Barking up the right tree on this beer-lover's break

This was the first 'holiday' for our young border terrier-Labrador combo. And after looking decidedly miserable from the two-hour-plus drive to Windermere, pup was enthusiastically welcomed by reception staff at the beautiful Briery Wood Country House Hotel.

Set in seven acres of perfectly-manicured gardens and woodland, the hotel has five dog-friendly bedrooms.

In fact, your dog pretty much has the run of the place. He can sit with you in the bar as long as he's a good boy, run riot on the immaculate lawns, and have a good old sniff about in the woods – and even when you relax at the breakfast table, slightly embarrassed by his impatient yapping through the walls, no-one seems to mind.

The only place in the hotel where dogs are not allowed is, understandably, the restaurant.

But back to the beer. Briery Wood has put together a brand new package for all lovers of beer, ale, stout or lager.

The Lake District is famed for craft ales and microbreweries and this pint-sized break is ideal. It includes overnight accommodation at Briery Wood, full English breakfast, and a tour of the award-winning Hawkshead Brewery, in Staveley, followed by a couple of drinks before returning to Briery Wood to indulge in their fabulous three-course beer-based dinner.

The menu has a choice of two starters, two mains and two desserts, followed by fresh coffee and handmade chocolates.

And the food is stunning. With the dog safely tucked away in our room, my other half and myself ate virtually everything on the menu – one of each course. As promised, there's some sort of ale sampled in every dish. My pave of smoked salmon with confit egg yolk, Lakeland lager shandy foam and pea shoots was to die for. I followed this with Dry Stone stout slow-braised shoulder of lamb with boulangere potato, roasted leek and lamb reduction. It looked stunning and tasted divine. And the desserts were the icing on the ale-cake – I finished off with chocolate and peanut butter mousse, Brodies' Prime caramel brittle and Damson stout ice cream.

On the morning of our stay I was up early, eager for the dog and I to explore the local area. About 15 minutes walk from the hotel is Brockhole Lake District Visitor Centre, right on the lake shore, with plenty of parking, a treetop trek adventure, historic gardens, boat trips and much more.

Back at the hotel, after spotting a couple of deer in the hotel grounds, the breakfast menu was calling and there's a great choice of cereals, fresh fruit and yoghurts. Follow this with eggs cooked to your liking, or go for the full English with Cumberland sausage and tasty black pudding.

Briery Wood is the perfect setting to relax or to explore the spectacular landscapes of The Lakes. It sits a few minutes walk from the shores of Lake Windermere and is within easy reach of Ambleside and Bowness.

Its ground-floor dog-friendly bedrooms are spacious, and have extra large beds, TV, tea and coffee making, and a door to your own little patio area and the gardens beyond. There is a charge of £20 for your dog's stay. Just bring along his food, bedding, cage, etc.

So say cheers and book a beer-lover's break at Briery Wood. You'd be barking mad not to.

This Beer Lovers Break at Briery Wood Country House Hotel & Restaurant is available on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday at £99 per person.

Midweek bed and breakfast rates at Briery Wood start from £50 per person per night.

Weekend bed and breakfast rates start at £70pppn and £95pppn for dinner, bed and breakfast.

For special offers, visit: www.brierywood.co.uk or call 015394 33316.

Hawkshead Brewery tour, £8 per person including either a pint or two halves at the end of the tour. The tour includes a short film and lasts around 45 minutes.

To pre-book a place call 01539 825260.

Hawkshead Brewery is in the village of Staveley, half way between Kendal and Windermere, off the A591.