Black Bull Inn & Hotel

Business Details

Traditional Pub with Real Ales, Food & Accommodation in Coniston

The Black Bull Inn & Hotel Inn & Hotel is a family-run establishment with a rich heritage dating back over 400 years. Originally built as a coaching inn, we have preserved our historical character while offering modern comforts, including 11 en-suite guest rooms with mountain views. Our award-winning real ales, brewed on-site by Coniston Brewing Co since 1995, have earned national recognition, including Champion Beer of Great Britain titles. We serve freshly prepared traditional pub meals daily, using locally sourced ingredients, alongside a welcoming bar with exposed stone walls and an open fire.

Our location in Coniston village provides an ideal base for exploring the Lake District National Park, with easy access to walking trails, scenic lakes, and cultural attractions. We prioritise guest comfort with amenities such as free parking, bicycle storage, and pet-friendly policies. Our team is committed to delivering authentic Lakeland hospitality, combining cosy charm with exceptional service for visitors and locals alike.

Services

Real Ale Bar Restaurant Accommodation Catering Event Venue Local Brewery Tours Walking Holiday Packages Pet-Friendly Facilities Conference Space Wedding Receptions

Highlights and features

Family-run heritage spanning over four centuries with modern comforts
Award-winning real ales brewed on-site since 1995
Freshly prepared traditional pub meals using local ingredients
Scenic Lake District location with mountain-view guest rooms
Pet-friendly policies and accessible facilities for all guests

What people say

Friendly staff Clean and cosy Award-winning ales Scenic mountain views Welcoming atmosphere

Website

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Services

Real Ale Bar

Our traditional bar serves award-winning real ales brewed on-site, including Bluebird Bitter and No.9 Barley Wine. With exposed stone walls, oak beams, and a cosy open fire, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors. Guests can enjoy craft gins, single malt whiskies, and wines alongside our famous ales.

Restaurant

We serve freshly cooked traditional pub meals daily using locally sourced ingredients. Our menu features Cumberland sausages, grilled gammon, sirloin steak, and vegan/vegetarian options. Light snacks and Sunday roasts are available, with dietary requirements accommodated upon request.

Accommodation

Our 11 en-suite guest rooms include twin, double, and family suites with mountain views. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee facilities, and modern amenities while retaining historical charm. Two ground-floor rooms cater to guests with mobility needs or pet owners.

Coniston Brewery Tours

Explore our on-site microbrewery producing award-winning ales since 1995. Guests can sample beers in pints or tasting flights, learning about our brewing process using local mountain water and natural ingredients. The brewery shop sells bottled ales for takeaway.

Event Hosting

Our bar with slate flooring and large tables accommodates parties and events. Ideal for celebrations or meetings, we offer private hire options with bespoke catering and ale tasting sessions for special occasions.

Questions

What accommodation options are available at The Black Bull Inn & Hotel Inn & Hotel?

We offer 11 en-suite rooms including twin, double, and family suites with mountain views. Two ground-floor rooms accommodate pets and guests with mobility needs.

Do you serve food all day?

Yes, we serve freshly cooked meals daily from 12 noon through the evening, including Sunday roasts and a children's menu.

Are pets allowed in the pub or rooms?

Well-behaved dogs are welcome in designated areas of the bar and our Old Man/Bluebird Cottage rooms.

Can I visit the brewery?

Yes, our on-site Coniston Brewery offers tasting flights and bottled ales for takeaway. Brewery tours are available during bar opening hours.

What nearby attractions are accessible from your location?

We're central to Lake District highlights including Coniston Water, Grizedale Forest, and the Ruskin Museum, with walking trails to Old Man mountain nearby.

Do you have parking facilities?

Free parking is available for guests at our Coniston village location.

Reviews (7)

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Fatjue

Dec 29, 2021 Report

Lovely pub but really gutted about the portion size after paying 18 for a meal. Had a 5 hour hike and wanted to treat ourselves to a home cooked pub meal, staff where lovely! But we where so hungry after, we grabed a couple of starters from Sara's Indian over the road. Want to support

Neil Edwards

Dec 27, 2021 Report

Had a really excellent lunch here.
Delicious food, exemplary service.
Charming old building, full of charm & character. Definitely recommend if in the area.

Barbara Havelkova

Dec 15, 2021 Report

I didn't stay the night and only had food. I had a veggie stew. Sadly, the cook must assume that if you're vegetarian, you hate both food and yourself. It was completely appalling (and I just came from a full day winter hike - I would have been happy with little). At 16, it was the worst cost to performance ratio I have seen in a very long time. On the plus side, the bar staff were friendly and I was glad to have a toilet and WiFi.

Matthew Simmons

Oct 27, 2021 Report

I totally agree with recent reviews around how friendly the staff are and willing to help. Lovely pub that is warm, friendly and a good selection of nice ales. Room very clean and well stocked with added extras like tea and coffee. Shower great and all in all a lovely place to be visiting. It may not be 5 star hotel decor in rooms but is well kept, nicely done and matches a nice old pub. Will try food another day but room and bar very happy with.

Hesseh S.

Oct 11, 2021 Report

Located in heart of Coniston, the place is very popular with locals and tourists alike. The place is 400 years old and interior reflects this though very much open plan. The beer which is self brewed is great and best reason to go into the pub . The food is reasonably good but actually nothing special, a little over priced and portions not great If there was a Weatherspoons in town they would easily loose their food trade.

Jon Tudor

Sep 17, 2021 Report

Still busy on a Sunday evening, all the pubs in the village very busy. Good standard of roast beef Sunday dinner. Staff friendly, not big fan of their lagers as no idea what they were. As with all pubs they are fine with dogs.

Roger Byron

Sep 03, 2021 Report

This is a regular stop off for us when out walking and offers good range of good quality food and drinks. Great location for watching the world go by too! Quick friendly service as always.