The Royal

Due more to its history as a market town than its thriving tourist trade, the small town of Kirkby Lonsdale has five pubs, although perhaps The Royal Hotel would not care to be described as such.

When I first moved here in 1991, The Royal was little more than that, though; a bit run down, a grand building in need of some love. And then someone did buy it and closed it for refurbishment. The back parts of the large building were sold off to be turned into apartments, which also forced the curry house to relocate.

For years The Royal was closed, its presence more like an absence on the market square. Occasionally one would hear that it had changed hands, that someone else was going to do something with it. And then, finally, there were signs of refurbishment and three of four years ago, it re-opened. It's been nicely done, with an offbeat décor that works really well, even in the slightly colonial looking restaurant.

But here, just under the porch, is a bit that they seem to have missed, so the old script can still be seen.

Incidentally, I met someone yesterday who is relatively new to the area and, mentioning the hotel, they referred to it as the "The Royal Oak". My inner pedant is almost entirely focussed on me, so I felt no urge to correct herbut then later I thought, actually, maybe she would have preferred to be told. I don't know but I don't think I want to be that guy.