So, once again, we’re rolling up our sleeves and doing the hard work for Keswick.
This time, it involved beer.
Lots of beer.
Tragic, we know.
What an induction for Josh, who spent one of his first days on the team being treated to this after work! I’m not saying our Marketing girl is an absolute icon, but they definitely would (or she’s not sending them on another ‘very important eating/drinking trip for work’ ever again).
Anthony and Josh headed down to Crooked River Brewing Tap for a beer‑tasting paddle, hosted by none other than Phil Scholey — Crooked River’s director, brewing mastermind, and all‑round absolute legend. If anyone was going to guide us through Keswick’s finest local pours, it was going to be Phil.
Crooked River Brewing isn’t just another taproom. It’s a proudly independent Lake District brewery with a strong sense of place, a love for modern craft brewing, and a clear mission: to make excellent beer that feels right at home in Cumbria. From the brewery to the taproom, everything about Crooked River feels thoughtful, rooted, and refreshingly unpretentious.
The taproom itself is warm, relaxed and effortlessly social, exactly the kind of space you want to wander into whether you’re meeting friends, finishing a day on the fells, or just fancying a pint that hasn’t travelled halfway across the country. There’s no rushing here. The vibe encourages you to slow down, sample a few styles, and actually talk about what’s in your glass.
Anthony and Josh went straight in with a tasting paddle, which is hands‑down one of the best ways to experience Crooked River’s range. With Phil guiding the way, each beer came with its own story, from inspiration and ingredients to brewing process and flavour profile.
This isn’t beer chucked together for the sake of it; it’s craft brewing done with care, creativity and a real understanding of balance.
Crooked River’s beers span everything from clean, crisp lagers to hop‑forward IPAs and darker, richer styles, each one brewed on-site and constantly evolving. What really stood out was how drinkable everything was. Even the bolder beers were smooth, well‑judged and incredibly moreish. Dangerous knowledge to acquire, really.
Phil’s passion for what he does is infectious. There’s no gatekeeping here, just enthusiasm, generosity with knowledge, and a genuine desire for people to enjoy good beer. Whether you’re a seasoned craft fan or someone who usually just orders “a pint of whatever”, like Josh, you’re made to feel completely welcome.
And that’s what Crooked River does so well.
It fills a very specific (and previously missing) gap in Keswick’s food and drink circuit. For a town packed with incredible outdoor experiences, it makes perfect sense that its beer scene is finally catching up — and Crooked River is leading the charge.
It’s also the ideal stop for visitors who want to support local, independent producers while they’re here. Everything brewed stays rooted in the Lakes, and you can even take a bit of Keswick home thanks to their bottle and can shop, perfect souvenirs that don’t gather dust, and promises to provide plenty of post-holiday comfort and nostalgia.
You can even order online, as a one-off or a subscription! If you’re looking for gift inspo for Lake District lovers, we can definitely recommend Crooked River’s online shop.
By the end of the paddle, Anthony and Josh were torn between picking a favourite and ordering “one of everything.” The beers, the setting, the stories — it all adds up to something genuinely special.
Crooked River Brewing Tap isn’t trying to be flashy or over‑complicated. It’s confident, community‑driven, and absolutely brilliant.
Keswick has long done pubs well. What Crooked River adds is something different: a modern taproom that celebrates brewing craftsmanship without losing its local soul.
We’re proud to recommend Crooked River Brewing Tap as a must‑visit for anyone who enjoys great beer, great conversation, and supporting brilliant local businesses.
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