The Sportsman

Carlisle, Cumbria. Carlisle is Cumbria's only city, and is located 10 miles south of the Scottish border. The Sportsman is widely recognized as Carlisle's oldest recorded pub, with historical documentation showing it has been pouring pints since 1747. It is built on the site of the former medieval Blackfriars Convent, a 13th century Dominican Monastery. Before adopting it's current name in the mid-19th century, it went through several name changes - thr Guy Earl of Warwick (1770), The White Ox, The Lowther Arms, The Rose and Thistle, and Tge Golden Quiot (1848).

During WWI the British government took over the pub on August 11 1916 under the Carlisle State Management Scheme. This national experiment aimed to curb public drunkenness and boost productivity amongst local munitions factory workers. The pub remained under government control until 1973.

It is a compact pub, with a small bar, two rooms, and a snug area. I had a Wainright Gold along with a deliciously tender slow-cooked roast beef Sunday dinner.