We chose the Black Bull in Coniston, we had one of the cottages at the back. Again, I am happy to recommend it and not just because they brew the wonderful Bluebird Bitter behind the pub. The cottages have good sized en-suites, breakfasts are not for dieters, the full monty will keep you going all day.
Good tourist centre, walk up the Old Man behind the pub, take the scenic drive to Bowness via the ferry.
Cottages ok for mobility impaired, pub rooms have stairs

We had a lovely couple of days at the Black Bull. We stayed in one of the converted stable rooms at the back of the pub, so we had our own entrance. The room was good sized and comfortable with a large en suite. £90.00 per night is a bit pricey but the Lakes isn't a cheap place to stay - expect to pay London prices for food, beer and accommodation (we're from the south and the beer was more expensive than at home!).

We didn't eat at the Bull, partly because of the reviews and partly because the food being carried past us in the bar looked like standard Brake Brothers stuff. We ate at the excellent Sun Hotel a short walk across the stream and Harry's Bar opposite the Bull - which was very nice too.

We'd definately stay at the Black Bull again.

Stopped here for lunch on Thurs 20th July, it was some years since we had eaten here but we had good memories - What A Disappointment ! ! ! The cheapest sandwiches were £3.95 each, we ordered one ham & one beef. When they arrived they each consisted of 2 slices of dry bread from a sliced loaf filled with wafer thin processed meat which was virtually tasteless. This was accompanied by a small amount of tired looking lettuce, 2 rings of onion and one slice of cucumber. The portion of chips cost £1.95 and maybe amounted to one medium sized potato. Things went from bad to worse when the pot of tea for two which we had ordered arrived, at a cost of OVER £3 very pricey indeed but the teapot was so tiny there was insufficient tea to fill both teacups, when we complained it was replaced by a larger fresh pot and the waiter did have the grace to apologise. I don't mind paying for good quality and service but this was an altogether unsatisfactory experience.

Just had our second stay at the Black Bull and have decided it's a hotel of two halves.

On our first visit, we were given a large recently refurbished room, where you could hear the nearby brook running just beneath the window, and the service was impeccable. Pricey at £90 per room, but worth it.

On our recent visit, we paid the same price for a pokey room which was only just big enough for the bed, and while service was friendly, it was not great. We had booked a table for our arrival at 8:30pm, and found ourselves whisked out of the bustling, warm pub to the empty restaurant, where we were the only customers, and ate our meal while the staff set up for breakfast around us. Breakfast was good, but at £180 for the weekend, we thought the place was considerably overpriced.

The pub itself is brilliant - cosy, cheery and busy, with gorgeous Bluebird beer from the Black Bull's own brewery. The bar meals are varied and hearty and it's clearly popular. A great place for a drink then, but if staying, I'd recommend checking which room you're going to get first.