Emily's Black Lion (Ireby)
Ireby was a lively market town in the medieval era, but today, it’s a peaceful village located on the northern edge of the Lake District, in an area known locally as the “Back O Skiddaw”. It’s a delightful place to visit for those wishing to escape the crowds, and the village pub, Emily’s Black Lion, offers a warm welcome to visitors and local residents alike.
The pub was derelict for a number of years, but in 2016, it was purchased and renovated by the owner of the local tearoom and reopened to the public. After years of being abandoned the pub needed significant works, with many of the materials used coming from recycled sources, including the wooden panelling that came from local chapels.
Food & Drink
Photo thanks to Emily's Black Lion
Emily’s Black Lion serves three real ales: Marston’s Pedigree, Wainwright, and one regularly changing ale that is usually sourced from a Cumbrian brewery. In addition, the pub serves a number of well-known lagers and ciders on draught, and there is a limited selection of wines to choose from. The bar also stocks the usual choices of whiskies, spirits, and soft drinks.
The pub serves food from 6.30pm until 8.30pm on Tuesday to Saturdays and from 12.30 until 8.30pm on Sundays, though it’s worth checking in advance if you are planning to eat as these times can vary. The menu features typical pub grub, but there are specials for each day of the week. Tuesday is pie night with five different pies to choose from. Wednesday is gourmet burger night, with a fantastic choice of burgers. Thursdays is Fish & Chip Shop day, where along with traditional fish & chips guests can enjoy a range of other fish dishes.
On Sundays, a traditional roast dinner is served with all the trimmings, with vegetarian and fish dishes available as alternatives. There is no children’s menu as such, but children can enjoy smaller dishes of almost all the dishes on the menu, giving a much wider choice.
Other Features
This small pub is dog friendly and hosts a quiz every other Wednesday at 8.30pm. There are a small number of picnic benches outside at the front of the pub.