As you drive down the A165 towards Skirlaugh you will see The Gardeners on your left just as you leave Coniston. The entrance is shared with a garden centre and quite easy to miss. If you do go past it I urge you to turn round and go back.
It is quite a large pub with an extensive well maintained beer garden and a bridge over a dyke that the kids love running over.
We visited on Sunday tea-time on the way home from the coast and we were surprised how nice it was. Inside there are low, wooden ceilings with walls inset with old wooden supports. The furniture is wooden with plenty of padding and the wall lights give the place an olde worlde feel.  The main bar area is divided into 3 sections including a huge conservatory where parents can sit to eat whilst keeping an eye on the kids outside. It is spacious and even at busy times plenty of room to move around.
They have a special offer for Tuesday evenings between 6pm and 8pm, a 16oz rump steak for £6.95. Being a lover of red meat I asked about this and was advised to book, so I did.
Arriving around 6.30pm Tuesday we had a table reserved and after ordering drinks and 2 16oz steaks we sat down. The pub was quite full but as mentioned, not too full. Plenty of staff around to ensure drinks were served without undue waiting and Stewart (hope that is spelt correctly) the new manager was in evidence around the place the whole time we were there.
After about 30 minutes wait, which is not unreasonable given the number of diners, the steak arrived. All I can say is, WOW. A pound of well cooked sizzling rump steak served on a cast iron platter with just enough room to fit half a grilled tomato and 3 onion rings. A side dish of chips came with it and whilst it is a little basic, the meal is all about the steak.
When I eat out I always, without fail, have the rump steak and I can honestly say that this was the most tender, tastiest I can ever remember eating. Cooked exactly as I like it, it was juicy and piping hot. For anyone who enjoys a good steak I have to say that a visit here is a must. Judging by the amount of people that had the same meal it is obviously very popular.
Sammy, our waitress (who asked to be mentioned by name) came by several times to make sure everything was ok and I couldn’t praise the meal enough. Thank you for the service and the smile Sammy.
The pub also has a function suite available and has regular entertainment. To the rear of the large car park there what I assume are accommodation chalets.
To sum up, I would definitely recommend a visit, but if you are going for the Tuesday steak I would advise you to book in advance.
Thank you to Stuart and Lisa for a memorable evening and be assured we will be back.