The Black Swan
In this small conservation village, with views to the Howgill fells, this large country pub is as much a locals’ favourite as an inn with smart food and bedrooms. More
Good Hotel Guide Review
In this small conservation village, with views to the Howgill fells, this large country pub is as much a locals’ favourite as an inn with smart food and bedrooms. The substantial, late Victorian-Edwardian building, ‘in a beautiful setting’ with a large beer garden running down to a stream, has been energetically run by Louise Dinnes and her ‘friendly and helpful’ staff for 14 years. Eat in the cheerful bar, with its panelled walls, tartan carpet, dried hops, stuffed animals and open fire, or in the quieter, elegant dining room. The dinner menu of Scott Fairweather’s ‘delicious food’ offers a creative twist on local produce; perhaps venison tartare with truffle mayo, or smoked haddock in mustard sauce, as well as staples such as beer-battered fish and chips. Breakfast is ‘of high quality’. ‘Spotlessly clean’ bedrooms range from a four-poster suite and glamping tents to dog-friendly annexe rooms with separate entrance, to the compact and cosy. Country cottage in style, with colourful throws and patterned wallpapers, all have fresh milk and local hand-made toiletries. And, whether they have garden or village views, all are quiet.
Hotel details
Address
Ravenstonedale
Kirkby Stephen
Cumbria
CA17 4NG
England
Telephone
01539 623204
Bedrooms
16. 6 in annexe, 4 on ground floor, 3 suitable for disabled. Plus 3 glamping tents.
Open
all year.
Facilities
2 bars, lounge, 2 dining rooms, free Wi-Fi in bars and lounge only, Orange mobile network only, in-room TV (Freeview), beer garden in wooded grounds, tennis/golf in village, public rooms wheelchair accessible.
Background music
in public areas all day, but optional.
Children
all ages welcomed.
Dogs
max. 3 in each of 4 ground-floor annexe rooms, not in restaurant.
Credit cards
MC, Visa.
Prices
Per room B&B single from £115, double £125-£185. A la carte from £40. 1 night stays sometimes refused.
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