`The Black Bull` – What is it ? – A 17th Century Coaching Inn with 18 Bedrooms, Bar, and Dining room / Restaurant.
Where is it ? – The Black Bull is right in the centre of Sedbergh (Sed-Ber) in Cumbria. Staying here will situate you perfectly for venturing into the Lake District and the Yorkshire dales national park.
Who`s Cooking ? – Nina Matsunaga covers the cooking in both the restaurant and the Bakery over the road (poor lass). Husband James Ratcliffe oversees the front of house and everything else. The food comes with Japanese / Yorkshire influences from Nina and James`s backgrounds.
What should I expect ? A great place to hide out and escape for the weekend. Have a few drinks , a decent feed an amazing breakfast and then head home with bags of goodies from their Bakery over the road.
Must Order dish – My favourite course was the Seasonal salad with a selection of fresh produce from the garden and cooked Lovage stalks.
What will it cost me ? Rooms are available from £125 (B&B). Starters from £7.50 , Mains from £ 14.50 and Puds £6.95. Wine by the glass from £4.25
My thoughts – Warm, Welcoming, very relaxed atmosphere, well-priced drinks and wonderful food. I reckon they`ve got the perfect business here.
What`s good ? – Everything is locally sourced from the food on the plates to the Stationary ,the Sedbergh Soap and the toiletries in the rooms.
Any Negatives ? – Go easy on the Wine , I missed a fantastic Breakfast because of it.
Check out – The sister business over the road. The Three Hares Café and Bakery. Everything is home made.
Would I return ? – Definitely , I`m already planning a date. Next time i`ll hopefully try their Breakfasts.
Restaurant Address – 44 Main St, Sedbergh LA10 5BL Phone – 015396 20264 Website – http://www.theblackbullsedbergh.co.uk/
Wild Rabbit Loin , Hokkaido , Paimpol Beans and Lovage – £8.50
Courgette , Nasturtium Pesto , Cobnut & Yorkshire Fettle (cheese) £ 7.25
Homemade Blood cake & Hens Egg £ 7.50
Main courses
Howgill Hereford Beef Fillet , Bone Marrow , Chard and Garlic Scape £22.95
Wild Venison , Greengage , Coffee and Cobnuts £ 21.95
Northumberland Sea Bass , Artichoke , Verbena and Pine Nuts £21.50
Garden Rhubarb and Custard – £6.95
Salted Caramel , Banana and Peanut – £6.95
The rooms are available from £125 a night B&B