The Black Bull Inn (Coniston)
With its own micro-brewery creating the extremely popular Coniston Bluebird Bitter, the Black Bull Inn in Coniston is a must visit for real ale aficionados. Located just half a mile from the shore of Coniston Water, this inn is ideally located for those who are looking for a place to relax after exploring the lake or ascending up the iconic Old Man of Coniston fell.
Those who have come to the Lake District seeking artistic inspiration will be in good company here, for Samuel Taylor Coleridge and JMW Turner are amongst the pub’s past patrons. Donald Campbell, land and water speed record holder, is also a former guest, and the pub is adorned with images of his record breaking attempts on Coniston Water.
Food & Drink
The Black Bull Inn is around 400 years old and inside you will find the original exposed stone walls and exposed beams, along with a log burning stove all creating the perfect, cosy, space to enjoy a pint of real ale. Here, they have it in abundance, with its own microbrewery producing six different real ales and two lagers, all available to buy at the pub. The pub also serves real ciders, as well as a good range of wines, whiskies, and other spirits.
Food is served at the Black Bull throughout the day. A cooked breakfast is available each morning for those staying in the pub’s accommodation, but non-residents are also welcome. The menu has a wide range of choices from light bites to more substantial main meals with generous portions, using locally sourced ingredients. You will find all of the classic pub dishes on the main menu, but do check out the daily specials board, as here you will find a mouth-watering array of seasonal dishes. There are a number of dishes suitable for vegetarians and there is also a children’s menu.
Other Features
The Black Bull has a beer garden at the front of the pub that is adjacent to the street, making it perfect for watching the world go by. The pub has two separate dining rooms – one with several large tables. These can be hired for parties and set menus for the parties can be arranged.
History
The Black Bull Inn was built around 400 years ago as a coaching inn, mostly to serve the passing trade that arose as a result of the copper and slate mining industry in the area. The arrival of the Furness Railway branch line into the village in 1859 brought hoards of Victorian tourists into the area, enabling the pub to thrive.
Past visitors include artist JMW Turner, and writers, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Thomas De Quincey, all drawn to the area seeking inspiration for their work. When Donald Campbell came to Coniston in the 1950s to set his water speed record he stayed at the pub, and later the pub was used as a filming location in the 1988 movie, Across the Lake, depicting Campbells’s efforts.
Accommodation
The Black Bull Inn has 15 rooms available on a B&B basis. Twin, double, triple, and family rooms are available, and there are some ground floor rooms in adjoining buildings that are suitable for those with limited mobility.
All rooms benefit from en-suite facilities with either a bath or shower, as well as televisions, tea and coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Many rooms offer fell views.