The Black Bull in Allerdale

Popped in here as this was the first pub I came to when my weakened bladder condition kicked in on a day trip to Cockermouth and I needed a wee. I politely asked for directions to the toilets in a tone that anyone could see meant I needed to find them urgently, only to be told sharply “It’s customers only”, which I’m not sure is even legal. Did she find my discomfort amusing ? maybe, not exactly the warm welcome to Cockermouth that the tourist guides would have you believe. Would she have found it more amusing for me to let go in the public bar on the way back out and her have to mop up ? or would she prefer me being humiliated outside on the high street. If I had agreed to become a ‘customer’ would I have to wait for her to pour a half-pint of guiness or could I use the toilet as soon as my contactless payment had gone through ? Having said that, the place was on the high street and virtually deserted at lunchtime on a Sunny half-term Saturday so that probably tells you more than any review I could post. The fact the place was as quiet as the grave made the dehumanising behaviour stand out even more. Beat a hasty retreat (no time to waste arguing) and found a much nicer pub further down the street, a fantastic patisserie on the other side of the high street and a lovely cafe at the end of the History Wall so I can attest there are some very nice people in Cockermouth, just not working in the Black Bull Pub.

Visiting Cockermouth on holiday with partner in and out charity shops had nice lunch was caught short needing a pee badly I’m diabetic ask very nicely if I could use the toilet told straight up no it’s for customers only asked if I could put a donation in charity box told no again and it’s her decision would not have treated an animal the way she treated me what goes around comes around left a horrible taste in my mouth and let me disgusted

Fantastic pub on main street cockermouth popped in Saturday night to watch the rugby 🏉 £3.60 for a pint of madri and nice friendly staff l and landlady. Great atmosphere and music on a weekend. Will go back next time I am in the area.

Tried to buy a pint here more than once and no one could be bothered to serve us. Seemed like outsiders are not welcome

I walked into almost empty pub to find the land lady and a handful of large men sat around together having a private party. I politely asked if they served food and was advised that they don’t by the lady. Then I was advised by one of the large men that they don’t do prostitution either, followed by a roar of laughter by the rest of the welcoming committee. - The only empty pub on the street - terrible ‘jokes’ - poor choice of welcoming committee from the land lady - maybe a closed sign would be less misleading than an open door.

I was saved by checking reviews. No traditional beer. What in earth is the point of an English pub which doesn't provide traditional English beer? Why turn away custom?

Nice pint but filthy pub staff sitting with customers watching the races instead of finding the mop looks like it has never had a clean for years avoid this pub

The Black Bull is a traditional pub in the centre of Cockermouth. We called in a couple of times during a short stay and were made very welcome by the landlady and locals. Good selections of drinks, including at least one draught ale, and reasonable prices. Clean, comfortable and spacious, it's one of the few pubs in Cockermouth open at the beginning of the week.

Having been in a couple of the more trendy bars in town, the Black Bull was refreshingly ordinary. Perhaps it was because live football was on telly, but it seemed like a real “lads” pub - and fortunately my wife didn’t mind. Old fashioned decor; no real ales; but decent service and relaxing atmosphere. Not the best pub in town, but perfectly fine.

Here’s a summary of my very brief visit to the Black Bull: It’s 4pm on a Friday, baking hot outside, the place is deserted... Me (to barmaid, who is on her mobile): Could I have an alcohol free beer, like a Becks Blue? Barmaid (still on her mobile): We don’t serve alcohol free beer. I leave and go elsewhere.