Bowness Tap Rooms: Family-Friendly Spot by Lake Windermere

Our Bowness Tap Rooms review comes from the very end of our Lake District holiday in December 2025, and it couldn’t have been a better way to finish the trip.

After several days of “serious” walking, sightseeing, and eating in quieter, darker pubs, we were ready for something a bit more lively — especially for the kids. Bowness Tap Rooms immediately stood out with its inviting colours, music, and bright interior.

Atmosphere & First Impressions

The place has a fun, upbeat vibe without feeling chaotic. It’s decorated warmly (we visited just before Christmas, and the festive touches were lovely), with big windows that let in plenty of light — something we really appreciated compared to more traditional, dimly lit pubs.

It won’t suit everyone looking for total silence, but if you enjoy a bit of atmosphere and energy, it’s a great choice.

Friendly, Welcoming Service

We were greeted straight away by Richard, the smiling manager, who was warm, relaxed, and incredibly accommodating. Even with a family of six, nothing felt like a hassle for us.

The waitress was just as friendly and patient, giving us plenty of time to decide. The staff were particularly kind and respectful with our children, which always makes a huge difference when eating out as a family.

Food & Value for Money

One of the big draws for us was the pricing. Eating out in the Lake District can add up quickly, but Bowness Tap Rooms felt fair and family-friendly.

• Fries were excellent and served with a fun crossword paper underneath — a small but thoughtful touch.

  

• Pizzas were generous, fresh, and full of flavour. The tomato base was especially good, and all pizza bases are vegan, which is a nice bonus.

• Portions were wonderfully satisfying, and everything arrived freshly made without a long wait.

For a family meal at the end of a trip, it felt like extremely good value.

Little Details That Stood Out

Some of the things that really impressed us:

• Clean, comfortable toilets (always appreciated!)

• A sense that the place is very thoughtfully run

• Dogs welcome

• A mix of families, couples, solo travellers, and locals — it felt inclusive and relaxed

When our youngest asked if he could take a milkshake away because he was too full (but was looking forward to one), the staff happily made it work, even providing glasses when takeaway cups ran out. That kind of flexibility says a lot.

You can also see recent photos, menus, and reviews for Bowness Tap Rooms on Tripadvisor if you’re planning a visit.

Would We Go Back?

Absolutely. Bowness Tap Rooms felt welcoming, relaxed, and genuinely friendly — not just polite, but kind.

If you’re visiting Bowness-on-Windermere and want good food, a lively atmosphere, and staff who clearly care about what they’re doing, this is a place we’d happily recommend.

You can find more UK travel tips and reviews from our family travels here: UK Travel