The Sally at Irthington is bucking the trend and booming!
THE SALLY
The Sally at Irthington is bucking the trend and booming!
by Danni Murphy
At a time when many village pubs across the UK are closing their doors for good, The Sally at Irthington is bucking the trend – and thriving.
Set in a village with a population of just 777, The Sally has quickly established itself as a hub of good food, warm hospitality, and local pride. So, what’s the secret behind its success?
Owner and head chef Tom Towle puts it down to confidence, consistency, and above all, people.
“You just have to be confident in what you’re doing and ensure the front of house team is fantastic. We are so lucky – we’ve got good grafters who are really friendly people. They’re the first thing that people see when they walk through the door, it’s massive. Alongside them, we have a great team of chefs who are passionate about what they do, and that’s important too. Plus, we use good local suppliers like Steve Wilson Butchers, Inter Fresh, and Bells Fishmongers – all local and all consistent.”
The result is a pub that not only draws on the support of its village community but also wows visitors with its charm, atmosphere, thoughtful layout, and fair pricing.
“With its combination of quality food, local produce, welcoming service, and fair prices, it’s no wonder foodies and locals alike are singing its praises.”
Towle knows his food. With more than a decade at The Roundthorne Hotel near Penrith and years developing the hospitality arm of Hidden River, he brings experience and passion to every dish. Nearly two years into ownership, does he have any regrets?
“Absolutely not – it’s the best thing I’ve ever done and the best move I’ve ever made.”
He’s quick to credit his staff too: “I’m so blessed with the team I’ve got. One of the biggest pieces of feedback we get is how happy the front of house staff look, and how much they seem to enjoy their job. That’s really important to me. I love that kind of feedback, alongside the comments on the food.”
The pub itself is as impressive as the menu – stylish yet casual, comfortable inside and out. Locals embraced it from the moment Tom opened the doors. Expect pub classics, creative specials, and themed nights, all paired with great ales, current ales include, West Walls Brewery and Corby Brewery and Hawkstone. They also cater for christening receptions, birthday parties, funeral teas and buffets to takeaway.
Calling all Festive Foodies
The Sally has a special festive menu for Christmas – as well as some great entertainment lined up.
Here are some festive dates for your diary:
- 24 Nov – Christmas 2 & 3-course menu starts, ran alongside Nov/Dec Menu
- 6 Dec – Live Music from Katie Keeling – 8pm
- 12 Dec – Live Music from Natalie Jacques – 8pm
- 19 Dec – Live Music from Katie Keeling – 8pm
- 22 Dec – Christmas Quiz Night – Quiz starts 7:30pm
- Christmas Eve – Food: 12pm – 4pm, Bar: 11:30am – 7pm
- Christmas Day – Food: 12pm – 4pm, Bar: 11:30am – 6pm
- Boxing Day – CLOSED
- 27 – 30 Dec – Open as usual
- New Years Eve – Food: 11:30am – 3pm, NYE Menu: 5pm – 8:30pm, NYE Party til Late
- New Years Day – Food: 12pm – 4pm, Bar: 12pm – 6:30pm
The popular Tapas Night offers six or seven dishes chosen by the kitchen – no decisions needed, just great food arriving at your table. Other offers include two flat iron steaks and a bottle of wine for £40, underlining The Sally’s reputation for value.
And if you don’t want to leave? There are five beautifully designed rooms, perfect for extending your stay. In summer, the beer garden is a draw for walkers, while autumn and winter bring roaring fires and seasonal menus. Dinner, bed and breakfast deals make it even easier to linger.
“We want customers to enjoy great food in a welcoming atmosphere” says Tom. “We change the menu every couple of months, and our specials are really popular – so there’s always something new to enjoy.”
Open seven days a week and hosting a variety of events throughout the year, The Sally is more than just a pub – it’s a thriving example of what a country inn can be. With its combination of quality food, local produce, welcoming service, and fair prices, it’s no wonder foodies and locals alike are singing its praises.
If you’re looking for a true Cumbrian country pub experience – roaring fires, great ales, hearty food, and a warm welcome – The Sally at Irthington could be your perfect match.
The Sally, Irthington, Carlisle CA6 4NJ
Tel: 016977 42954. www.thesallyirthington.co.uk
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