The Black Lion in Carlisle - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

The food was not worth the price at all,burger was served just by itself as I asked for no red onion not even a bit off lettuce or salad in sight!my husbands lasagne was so hard on top he could barely cut through it also the chicken fajitas were chewy and unedible and served with a wrap which was stone cold as if straight from the fridge,will most definitely not be back

On behalf of my sister in law who took her daughter for a birthday meal, who was absolutely appalled at the food which was served ie steak pie was hard as bricks sent back to be replace with chicken & bacon pie which wasn’t much better, the chicken kebabs weren’t served with what was in menu, won’t be back for what we paid , certainly wouldn’t recommend,

Visited for an early afternoon roast today. The pub was nicely decorated, clean and the atmosphere was lovely. Food was hot and fresh, with big portion sizes. The staff were friendly and welcoming, however there was a bit of a wait towards the end of the meal to order dessert and get the bill. Would recommend visiting!

Lovely hostess... food was extremely fresh and tasty.. chips were to die for. Also dog friendly thankyou Black lion

Love it. Our regular as we love everything about it

Really good food highly recommend

Food was great and the waitress was really nice! She makes you feel really welcome! I take a star off because it was a bit pricey!

Nice friendly staff who offer a warm welcome. Lovely friendly atmosphere with great food.

Amazing service by the two female staff. very welcoming as if you were part of the family, personally I think the meals are Underpriced as the quality of fresh ingredients and that everything is home made they should charge more. (Compliments to the chef) £36.00 for two meals with two side orders, it would cost more to go to weatherspoons for a meal that has been thawed and cooked in a microwave. Most likely to become our local pub for a meal. Well done all…

First time here and the staff were very welcoming and friendly, we ordered our meals which were homemade and delicious. Rather shocked at the price for what we got ,it’s was an absolute bargain and I would recommend the place to friends and family. Thanks to the staff and chef

Called in just as they opened at 5pm. 11 of us, they knew we were coming. Great up-to-date pub. Service spot in, food great and not expensive. Nothing was to much trouble. We will go again

Friendly staff, clean premises traditional pub food

Good basic menu. Service was indifferent, mistake on order for desserts, had to ask for spoons.

Excellent sunday lunch today. Ange went the extra mile to make my aunts birthday special . Thank you .

My family came here after our wedding, everyone throughly enjoyed their meals the food was outstanding. The service we received was excellent, I feel like the staff went above and beyond to make it special. Would recommend.

Lovely bar with amazing food, full of flavour. Conveniently only 5 minutes from the motorway with it's own parking. Great food and quick service, very reasonably priced.

Went on a Friday and had the steak night, very tasty, would have been perfect it it had a homemade onion ring as a garnish.

Just nipped into the black lion for something to eat on the way home, food was absolutely lush, steak pie according to my husband was lovely, lasagne was meaty and tasty ,hats off to the chef ,thank you. Staff really good and friendly, will definitely be back .

Quite an enjoyable experience. Just wish it was open everyday of the week

Gorgeous decor, brilliant service & excellent food. Will definitely be visiting again. Staff were there to help but didn't check on you every 5 minutes while you ate (I hate it when they do that).

Shame I don't live near this pub, it would most definitely be my local. The food is marvellous and Allyson and the staff are extremely welcoming. A must pub to visit.

We had Surf & Turf followed by Sticky toffee pudding with ice cream. Everything was perfect !

Very welcoming, lovely deco, friendly staff. Food locally sourced and homemade, fresh and tasty.

After a quick booking for a large party of 18, The Black Lion were so accommodating and the service throughout our evening was excellent. Thank you, Lee & Family.

We had 2 steaks, fish and pork chops everyone was lovely and plenty, it's very clean and fresh inside and staff were friendly and gave brilliant service especially Ange. We will definitely be back in a few weeks

Great food nicely presented at a very reasonable price.

Absolutely fabulous great price food staff atmosphere top class will definitely go back

Been tonight food excellent, service second too none ,atmosphere very good

Two of us were celebrating our 10th anniversary together and we arrived for our pre booked table at 7pm, waited until 7.20pm and nobody had bothered to come ask us if we would like anything to drink so had to go up and get our own, it was only until then when they came to take order for our starter and main. We then waited an hour for our starter to arrive which at this point we were more than fed up of waiting, (if we waited this long for a starter, how long would the main take?!) so we had to leave. Very unhappy as we tried several other places for food and they had all stopped serving food at that time, will not be coming back any time soon.

Lovely food, friendly staff and nice setting. Would difinitely recommend.

Great food, and very friendly staff

We had a big family get together mid afternoon. The food was great and the owner was really friendly and fun.

Good size car park, the food was excellent , there was a group of us and we all enjoyed the food my wife had chicken stuffed with haggis and she really loved it some of us had sweet for afters I loved there sponge and custard. The staff were excellent, will return.

Been for a meal with friends. Lovely atmosphere Lovely friendly staff and amazing food. Highly recommended.

Don’t be fooled by the word gastro in the advertising. The food was not good. We noted the pub is described as a gastro pub, this usually means a pub serves gourmet comfort food. In the case of the Black Lion, we ordered beef and lamb with veg and roast potatoes. The food was not freshly cooked but was reheated. It lacked taste and was definitely not fitting the gastro description. The meat had been precooked, then frozen then reheated. The roast potatoes also appeared to be precooked then frozen and reheated. The vegetables were not fresh. Despite a comfortable and pleasantly decorated dining area we all agreed the food was less than average.

We were met by the lovely staff who were very friendly and helpful, it's a lovely relaxing place to eat, food was good would certainly recommend and will certainly be back

Delicious food. Staff were lovely and very accommodating, great customer service. Thank you

Gorgeous food best burgers not greasy , really really friendly staff couldn’t fault them lovely people , great service .Lisa & carl .

Great food, well priced friendly and courteous staff

Great atmosphere , cheerful staff , Excellent food , value for money , spotlessly clean. Wednesday weekly specials. Car Park and wheelchair accessible. A must try pub and restaurant.

Friendly service. Lovely staff and nice surroundings. Well worth a visit.

Very nice decor. We all had a drink and was good service.

Fantastic, friendly service. Food was exceptional. One of the best steak and ale pie I've ever had! Well worth a visit.

Lovely pub with superb food. Staff were very friendly and helpful. We had starters and both had pie for main. The pie filling was absolutely delicious, lovely rich gravy and the meat was melt in the mouth. Also came with a nice mix of veg and perfectly cooked chips. Honestly couldn't fault anything about our visit.... we'll definitely be back!

What a fabulous place to visit. The decor is fresh, calm and classy. The waitresses and barman were friendly and welcoming. The menu is different to that on the web site but went in our favour. The food was hot, flavourful and well presented. The sticky toffee pudding was the best I've tasted in a long while! food and drinks are reasonably priced too. All in all a great night. Thank you Black Lion. We'll definately be back when next in the area 😃

Really enjoyed the food the atmosphere and the staff were welcoming and very friendly cannot wait to come back

Only stopped here for a quick drink. Very pleasant surroundings.

Great atmosphere with friendly staff.

Had our Sunday lunch here yet again, the food excellent as was the service and staff.Can’t recommended it higher. Will be back again very soon, for another great meal.

After a day at the races went here for our dinner we were not disappointed. Food was fantastic staff were so friendly,couldn't do enough for you. Place is beautiful spotlessly clean, will definitely go back when we are in the area.

The food here is exceptional. The staff are warm and welcoming, the pub itself cool, clean, comfortable and beautifully decorated. The toilet facilities are very clean. I had a wonderful time here and hope to visit again soon.

Very disappointed been before staff always friendly and polite , but this evening I arrived with my autistic son and after we were seated we found out it was curry night so it was either a curry or nothing , which is fine by me but when I mentioned my son wouldn’t eat a curry any chance of chips the guy on bar said No can’t do Chips which is a bit odd in current climate I’m sure a food establishment can surely manage a portion of chips , I’m disappointed not really because they wouldn’t accommodate us but maybe they could have put it accross better and could have at least pretended they wanted our custom ! Anyways thankfully we found lovely friendly fish and chip shop 2 mile further on .

Best pub in Carlisle, great quality food and fantastic members of staff who always make you feel right at home!

Family meal out didn't disappoint. Very friendly.

First time we've been and we will definitely be back. Lovely comfortable room with a great atmosphere. Menu not huge but plenty for everyone and you know it's freshly cooked. I had halloumi burger and it was really tasty with good halloumi not the cheap stuff! Staff were attentive, welcoming and friendly. My partner s quite particular when we eat out and even he was impressed. Well done lasses keep it up!

Good food, friendly staff, pleasant atmosphere.

Cosy atmosphere, very kind and friendly staff, very nice meal. My colleague arrived later than expected due to unforeseen commitments at work and the chef made his meal even if the kitchen was supposed to close by that time. Thanks

Cosy atmosphere, very kind waiters, very nice meal. My colleague arrived later than expected due to unforeseen commitments at work and the chef made his meal even if the kitchen was supposed to close by that time. Thanks

Great meal and atmosphere menu was bad to read

Our family had a wonderful meal here last week and it was so good we have just booked to go again. I had the steak and ale pie which was fabulous and am looking forward to trying the fish pie, which looked yummy. Nice cosy atmosphere and great service too. It's just reopened post lockdown under new management and definitely worth a try.

We had the Sunday roast beef which was chewy and we left most of it. No mashed potatoes, a very small dish of vegetables between three of us, a drizzle of gravy and a solid Yorkshire pudding. It wasn’t cheap either. Very disappointed we will not be back.

Omg well impressed, but sadly soooo quiet for a Friday lunchtime, I visited with my daughter just passing on way into Carlisle train station, and there was only another couple in, the fire is amazing and cozy, exceptionally clean, very attentive staff, thinking a new waitress, getting put through her paces! ?! We ordered a glass of wine each, didnt think had time for starters so only had mains, which were ample/ generous portions. We ordered steak & ale pie this came with chips veg (shredded cabbage, baby carrots& Brussels, lightly tossed in butter) and a gravy boat of delish gravy, I ordered fish pie OMG delish and the veg that came with it was amazing, definitely my cup of tea, baby carrots baby Brussels and Samphire, coated very lightly in butter, I’d really recommend to come try. Just to add daughter loved veg too! fresh an delish… just a last comment other Couple demolished steak meal and steak & ale pie

Popped in for lunch. Had steak pie. Perfectly cooked veg and crisp pie top. Well presented in modern surroundings. Excellent

Nice place nice people good food

A spontaneous visit here for Sunday lunch. The food was good(Sunday roast) with either chicken, beef or pork available but unfortunately not the lamb. The service was ok but nothing to shout about and the prices were reasonable. The atmosphere could have been better but the place is very clean and tidy. Not too sure about the pint of bitter I was served as it had a very vinegary taste to it. All in all our family of 9 were satisfied with this modern day gastro pub.

Great atmosphere. Fantastic home cooked meals lovely place

We choose this gastro pub for location rather than reputation, however we were not disappointed, the food at this pub is excellent, large quantities, fresh beautifully cooked ingredients with a good variety of choices. We will certainly be back

Booked table for 6+2 children, and was very impressed with the standard of service, food was to a high standard, I must admit I am a hard person to please when it comes to food but I could not fault it on bit, bravo black lion

Having seen the Black Lion on Dine Card we booked a table for a birthday dinner. When booking the lady was not aware of Dine Card but we booked anyway. On arrival we mentioned Dine Card again but were abruptly told they didn’t accept it. The decor was pleasant and there was music playing quietly in the background. We were given a window table, next to a cool radiator which my wife asked me to turn up, though it did seem to be on its highest setting. Later, when asked about turning it up, the manager said they were having problems with the heating, though no hint of apology. The menu was varied and interesting. Service was somewhere between being not rushed and casual. The food was well presented, and tasty, if not exactly what we were expecting. My wife asked for more sautéed vegetables as her dish had more potato than vegetables. This was brought through, without additional charge. Overall, although we enjoyed our meal, there was something lacking to make us want to rush back and bring our friends.

The Black Lion is under new management and has improved tremendously.It is now warm, friendly, accommodating and the food is constantly of a high quality. Try the beef sandwiches!!The background music is just the right level and not too loud.As its getting well known it is getting busier so book ahead if its a busy time!Well done to the new owners!

Called in on the off chance and pleasantly surprised. Lovely clean modern pub inside with good parking. Menu was good with plenty of choice and the usual specials board.Reasonably priced as well. Had twice baked cheese souffle for starter (cost £7.00) and it was very tasty with a good portion size. I had fish and chips for main and my wife had Salmon, again both very good, well presented and tasty. My only comment would be there is no salt / pepper / vinegar on the tables and you have to ask for it. Meal for two with diet coke drinks came to less than £50. Would definitely go back.

We had Sunday lunch and couldn’t fault any of it, well presented, hot and tasted delicious. This was our second visit in a month both times with little notice and we were made welcome. The children’s meals were also very good.

Visited for lunch on New Years Day since the black lion changed hands again and thoroughly enjoyed it . Set menu had good choices particularly enjoyed the black pudding , poached egg and Rosti starter . Food was fresh , hot and deliciously home made . I felt for the quality of food and relaxed surroundings the menu was well priced . A lovely change to eat in a village pub with such great food . No complaints about service which was attentive . Would recommend

Visited for lunch with my work colleagues. We all had something different but it all looked delicious and I can confirm mine was just lovely. The decor is gorgeous and the service was just right.

Food was fab cannot fault it on either occasion we have visited. The service from the landlady (I assume) was hideous, very unpleasant, unwelcoming and down right rude.

Great food and drink. Looks great now it's been refurbished

I took my son for a birthday lunch and we couldn't have enjoyed it more. The bar/waitress was delightful and the food was excellent. We ate far too much, but didn't want to leave anything!

Good food helpfull staff price very good would recommend if going to the races at Carlisle

First time I have been in here since the refurbishment.

First visit here following recommendation by friends for Sunday lunch. 3 of us had the roast beef and one the lamb and all thoroughly enjoyed our meals. The meat was super tender and nicely cooked as were the roast potatoes (they could have been crisper but I am picking fault here) and selection of vegetables. The gravy was excellent and extra was available which I did partake in as I do like my roast swimming in gravy. Good choice of desserts again which we all enjoyed. Have booked in for an evening when we have friends visiting so that probably tells you all you need to know.

Modernised pub, now a restaurant just two minutes off the motorway. Had the chicken ballantine which was delicious.

Really nice people that served me with great food and red wine 👍👍boys from races

We went today, a party of 8 for Sunday lunch. You can have 2 or 3 courses. Plenty of options, i had prawn cocktail to start then roast beef & all the trimmings. For dessert i had dark chocolate brownie. All were lovely. All this for £22.50. A very pleasant atmosphere and attentive staff. Well worth a visit but book as it gets very busy.

1st time at The Black Lion, definitely won't be the last. The pub is beautiful inside and out. The food was absolutely delicious, quick and friendly service. Can't wait to try the desserts next time as well(full up).

1st time visited since new owners and I just want to say it was beautiful cooked to perfection, service was brilliant and so were the staff. Puddings are lovely, cant wait to go back for some more. Cant understand the previous comments because we couldn't fault it.

Booked a table for 12 people 2 days prior to arrival, called and cancelled 3 seats (it’s a good job).upon arrival, we were told our table was just there on the left. Drinks arrived on the table about 10-15 mins after order. The menu was very limited and the waitress (which I think was the owner) seemed to rush us. Starters arrived around 25-30 mins after orders. Soup was supposed to arrive with crust bread, it arrived with a slice of brown bread.

My wife & I called in here last Wednesday the 9th Oct at 1:15, the place was empty. We chose our table & the waitress brought the menus, to be honest there wasn't a great choice so I ordered the black pudding starter followed by the sausage & mash. My wife likes a sweet & asked the waitress what the sweets were, again as there was not a lot of choice she left the sweet & ordered steak pie. We ordered drinks, my wife ordered a sweet Zinfandel & got a dry, I ordered a pint of Eskdale beer, when she tried to pour it, it was all froth & after several attempts admitted the pourer was fitted with the wrong nozzle, so she had to pour a two glasses of froth & let them settle before it was drinkable. We waited 35 mins for the starter, she eventually arrived with the main meals, when I asked her where my starter was, she said she had forgot to order it (wonderful service). I will admit that both of the mains were ok, but a very disappointing lunch. We won't be back!!

Wonderful meal tonight. Thank you so much.

Couldn't fault it, food (GF available and enjoyed) surroundings, and my wife gave the toilets 10/10 (a rare event). No hesitation in recommending. We'll be back, even if it is a 150 mile round trip.

Great pub, lovely atmosphere, reasonable prices, what more could you want! There is plenty of seating but it does get booked, so it you're just going for a drink worth going early. There is a garden but it is quite small and next to a road. But apart from that it provides a great place to eat, have a drink after work or to chill there during the day!

Superb lunch best fish and chips ever,huge portion sizes.great staff

Visited Sunday lunch had been previously a few months ago and was Pleasantly surprised to see they did half portions NOT NOW even though I phoned no mention was made of change of policy to at least 2 courses Veg options were a minimum I agree with others that even though quality was good it is overpriced and very pretentious Service ok I did mention that I was disappointed that the policy had altered and that custom would be affected after all this is a PUB even though they would like to be classed as more up market surprise surprise We will not be back Disappointed 😔

Decided to stop off at somewhere off the beaten path that was not a comercially owned or opperated establishment. Passed a beefeater, passed a mcdonalds as well as others.

best sunday lunch ive had, highly recommend

Heard theres new owners and this shines through.

Very comfortable atmosphere and excellent well prepared food.

Changed management so the menu is limited and dated. Not intolerance friendly. Needs a reshuffle

This was our first visit to the Black Lion and unfortunately we won't be returning.

Very fresh, pleasant decor. Friendly staff. Delicious food.

Rather pretentious, expensive and limited menu currently. Recently new management and over heard staff saying they are looking for a high class of clientele. Food was good and excellently presented, however in my opinion not value for money. Crusty rolls and butter was lovely. Wouldn't opt to go again but that shouldn't put anyone off who looks fine dining