The Black Bull Inn, Coniston

Another day of walking today. The original plan was to walk around Tarn Hows, and then down into Coniston for some lunch, and then back up to Tarn Hows. Our timing was a bit out, so we changed plans slightly, and drove back down to Coniston for lunch instead.

There was only one choice. Well, actually there are quite a few, but we’ve been to Coniston a fair few times (we’ve stayed here twice too), and our favourite pub is definitely the Black Bull Inn. If you’ve ever had a beer from Coniston Brewing Company, you’ve probably heard of it. On the labels on their bottles, they recommend that you enjoy their beer at this very pub 🙂

So we did just that, and ordered some lunch as well. They are doing a few renovations at the moment, but it still has that classic “old pub” feel to it, just with nice modern “restroom facilities”. The works were going on whilst we had lunch, but they didn’t disturb us at all, although the friendly staff were keen to make sure that everything was ok, and offered to move us elsewhere if required. We just wanted to stay near the lovely warm log burner – which is one of the big attractions on a cold winter’s day.

Drinks first, and a new one for me, keeping with the #tryanuary theme. Asrai from Coniston Brewery is a gentle golden ale and a perfect lunchtime pint. It is named after a local legend of the Asrai.

By the historic Coniston Copper Mines, the mythical Asrai emerge from the caves above the moonlit Levers Water. Cold and pure, these elusive creatures fear capture by man lest they fade away and turn into pools of water.

Anyway, enough from myth world, on to lunch. We both opted for a toasted ham and cheese sandwich, perfect on a cold and wet day. Tasty ham, and well-flavoured cheese, and a nice bit of salad on the side. It was just right for us today as we had abandoned further walking plans. If we’d been carrying on then we would have had some of their lovely chips too.

Good food, a great pint (not many beer miles on this one, maybe 20 yards at the most?) and a lovely warm fire are the perfect ingredients for a great pub. Oh, and the brewery next door. The Black Bull Inn is certainly MOFAD approved – we’ll be back on our next walk in the area!