The Black Bull in Sedbergh with its roaring fire, cosy pub, acclaimed restaurant and stylish bedrooms, seems to have gotten it all right.
Located on one of Sedbergh’s quaint streets in a beautiful old market town with rolling hills as far as the eye can see, The Black Bull attracts locals and returning tourists alike, all drawn in by this lovely pub’s warmth and charm.
This 17th century coaching inn has retained many of its beautiful period features, while some parts of The Black Bull have been updated, like the stylish dining room where we were to experience an excellent set menu from new restaurant Tsuchi during our stay.
Rooms at The Black Bull
Rooms at The Black Bull are all individually styled. Named after local Cumbrian fells, our double suite room had the perfect balance of modern design versus classic countryside. With warm, ambient lighting set by the lamps for our arrival, we loved the gigantic and oh so comfortable bed, the large sofa and vanity area. The bathroom boasts glass walls (with optional curtain which you can pull across!), a huge rainfall shower wonderful free standing tub.
The hotel is also dedicated to local business which ties in with the owners’ commitment to sustainability – luxury British wool blankets draping the beds are from Laura’s Loom (based in Sedbergh), British wool carpets are from Wools of Cumbria and there are Petrichor toiletries in the bathroom which have been designed exclusively by The Sedbergh Soap Co. – especially for the Black Bull Inn.
Tsuchi at The Black Bull
The food offering at The Black Bull is split into two halves. In the pub, you can expect hearty pub grub with an elegant twist and on our first night we enjoyed seasonal, comforting food with plenty of local produce on the menu. But in the fine dining restaurant – Tsuchi, an incredible experience awaits and trust us, it is one worth travelling for if you don’t live in Sedbergh.
This new tasting menu launched last year and Chef-owner Nina Matsunaga showcases a concept which shows true commitment to sustainability and a respect for nature. ‘Tsuchi’ is the perfect name for the restaurant, meaning ‘earth’ or ‘soil’ in Japanese, and this new menu pays homage to the ingredients that are grown in the ground. Priced at £85pp with optional sake or wine pairings, it’s available Wednesday to Saturday and is a truly special selection of incredible tasting plates which are presented beautifully. Nina’s German and Japanese heritage with a Cumbrian twist is unlike anything I’ve tried before. Read our full review of Tsuchi here.
Sedbergh
Sedbergh itself is a really lovely place to spend a few days. Known as England’s official ‘book town’, it has a wide range of shops and book cafes as well as being home to the Dales and Lakes bookshop trail. From Fairfield Mill arts and heritage centre, to the Burns Beck Moss nature reserve, there’s all kinds of activities in the area, including sailing, canoeing, fishing, cycling and of course plenty of Cumbrian walks. While we were in the area, we climbed Winder Summit which was pretty challenging (for us!) but rewarded us with the most beautiful views! In addition, if you happen to be there on a Wednesday morning, you’ll catch the open-air market selling vegetables, meat, fish, eggs and lots more.
To book your room at The Black Bull, click here, and also be sure to check out their brilliant offers with three nights for the price of two as well as mid-week breaks including dinner and breakfast for only £249.