Well, I'm back from my Keswick trip, and I can report three worthwhile gatherings.
The best of them was the Bush at Cockermouth on Wednesday, which was a fine evening indeed, very welcoming and stacked with quality and variety (and no messing about or excessive tuning-up!). But you should've introduced yourself, Peteaberdeen - it would've been good to meet you and thank you for your contributions to this thread by buying you a pint! Maybe next time?

Tuesday evening at the Mortal Man in Troutbeck was really nice if a touch under-supported, and Sunday afternoon at the Twa Dogs in Keswick itself ditto with a surprisingly small turnout, but both good craic nevertheless and again very welcoming.

I didn't make it to the Open Mic on Monday at the Belgian Beer Bar in Keswick, as I couldn't find a parking space and it was raining too hard, didn't fancy a long walk so gave up!

But thanks one and all for your suggestions and help.

Cheers,
MM