On Elterwater's village green, this classic whitewashed inn has been serving ale for five centuries: the current line-up includes brews from Coniston Brewery and the nearby Langdale Brewing Company (our pick is the superbly named Neddy Boggle Bitter). There are nooks and crannies aplenty to hunker down in, and tables on the grassy lawn out front for sunny days.
The pub hosts its own beer festival in November.