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Set in the heart of Kendal on Highgate, directly opposite the Town Hall, The Rainbow Tavern is one of the oldest inns in the ‘Auld Grey Town’. Quality cask ales are on offer, one of which is always a local brew, along with a range of beers and lagers. The Rainbow also has an extensive beer garden and well-behaved dogs are always welcome. The Rainbow has eleven well appointed and comfortable bedrooms including two family rooms. Most are en-suite or with private bath/ shower room, with accommodation available at reasonable prices. Our chefs provide fayre of traditional bar meals and daily specials, with the ingredients sourced locally wherever possible. We also have an extensive steak menu cooked freshly to order, with home-made pies also available.
Arrived here saturday afternoon about 3 pm. We visit quite often, sit in the beer yard for one or two after shopping. Today it was heaving , it's kendal light show !! Queue at the bar , one person serving , she was well under pressure, with people pushing forward wanting to be served first.!! . I don't know how she kept track on who was next. !! I know what l would have done . Walked out on the spot . No idea who is in charge of this place ,but they want to get there finger out ,roll up their sleeves , and stop expecting one member of staff to serve a multitude . Never mind clean up , collect glasses, inside and out , wash glasses ,check the toilets , etc . Yes , the drinks are good value , but good staff should be valued , not costed.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We called at this pub for a drink, There were five of us, 2 of them was a 10 year old and a 8 year old, we got 2 pints and a double gin and tonic, just got sat down to drink them when the glass collector came and said we would have to leave as children weren't aloud, so she said we could finish our drinks, then 5 minutes later she said we would have to leave, so we said we would have our money back then, she said No, so there dad took the girl's out and we stayed and finished our drinks, it was 5o'clock, I went outside and there is no notice to say children are not allowed, yet you advertise family rooms, that's a joke , if children are not allowed, Will definitely be not back .
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Date of stay: November 2017
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Don't go with children,
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We walked in with our 1yr old for shelter from the rain, plus the football was on which pleased the other half. Immediately we were asked to leave with the words "don't take him out of his buggy, it's no kids" it's 2017 on a Saturday lunch time! Disgrace
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Date of stay: August 2017Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Recently renamed the Horse and Rainbow, this is a friendly place to come to enjoy some banter and a few nice real ales at very reasonable prices. Good place to watch live sport. Definitely recommended!
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Date of stay: July 2017Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dropped in at the Rainbow Tavern and sat outside in the 'beer garden' for drinks. Good range of ales and definitely excellent value for money. One of the cheapest pints we had in Kendal. The inside looks like it has recently been refurbished...def worth a visit....
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Date of stay: July 2017
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have started coming here to sit in the " beer garden " after shopping _ very pleasant staff, good value _ not ripped off _ it looks like work in progress, lovely flower boxes on the front but needs weeding along the wall _ the beer garden could be improved greatly with just a weed and some flower tubs and such. this is a large property it has room for barn type bedrooms, but like everything it all costs money _ an immediate improvement however could be made in a day for the summer _ with just attention to detail and a couple of hundred pound _ thankyou 🌹
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Date of stay: July 2017Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ok so I booked at stay here through last minute.com as little getaway and I've never been to Kendal before. I arrived ok the pub needs a little more tlc in the bar area, i approached a woman working behind the bar to check in she was nice, pleasant and helpful with the questions I asked her. All was ok no real issues. So I go to my room and yes I agree with other reviews in that rooms are dated something from the stone ages!!! The Tv was old when we turned it on it took ages to focus, the colour to adapt also had to either get out of bed to switch it off or just leave it on all night like I did. The room was FREEZING that cold I went and bought new thick pjs, a throw over and a hot water bottle. Mattress had seen better days unless you like the spring in your back feel, I don't. The kettle looked like it had never been cleaned was black, rusty and really needs to be binned. The bathroom wasn't to bad to be fair my only issue was the power shower which wasn't very powerful I think the im a celebrity get me out of here's shower is faster than this!!! One thing that did stand out and left a lasting effect on me was the constant smell of chips that lingered morning noon and night, could do with a few plugs ins to get rid of that!! We went to the weatherspoons round the corner and was talking to a barmaid there who was asking where we were staying, when I told where her face was a picture instantly told me check out rapidly loool. It really did put me off. I handed my keys back on check out and found the gentleman I gave them to very dismissive "I'll take them, exits that way not that way". I've noticed on every review that is honest and people's personal experience, either the management or owner is aggressive and quite belittling in his wording. I'm entitled to my opinion and not everyone of similar opinions can be wrong.... instead of aggressively responding to reviewers criticism maybe you could address these issues as a responsible owner and correct them to make guests stays more enjoyable. After all it's us that keep the b&b part of your business afloat.…
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Date of stay: January 2017Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As we only paid I think £25 per head for a bed in a twin room we didn't expect much. There was no window apart from a small Velux which made the room feel like a cell and the carpets were shabby. Positively,the bedding and towels were clean and it was very central
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Date of stay: December 2016Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from adrian t, Manager at The Rainbow Tavern
Responded Mar 29, 2017
thank you
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We did not stay for two days at this tavern one night was enough. The room had torn wallpaper in the bedroom and most of the wallpaper in the bathroom was hanging of the ceiling. This was room 2. The bed was very old and room 2 is not fit to be let out. Our friends were in room 1 which had been updated. The landlord was not very helpful. The bar closed at 9pm but so did most of the pubs and Resturaunt in Kendlal. The door neer our room had a sign saying breakfast room, we opened the door and it had furniture piled up. Breakfast was served in the bar area.
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Date of stay: March 2017
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow. Where to start. Living Social 2 night deal. Returned home midway through and complained to Living Social. They have had numerous other complaints which has resulted in them removing this 'Hole' from their deals. Ironically this had already been done before we contacted them. This break was cheap but there is no excuse for such a diabolical place. Basically; room filthy, exposed wires, cracked walls, mouldy shower and walls, smelly, no mattress protector. Food worse than awful. Can't even describe how bad it was. Hospitality shocking. Attitude to guests aggressive and provocative. Entire experience unbelievable. Exploiting the beauty and reputation of the English Lakes.
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Date of stay: March 2017
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Don't go to this establishment
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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