Black Bull Hotel

We checked the food menu on their website prior to booking and made our one night stay on the strength of that. The young lady I spoke to booked us in for an evening meal. What a joke!!! I approached the bar 15 minutes before our booked time and asked to see the menu’s. All I was given was a bar meal menu. I asked the bartender for the main meals menu but I was told that this was the only menu available. After voicing my opinion, the bartender chose not to deal with this issue and obtained the manager. She was of no help whatsoever and was full of excuses, no apology whatsoever. We wanted food off the Grill but this was not on the bar menu. Before setting off on our three hour journey, we again looked at the online menu and I chose mixed grill and my wife chose the fish and chips meal. No chance of getting any of these meals. Hence we both had curry and chips from the neighbouring take away. Now to the room. Early morning traffic woke us both up at 6am due to the window not closing. Room was adequate but the communal staircase leading to the room was filthy. It’s a crying shame that we prepaid. BREAKFAST. On arrival we paid for a full English and just toast for my wife. First of all, the toast was whole meal and no other choice. Butter seemed like if had come directly from the freezer and impossible to spread. No jam or marmalade available. Poor quality breakfast ingredients and swimming in oil HORRIBLE. I was going to complain again but my wife didn’t want any more conflict. What a shame. We stayed at this PUB several years ago and had a great experience with fantastic staff. NEVER NEVER EVER AGAIN. WHAT A MUCK HOLE!!!!!! Don’t know how I get my money back. But I’ll try.

We stayed here for 1 night as other nearby places were booked up. The hotel looks nice from the outside but is a bit dark & dated inside. We were welcomed straight away & shown to our room but this was the last time we saw a member of staff. The room was a decent size but again was quite dated, it was clean but not spotless and the milk sachets provided were out of date. A full English breakfast is advertised as being included in the price and menus and breakfast order forms were provided in our room however we were informed by other guests that no food was available at all, we should have really been told this by the staff on arrival. Had an ok night's sleep but not great, if you're after a quiet night then it's probably not the place for you. No staff were to be seen in the morning and the pub was all locked up so we just left room keys on the side and left via the back door. We went to the Pennine Inn just down the road for our breakfast - would highly recommend this and book earlier for a room there in future. The Black Bull was adequate for a night but I wouldn't stay again, definitely not worth £100 plus, horrendously overpriced for what we got. Hopefully the new owners can turn it around as the Kirkby Stephen area itself is lovely and worth a visit.

Unfortunately we decided to eat here. The food was terrible. Cold nachos with cold cheese sauce. Cold wings which were smothered in cold bbq sauce. The prawns were ok as they were evidently deep fried and pre bought. We are a group of 6 eating here with a bill totalling £80+ My friends meals were equally terrible with child sized portions and food served not as described on the menu. When asked if everything was ok we explained our dissatisfaction and were met with a non plus response which was almost argumentative and defensive. Almost as if they did not care.

Another honest review. So we stayed 2 night over the New Year 2023 as we wanted to get away from the city hustle and bustle and it’s exactly what we got. Room was fine and had a huge bath with a good hot shower . The staff we met were all great, happy and would answer any questions, breakfast was good too. I’d deffo come back.

Had a great experience at this hotel in Kirkby Stephen recently. Very easy booking in by the young lady behind the bar, went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Pub in general gad a good atmosphere. Rooms were a good size, clean, tidy and warm. Would definitely stay again without doubt.

Stopped on way to barrow in Furness for lunch. Dreadful food. Steak sandwich was lumps of steak with lots of mushrooms. Halloumi wrap was tasteless and seemed to have fried lettuce in. Certainly no sweet chilli sauce. Frozen fried chips. Not worth £9 each. Place looks grubby and menu holder was stuck to table with grime. Now in a gorgeous hotel and had to cancel evening meal as stomach upset.