The Kirkstone Pass Inn

Perched on the highest pass in the Lake District, between Ullswater and Windermere, the Kirkstone Pass Inn has offered warmth and refuge since 1496. For over five centuries, it has welcomed travellers, walkers and locals — a constant shaped by time and steeped in stories.

This rebrand marks a new chapter — honouring its heritage while reclaiming its place as the pub at the peak of the Lakes.

Portfolio’s approach centres on a simple idea: the inn isn’t just in the landscape — it’s part of it. Inspired by Ordnance Survey contour lines, the identity is drawn from the land itself. These forms trace the surrounding fells, echoing Red Screes and the paths that lead to the door — mapping both terrain and centuries of human experience.

The result is a brand that feels embedded in the fabric of the Lakes. The visual palette is equally rooted in its surroundings. Inspired by Lakeland stone, weathered paths, mossy greens and shifting skies, the colours balance heritage with modernity — timeless yet alive, reflecting a landscape that is constantly changing.

Inside, what matters remains unchanged: honest hospitality. Locally brewed beers, hearty food, and the sense that reaching the pub means you’ve earned it.

More than a rebrand — a reassertion of identity, a celebration of place, and a reminder that some destinations aren’t just visited — they’re arrived at.