The Black Swan

Value offers

César award: Pub-with-rooms of

'Warm, friendly and very well run', Alan and Louise Dinnes's restored Victorian pub in a village near Kirkby Stephen is much liked by readers, not least for its 'remarkable value'. 'What a joy to find it in such exuberant form,' say returning guests this year. 'They are hands-on owners; the staff are interested in their guests.' The Dinneses have made the pub the hub of local life: its bars 'are well patronised'; they run the village shop on the ground floor. 'The bedrooms are all different: mine had a private bathroom across the passage, another small room had a splendid view to Wild Boar Fell.' Two ground-floor rooms are suitable for visitors with mobility problems; one is being given a wet room fully equipped for the disabled. Chef Kev Hillyer serves 'artisan dishes' on a seasonal menu (with daily specials). 'The choice is varied: I particularly enjoyed garlic mushrooms in a Stilton sauce; belly of lamb came with excellent vegetables and scrumptious chips. Simpler alternatives are available. Substantial breakfasts also have a daily special (eg, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs).' (Trevor Lockwood, Ian Dewey)

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  • Continues to exude warmth and friendliness. Welcomed as a returning guest, I immediately felt at home. In the dining room, the menu was sufficiently varied that over five days I did not need to eat he same dish twice though I would have been happy to do so. Smaller portions at a lower cost are available for small appetites. Breakfast also hearty.

    Trevor Lockwood, 30/01/2013

  • Our second visit. We had the same comfortable room. Reception and service as good as before. Food was excellent. It was good to hear the locals chatting in the bar.

    Gwyn Morgan, 27/11/2012

  • Fantastic staff, cheerful and helpful. Our room was commfortable and light with plenty of storage space and a good shower. Very good food with generous portions.

    Margaret Wall, 21/06/2012

  • A wonderfully situated pub/hotel in exuberant form under hands-on owners Louise and Alan Dinnes. Room comfortable, modern, warm, good-sized. Dinner, whether in bar or dining room (same menu), of a high quality, all freshly prepared. An excellent and not over-priced wine list. Draught beer selection not bad either. Staff all very kind and interested in the guests. It has a great buzz; is clearly popular with the locals. Stunning scenery for miles around. Great value for money (winter offer).

    Ian Dewey, 02/02/2012

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Local attractions

The Lake District
The largest of the English National Parks and the second largest in the United Kingdom.
Wild Brown Trout Fishing
Tuition from a local expert.
Paragliding
Paragliding tours over the Lake District.

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Discount Vouchers

This hotel accepts the following discount vouchers:

  • Online vouchers

    These entitle readers to a 10% discount off their normal B&B rate for a single night's stay

    Print voucher

  • Book vouchers

    This hotel accepts discount vouchers which entitle readers to a 25% discount off their normal B&B rate for a single night's stay. Each printed copy of the Guide contains six vouchers worth in total about £150. BUY THE GUIDE

    Buy the guide

Contact Details

The Black Swan

Kirkby Stephen Ravenstonedale Cumbria England CA17 4NG

Telephone

015396 23204

Website

www.blackswanhotel.com

Discount Vouchers

This hotel accepts discount vouchers which entitle readers to a 10% discount off their normal B&B rate for a single night's stay

Further Information

Bedrooms

14, 2 in ground-floor annexe, 1 suitable for disabled.

Open

all year.

Facilities

bar, lounge, 2 dining rooms, beer garden, tennis and golf in village.

Background music

optional 'easy listening' in bar, restaurant.

Children

all ages welcomed.

Dogs

allowed in 2 bedrooms, not in restaurant.

Credit cards

Amex, MasterCard, Visa.

Prices

[2012] B&B £40-£70 per person, full alc £26, Christmas/New Year packages.

GHG voucher offer

Buy the guide and claim 25% off B&B rates on certain dates