The Duke of Cumberland pub in the Lake District town of Kendal has reopened following a £370k investment by leading pub company Punch Pubs & Co.
The popular tourist hotspot – a favourite with walkers, families and locals – is now welcoming guests back with a completely refreshed look and feel, reaffirming its place as a go-to destination in the town.
Considered as the southern gateway to the Lakes, Kendal’s beautiful rural surroundings have inspired the pub’s new design, which pays homage to the area’s natural landscape.
The reopening has also brought a new Management Partnership, with Richard Bailey and his husband, Scott, now taking the helm. Having lived locally for the past few years and with a wealth of hospitality experience under their belt, Richard and Scott are ready to step behind the bar and bring fresh energy to this much-loved pub.
Richard said: “We’ve had a really positive reopening – it’s gone really well and everything just fell into place. The transformation from what it was is amazing, and we’re proud to welcome everyone back.
“We want The Duke of Cumberland to be a truly community‑led pub, with activities and entertainment shaped by the people who use it. We have enjoyed drinking here in the past, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to now be taking the reins – and we can’t wait to see old faces and new through the doors.”
The refresh has breathed new life into the pub with an internal repaint throughout, focused on a refreshed earthy colour scheme reflecting the surrounding nature walks. While original features have been kept, the new-look pub now features a dog-friendly dining area and extended bar to cater to the pub’s drinks range – whether it be a crisp pint, classic G&T or a hot drink, the menu caters to everyone, no matter the occasion.
Upstairs, the function room has undergone the same refresh, with the addition of two new dartboards. While it will still be used for private parties and meetings, the revitalised space also welcomes darts teams that Richard and Scott are bringing from their former pub, with plans for regular darts competitions and friendlies.
Outside, the pub’s exterior has received a full redecoration. Renowned for its vast beer garden, the space has been refreshed with subtle tweaks to complement the pub’s new aesthetic, alongside an additional outside bar for those sunny days.
Guests will also be delighted to see food back on the menu. With all the classic flavours you’d expect from a great British pub – and fresh, seasonal ingredients at the heart of every dish – the kitchen serves everything from stacked burgers and steak & ale pie to chicken gyros, beef lasagne and all-day breakfasts.
With ambitions to become the best pub in Kendal, Richard and Scott hope the investment and their arrival will offer guests great food, cold beer and a guaranteed warm welcome on every visit.
The Duke of Cumberland is now open and welcoming guests. More information about the pub and its offer can be found online and on the pub’s social media pages.
Pub website: Duke of Cumberland – Our Local Pub
Pub Facebook: The Duke of Cumberland (Kendal)
Pictures: courtesy of Gavin Forster Photography