The Horse & Rainbow Pub in Kendal

32 Highgate, Kendal LA9 4SX

About This Pub

Ah, the Horse & Rainbow in Kendal – it's one of those traditional pubs that really captures the essence of a local spot, you know? I reckon it's a great place to pop in for a pint after a wander around town; the drinks are reasonably priced with some cracking offers, and the atmosphere is just spot on for chatting with mates or catching up on the latest sports action. They've got HD screens showing everything from football to Formula 1, and there's even an outside area for when the sun's out, plus it's accessible for everyone. But, to be fair, it's not all perfect – I've heard a few tales of staff being a tad short-tempered, like telling people to leave if they're not ordering, or not keeping a close eye on things like vaping rules, which can make for an awkward visit. Still, overall, it's worth checking out if you're in the area; just go in expecting that mix of the good and the not-so-good, and you'll likely have a decent time.

Pros and Cons

Pros

It's got a really welcoming vibe with friendly locals who love a good chat and banter, making it feel like a proper community hub.
Inexpensive drinks and unbeatable offers mean you can enjoy a refreshing pint without breaking the bank.
They show live sports like football, rugby, and horse racing on HD screens, which is brilliant for catching the big games.
There's an outside area and accessible facilities, plus live entertainment that adds to the lively atmosphere.

Cons

Some staff can come across as a bit abrupt or unpleasant, like in that instance where they asked folks to leave if not buying drinks.
Enforcement of rules isn't always spot on, such as with smoking or vaping, which can spoil the experience for others.
There have been reports of inconsistent treatment, like not welcoming certain visitors, which might put some off.

Contact Information

32 Highgate, Kendal LA9 4SX

+441212725499

Pub

Open Now

Opening Hours

Monday (Today)	11:00 - 23:00
Tuesday	11:00 - 23:00
Wednesday	11:00 - 23:00
Thursday	11:00 - 23:00
Friday	11:00 - 01:00
Saturday	11:00 - 01:00
Sunday	11:00 - 23:00

Location

Recent Reviews

After a meal, my friends and I went into the horse and rainbow and played a game of pool. After the game, an employee with glasses and start tattoos on his neck came up to us and stated in an unpleasant tone “if you’re not going to buy a drink, you can get out”. My friends and I were quite shocked by this unnecessary rudeness. We stated that we did not know we had to buy a drink to stay in the pub and he then said “this isn’t a youth centre you know where the door is so go away” I then tried to have a civilised conversation to defuse the situation and tried to tell him that i would have been completely fine with buying a drink if only he hadn’t been so aggressive about it. He then proceeded to make talking motions with his hand in my face and said “you’re just chatting so get out”. Then, another male employee decided to try and gang up on my female friends and I. Before this rude interaction with the employees I thought the pub was a nice atmosphere and we enjoyed playing pool. However, there was absolutely no need to behave in the way that they did. As we were going to leave, the neck tattoo guy said “go on get out it’s past your bed time anyways” it was 2 o'clock in the afternoon…My friend said that we were paying to stay in the pub as you have to pay for the pool table and he stated “oh yeah your £1 is definitely going to keep me in business isn’t it”, again, very unnecessary comment. If he disrespected every customer that walked in to play pool the same way he disrespected me and my friends, he would be begging for that £1 from the pool table. Maybe focus on your customer service and awful attitude rather than if someone is buying a drink from your horrendous pub.

Sophia Lawrence

I really like the pub but what is the point of having a notice saying no smoking or vaping. When a person on the next table is vaping?

Graeme Francis

Only popped in for a pint while working away and everyone was so welcoming. Instance banter with the locals and didn't really want to leave. Good pint as well.

Patrick Fletcher-Jones

This was a fantastic pub for drinking, with a warming design contributed by the ceiling lights! The wall's map is historic, counter is well-presented and staff were approachable. I enjoyed a pint of Strongbow Dark Fruit, sitting at leather seating of a clean table!

K. Peake

Absolutely disgusted with this place, the landlord has a great con going, After parking up & taking my client to lunch, we got told we wasn't welcome, at first I thought this was a joke & said why. (landlord) because you're a contractor, this was no joke. We got told to leave & then charged £1 for leaving the car park, otherwise the barrier would not be lifted. Pls be very careful going here as obviously outsiders are not welcome.... I've posted picture of entrance to car Park, hope this helps....

Rik