A new boutique-lodge hotel’s Asian nod in Cumbria

Suite
1024 605 Hamish Kilburn
  • 1

The Black Bull is a family owned boutique hotel in Cumbria in the Yorkshire Dales with a Japanese twist. Talk about an unmatched hotel concept…

Hospitality runs through the blood of James Ratcliffe and Nina Matsunaga who as well as owning The Black Bull in addition to the successful Three Hares in Sedbergh. The property has been renovated with the task to build on the inn’s storied history and connection to the local landscapes by using local materials and crafts to create a hotel, a restaurant and a bar. Somewhat of a USP for the hotel competing with others in the Dales, Nina’s Japanese background was an integral component of the project. As a result, Patrick Thomas, the founder of Up North Architects, used the five elements, clean lines and neutral tones to link everything back to Japan’s strong design and culture.

modern stylish room

The hotel has 18 elegant guestrooms, none of which are the same in regards to their size sizes and their décor, each named after a local fell. The luxe bathrooms come complete with large rain showers, large standalone baths and even Japanese tubs as well as bespoke furniture using local materials, hand-woven blankets made with Howgill Fells wool.

The restaurant has been designed so that guests can find a cosy and warm environment thanks to the wooden panels created with the reclaimed wooden floors from the old bedrooms, the stunning landscapes pictures by Rob Withrow and a great triptych hand screen printed mirror by Phil Constable. Japanese elements also appear with the use of slate and suspended plants.


The Black Bull’s bar is the appropriate social hub. The actual bar is bespoke and sits at the entrance to welcome guests. A warm stylish bar with fireplaces, cosy booth sitting with comfortable red leather seats is the perfect setting for locals and guests alike to enjoy pints of local craft beers from the Cumbrian Fells’ brewery or wines from the hand selected list made by James and eat simple and hearty dishes such as pork scratchings or Venison with chocolate pie with red cabbage and chips.

All image credits: Rob Whitrow

Hamish Kilburn / 30.08.2018

Share

  • 1

You might also like

Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.