled their days off to help out too, keeping us updated as to the off-on potential availability of a room for a night on Saturday and again on Sunday. Once we were ensconced in the winter wonderland scenario for the whole weekend, Mark was assiduous in his attention to keeping us warm with log fires in the climbers’ bar and the residents’ lounge. He offered drinks and food service with a smile and much good humour, even when one of the other resident’s dog growled and barked at him when he called ‘last orders’! In the minds of thousands of climbers, walkers and campers, the ODG is an institution. This weekend we can bear witness that the traditions of the ODG remain intact. Hearty food and good company. We had no distractions from loud music or any television. The only hubbub was from likeminded guests sharing their experiences. The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel is always there, always offers a safe haven in a tricky situation and the present staff are continuing to keep up the legend of providing a benchmark to others, a beacon of Cumbrian hospitality. Stoicism in the face of adversity. Well done to one and all! We are very grateful to you. Xx