Journey to Sedbergh

If you are the type who, when planning an escape from London, wants to breathe deeply, enjoy beautiful scenery and savour amazing food, then The Black Bull in Sedbergh is the place.

Our journey began with a very early Avanti West Coast train from Euston. With free Wi-Fi and comfortable premium seats, we settled in to enjoy the countryside views. In just over three and a half hours, we arrived at Oxenholme—a relaxing start with Avanti West Coast on a smooth, comfortable ride to our destination.

A 20-minute drive from Oxenholme Station revealed breathtaking scenery. We arrived at The Black Bull, where we were staying, and thought, ‘Lucky us.’ Sedbergh, a market town on the edge of the Lake District in the Yorkshire Dales, boasts an interesting main street with a pub offering an extensive gin list, bookshops, boutiques and craft shops—plenty to explore.

A hire car is recommended, as there is so much to see. One spectacular attraction on the doorstep is the beautiful Howgill Fells. Walk, run, watch the sheep or simply relax amid the magnificent scenery.

The Venue

Before exploring, we checked into The Black Bull, a traditional pub with a chic gastro side. Earthenware pots grace the tables, complemented by red and dark leather seats against black stone walls, creating a cosy yet smart spot for drinks. Wander out to the extensive beer garden with sheltered seating for cooler days, surrounded by succulent flowers, mossy ferns and spectacular views of the Howgill Fells—perfect for a pre-dinner drink. Inside, the fine-dining restaurant is sophisticated and modern, inspired by Asian and Japanese styles: a wonderful place to unwind after exploring the Yorkshire Dales.

Accommodation

Rooms and suites follow a Japanese Zen style with clean-lined furniture, a monochrome palette and calming aesthetic, accented by industrial-style lighting that hints at luxury and modernity. The bathroom is a delight—relaxing and beautiful, stocked with natural shampoos and conditioners. After a day of exploration, we were excited to prepare for dinner and sample the famous menu.

Dining Experience

Nibbles and Starters

We received a unique menu showcasing courageous, passionate combinations that sparked lively discussion throughout the evening.

First came a delicious serving of butter—yes, butter—paired with warm homemade rustic bread. It captivated us entirely; this was no ordinary butter but a creation made with love, an unforgettable simple yet fantastic beginning.

Next nibbles included maple pea hummus and scallop roe taramasalata with crackers.

Starters followed: scallops and mussels on Thai green curry—divine, perfectly cooked, leaving us wanting more. Another featured beetroot, zhong, tahini and seaweed; the presentation was impeccable, with a powerful, gorgeous flavour kick. These dishes brimmed with diverse ingredients and evident passion.

Main Courses

Anticipation built for the mains, which are far from commonplace. Opting for a dish with an ingredient I typically avoid, I was pleasantly surprised: wild turbot with smoked eels, courgette, elderflower and oyster. Beautifully presented, the turbot sat alongside courgette and elderflower sauce. The breadcrumbed smoked eel balls topped with black caviar were a revelation—deliciously unexpected!

Another main was a vegetarian masterpiece: Berwick custard, chicken of the woods mushroom, yeast and yoghurt. Artistically clever—the mushroom resembles chicken—and the custard worked savoury magic, ideal for vegetarians.

Desserts

Room remained for desserts. The sticky toffee pudding was lovely, served with a jug of sauce and vanilla ice cream. A berry mousse with crushed lavender meringue and lemon curd dots was heavenly; the lavender meringue stole the show.

Final Thoughts

What a fabulous dining experience—we were taken aback by every wonderful dish. The Black Bull challenges food conventions, keeping you guessing and delighting with each mouthful. Our stay was wonderful: if you love exploration and passionate cuisine, this is the destination. It has everything—and more.

The Black Bull
44 Main St, Sedbergh LA10 5BL
T: 015396 20264
W: www.theblackbullsedbergh.co.uk

Written by India Morse for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International