The Black Lion Pub

"UTOPIA"
The Black Lion Public House
Consall Forge
http://blacklionpub.co.uk/

Just imagine. A whole page dedicated to a pub.
We've never done that before. Is it justified?

The answers easy "of course it is"

Here's the pub taken from the other side of the river Churnett, with the
canal and railway line in-between. Whilst this pic takes in the view
it doesn't do it justice. You really do have to see it for yourself

Great staff and this is 'Julie' Friendly, pleasant
and knows how to pull a pint.
 She deserves a pay rise. Take note Jason!

Now you do need to stop look and listen because the only way
in to the Inn is across the railway line

Is 'Utopia' a bit over the top. Well it's a matter of opinion for this is as good a pub as any of us can remember and better than most, a lot better. Amazing that a public house should be built in such a location for it is as far from civilisation as is possible. Not really, but it feels like it. The place has everything you might want and yet is unspoilt and set in magnificent countryside. They even offer free WiFi now that's a bonus in the middle of nowhere. Friendly staff, real ale and good food what more could you want. Photographs don't do justice because it is the whole area that has appeal not just the pub

Consall Station, taken from the superb beer garden, with
the platform overhanging the canal

The thing to do is sit in the garden with a pint and take it all in. Sitting in the beer garden is the perfect way to appreciate the setting. Chickens wander around completely untroubled by human presence. Look a few yards to the left of the beer garden you can see the railway station of Consall preserved by enthusiasts of the Churnet Valley Railway. The line passes the front garden of the pub and if you are into the nostalgic days of steam then you cannot fail to be impressed as a train goes by. take a look at the Churnet Valley Railway website for more information

A nice view along the line of the valley

Look ahead and the Caldon Canal is in your line of sight as it meanders left toward the overhanging platform of Consall Station. Look beyond that and there's the river Churnett cascading over the weir, beyond that and the trees hide the very private road that leads to this incredible place

The waters of the river Churnett tumble gently over the weir

Words don't really do justice to what's on offer and talking to others they were of the same mind. It seems this place is a well known haven among those that enjoy walking as a hobby. It's a nice place to quench a thirst right enough and if you need something more substantial then the food on offer will ensure you go for another walk to burn it off

Great beer and the opportunity to spend a little less
In fact the more you drink the more you save
That means next time we go we'll save as much as we can

At this juncture it's worth mentioning that Malc as an avid member of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) had forgotten to bring his membership card. Had he done so he would have saved 20p a pint on the beer. Everyone but Malc thought that was quite funny

The beer say's it all. "Lets have another"

More pics of this place and people in the next post