The Black Swan

‘Quite excellent’, Louise Dinnes’s ‘friendly’ country pub-with-rooms attracts regular visitors with its ‘unstuffy, warm and welcoming’ atmosphere, and ‘remarkably good value for money’. We were sorry to mark the death of Alan Dinnes, the much-loved innkeeper, in 2016. Visitors and locals throng the stone-walled pub for its local ales and chatter; the wood-panelled lounge, with a log fire, is a cosy spot. ‘We were impressed with everything.’ Enjoy ‘excellent, plentiful’ dishes such as a beetroot and goats cheese starter, scallops with butternut risotto, and fish pie topped with creamy potato, enfolding a poached egg; in fine weather, sit in the garden running down to the stream. A new chef, Scott Fairweather, formerly at the Punch Bowl at Crossthwaite has arrived. We would love reports on his cooking. Country-style bedrooms are individually decorated; some, with external access, are ideal for dog owners. ‘Our large, ground-floor room overlooking a small courtyard was well maintained. We liked the good towels and toiletries in the bathroom.’ After an ‘adequate’ breakfast, set out on one of the many walks from the door – maps and booklets provided. An ‘excellent’ stop for travellers to and from Scotland. (Gwyn Morgan, TL, Susan Willmington)