The Sun Hotel and Bar

First licensed as 'Stoop Hall' in 1680, The Sun was formerly Lancaster's premier coaching inn. Generals from the occupying Jacobean Army lodged at The Sun in 1745, and the artist JMW Turner stayed here whilst making sketches of Heysham in 1812. Now famous for its hospitality and wide selection of cask ales and wines, its lovely old bar is frequented throughout the day; first arrivals are the hotel guests and business breakfasters, then shoppers and people checking their e-mails over coffee. At lunchtime it's busy with customers keen to tuck into the locally sourced good food on the main and daily-changing specials menus. And in the evening there are the real ale enthusiasts, draught and bottled lager connoisseurs and wine lovers. The experienced kitchen brigade prepares home-cooked food, including the popular cheese, cold meat and pâté boards. There is a patio for alfresco dining in warmer weather and an annual beer festival in the summer.