Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley, Cumbria

Sometimes, you look for one thing and find something else just as good. So it was, as we went off in search of Wilf's Cafe on an unlikely-looking industrial estate in the bypassed village of Staveley and found the Hawkshead Brewery in the shiny new premises shown above. It was buzzing with an early-evening crowd of mostly youngish people and we were welcomed adequately. Between us, we tried a range of hawkshead's offerings (Lakeland Gold, Red, Windermere pale) and were all delighted with our choices. The food was quickly and deliciously served and, all in all, a good outcome. We'll come back for Wilf's another time, wiser for knowing it closes at 5pm.

The Newfield Inn, Seathwaite, Cumbria

The Club went on tour, this Easter, to the Lake District and, specifically, to the beautiful Duddon Valley. We stayed in this pub, renting the top flat for £45 a night, drank some lovely ale (Corby Ale and Catnap from Carlisle-based Cumberland Breweries) and ate some good food - regular pub grub at the usual prices. The welcome was very friendly and unobtrusive, as from a slightly bygone era. Co-incidentally, the top flat also seemed locked in a 1970s timewarp, with all fixtures and fittings carefully retained. Good for that, though.