The Sun

Location: Consistently praised for its scenic views overlooking the countryside, proximity to hiking trails , and central position in a village.

Visited for a drink after a day walking. The drinks were fine, but the landlord was unnecessarily grumpy and rude. It felt like we were really putting him out by asking questions about the drinks and then paying on a credit card. It felt like he didn’t like visitors.

I`ve stayed in the Sun many times before, normally with friends or family, this time I stayed by myself. As always I received a warm welcome from the staff, some of whom have been there for years, which is always a sign of a good hotel. I stayed in the small double / single - room 5, which was absolutely perfect for what I needed, comfortable, spotlessly clean, with a cracking shower it and looked like it had very recently been decorated. As with all the rooms at the Swan they come with the added bonus of that wonderful views of the base of the Old Man and the village. Both nights I was there, I slept like a log and the only sound you can hear is that of the birdsong and the rain ( well it wouldn`t be Coniston without it ! ) I was running in a race nearby, so only had a very light breakfast on my first morning, toast and porridge, but the day after I had everything they had to offer, which includes, cereal, yogurts, toast, fruit juices, tea / coffee and a wide choice of cooked food ( I had scrambled egg and salmon ), served in the lovely conservatory at the front of the hotel. I didn`t eat at the Sun, but I had a few drinks and although the Black Bull down the road has won awards for it`s real ale , I can honestly say that the real ale in the Sun is just as well kept, offers more variety and is slightly cheaper too. ( The pint of Fell Dark Mild I had was one of the best pints I`ve had all year ). Also the bar in the Sun feels much more like a proper cosy country pub, than a hotel bar, which makes for a really pleasant place to drink and eat. The Sun isn`t the Ritz, but it has a charm that non of the other hotels in the village do and it`s one of my favourite places to stay in the whole of the Lakes. See you next year, for more of the same.