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Nook Bar Back

Nook Bar

A newly opened independent bar and kitchen in Staveley Mill Yard, taking over the former Hawkshead Brewery Beer Hall with food, local beer, relaxed seating and regular events.

Opened in July 2026 in the former Hawkshead Brewery Beer Hall
Bar open from noon every day, with later Friday and Saturday closing
Food served daily, including Sunday service until 5pm
Comfortable indoor seating, outside benches and a cosy Book Nook
Live music and community events form part of the venue programme
Easy car-free access via Staveley station and regular Lake District buses
The full story

About Nook Bar

Nook Bar is an independent bar and kitchen in Staveley Mill Yard, between Kendal and Windermere. It officially launched on 10 July 2026, following a soft-opening evening on 9 July, bringing one of Staveley's best-known hospitality spaces back into regular use.The venue occupies the former Hawkshead Brewery Beer Hall and Brewery Tap. That history gives Nook a particularly useful location for visitors who already know Staveley Mill Yard as a destination for independent food, drink, outdoor and creative businesses. The old beer-hall site closed in 2024 before being refurbished for its new operator.Nook has been designed as a relaxed village bar rather than a formal restaurant.

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Current descriptions highlight traditional outside benches, comfortable indoor seating and a small Book Nook where visitors can sit with a drink away from the busier parts of the room.The kitchen serves food throughout the week. Current published food times are noon to 8pm from Monday to Saturday and noon to 5pm on Sunday. The bar itself currently opens from noon every day, closing at 9pm from Monday to Thursday and on Sunday, and at 11pm on Friday and Saturday. Opening and kitchen times can change around events, so check Nook's latest social posts before making a special journey.The drinks offer includes cask and other beers, with CAMRA recording both regular and changing real ale. The venue's original licensing plans also allowed for occasional live music, food service and community events, and Nook has already begun appearing in local gig and event listings.Nook Bar Staveley Ltd is an active company registered at Staveley Mill Yard. The company was incorporated in May 2026, shortly before the venue launched.Staveley is one of the easiest south Lakes villages to visit without a car. The village has a station on the Lakes Line between Oxenholme and Windermere, while Stagecoach services including the 555 and 6 serve the main Lake District corridor. The Mill Yard can become busy at weekends and during fairs or events, so arriving by train or bus can be a useful option.The confirmed address is Mill Yard, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9LR. Visitors with allergies, accessibility requirements or questions about private events should contact Nook directly before travelling.

The Cumbria Guru verdict

Worth It

A very welcome second life for the former Hawkshead Brewery Beer Hall. Nook keeps the Mill Yard social atmosphere but broadens the appeal with food, comfortable seating and events, making it a strong stop before or after a walk, cycle ride or day around Staveley.

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Last updated 17 August 2026.