The Black Bull Hotel, October 1997

Had been to Coniston several times before I discovered the Black Bull. It is basically a large 16th-century coaching inn on the main A593 road and still retains the feel of an old pub when you're in it with oak beams and log fires and a lot of Donald Campbell memorabilia. Two of the regular beers are brewed on the premises (Coniston Brewery). They are 'Bluebird Bitter' a golden, hoppy bitter (CAMRA's 1998 National Beer of the Year) and a stronger ruby red 'Old Man Ale'. They also occasional have special beers on along with guest beers.

Food is served between 11am and 9pm. A good pub for walking groups with a separate bar for them. There's also some seating in the courtyard in front of the pub and around the side where you can enjoy a fine pint and bite to eat if the weather's good. Thought that the pub's a little bit smoky at times though.

Ian and I by the brewery van, October 1996