The Black Bull, Sedbergh

Hotel review

This 17th-century coaching inn, which had seen better days, was brilliantly rescued by James Ratcliffe and partner Nina Matsunaga in 2018 to give it a fresh cool look without losing its traditional pub feel. Stripped-wood floors, red-banquette seating and wood-burning stoves mix with pale-washed walls, exposed-stone and reclaimed timber while funky lights hang from beamed ceilings. Striking local photography gives a sense of place while Nina's Japanese heritage shows in earthenware pots of succulents and mossy ferns. Bedrooms are smart and uncluttered with rustic touches – local wool carpets, handwoven blankets and panelled feature-walls - mixed with a hint of Japanese in the grey-and-white colours, and sleek slate-and-shiny-white bathrooms. True, the standard rooms are quite small but the beds are huge and the bathrooms just as airy. Food is gastropub-standard with a hint of Asian influences, while the wine list - over 60 choices - is impressive and there are around eight real ales and craft beers. Relax in the beer garden with the Howgill Fells almost within touching distance. Something to do tomorrow, after one of Nina's excellent breakfasts.

Helen Pickles Review published: 26/02/2024