Bedale & Lower Wensleydale | Leyburn, Hawes & Upper Wensleydale | Northallerton & Area

Richmond, Upper Swaledale & Area | Thisk & Area | Other Licensed Premises | Clubs

 

 

Leyburn, Hawes and Upper Wensleydale

 

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ASKRIGG, Crown Inn, Main St, DL8 3HQ (01969 650298): At top of main street serving food lunchtimes and evenings, popular with visitors and locals alike. Inside, the main bar has been opened out from two rooms but still retains two coal fires, one of them an impressive cast iron rage. A further room, also opened out from the main bar area, leads off on one side and contains a dartboard. Black Sheep Bitter, Special; John Smith Cask Bitter; Theakston BB, Black Bull, guest beers in summer.

ASKRIGG, King’s Arms, Main St, DL8 3HQ (01969 650817): Historic old pub in centre of the village, featured in tv’s “All Creatures Great and Small”. A bar serves two stone-flagged rooms; a third, more comfortable lounge with partitioned seating is at the front and a vaulted games room to the rear. There is a small outdoor drinking area in the yard. Now part of the “Holiday property bond” company. Black Sheep Bitter, John Smith Cask Bitter; Theakston BB, Kings Arms Ale (brewed by Yorkshire Dales (4%)) plus a guest, traditional cider from Weston’s.

ASKRIGG, White Rose, Main St, DL8 3HG (01969 650515): The former Winville Hotel only gained a full licence in 1999 and was substantially modernised before reopening in 2005. Now locally dubbed ‘the middle house’, it has three large and comfortable rooms with a conservatory-style dining room and beer garden at the rear. Black Sheep Bitter, John Smith Cask Bitter; Theakston BB, Yorkshire Dales Askrigg Ale – the latter delivered from the tiny brewery just across the back yard.

AYSGARTH, George & Dragon, DL8 3AD (01969 663358): A friendly, traditional style Dales inn on the A684. It has distinct drinking and dining areas and the patio at the front has pleasant views of the dale. Two beers from Yorkshire Dales Brewing Co usually available, plus Black Sheep Bitter, John Smith Cask Bitter, Theakston Best Bitter.

AYSGARTH Henderson’s Bistro, Westholme Estate, DL8 3SP (01969 663268): On a delepment of eco-lodges formerly a caravan park and campsite. Opened in 2009 following a conversion from the campsite reception and bar. Very modern décor. Henderson’s house beer is supplied by the Yorkshire Dales Brewery. Fully wheelchair accessable

AYSGARTH, Palmer Flatt Hotel, DL8 3SR (01969 663228): CURRENTLY CLOSED (July 2011 – but recently purchased) Situated on main A684 a few hundred yards above the famous Aysgarth falls, this imposing residential hotel has its own fishing stretch on the River Ure.

BAINBRIDGE, Rose & Crown Hotel, DL8 3EE (01969 650225): A large whitewashed building overlooking the village green which claims to trace its origins back to 1445. The low-beamed, stone flagged bar is frequented by locals and with a pool table TV and juke box is frequently noisy. A number of other small rooms with old oak furniture are used by diners and there is a separate restaurant. An outdoor drinking area overlooks the large car park to the rear and there are also tables out to the front looking onto the site of the Roman fort. Two beers, usually from Scotco or Theakston.

BELLERBY, Cross Keys, near Leyburn DL8 5QS (01969 622256): The main bar of this community pub has been created by opening out two rooms. Beer garden to rear. There is a strong commitment to real ale and usually some interesting beers on offer. Reopend Summer 2009 after period of closure and received a CAMRA branch monthly commendation that autumn. Ramp to rear door, level access thereafter. Up to four beers on offer, including John Smith’s Cask Bitter and two from the nearby Wensleydale Brewery.

CARLTON IN COVERDALE, Foresters Arms, DL8 4BB (01969 640272): Attractive and unspoilt country inn in an isolated village. A very traditional bar with low ceiling. Was briefly the home of Wensleydale Brewery in 2003 but they have since relocated to Bellerby. Successfully bought by the local community and and reopened at Christmas 2011.  LocAle beers, often from Yorkshire Dales and Wensleydale breweries.

CARPERBY, Wheatsheaf Hotel, near Leyburn, DL8 4DF (01969 663216): Comfortable hotel and village pub a mile north of Aysgarth Falls. The hotel, with its four-poster beds, has been awarded three crowns by the English Tourist Board and has its own entrance, lounge and dining area. The public bar features inter-war style woodwork, beams and fireplace; the bar has a tv and is decorated with football pennants and there is a tiny one-table snug to one side. Two cask beers including Black Sheep.

EAST WITTON, Blue Lion Inn, DL8 4SN (01969 624273): Very old pub with stone flagged floors, settles and an open log fire. Emphasis is very much on food and there is up-market B&B. Black Sheep Bitter, Riggwelter; Theakston Best Bitter.

EAST WITTON, Cover Bridge Inn, DL8 4SQ (01969 623250): Half mile north of village by sharp bend in A6108 Middleham – Masham road. Ancient stone built pub next to a bridge over the River Cover. Three rooms, with stone flagged floors a feature and a roaring fire in winter. Large beer garden sloping down to the river. Bed & Breakfast available. Impressive range of beers; landlord a CAMRA member. Twice a winner of the local CAMRA Pub of the Year award and voted third place in CAMRA’s Pub of the Year for Yorkshire in 2009. Level access throughout. Usually eight changing cask beers including Black Sheep Bitter, Theakston’s Best Bitter, Black Bull Bitter, Old Peculier, John Smith’s Cask Bitter, Timothy Taylor’s Landlord, a beer from the Copper Dragon range and guest ales, traditional cider from Weston’s

GARSDALE HEAD, Moorcock, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5PU (01969 667488): This isolated pub is tucked just inside the westernmost tip of North Yorkshire (despite its postal address), a few hundred yards from the settlement of Garsdale Station on the famous Settle to Carlisle railway. Inside it is divided into two rooms, a cosy stone-flagged lounge and a comfortable bar offering a varied menu. Open all day, every day.

HARDRAW, Green Dragon Inn, near Hawes, DL8 3LZ (01969 667392): Old Dales pub at entrance to the Hardraw Force waterfall, a noted beauty spot (£2 admission, pay at the bar). The licensee is committed to traditional beer and music. Recently refurbished, the main bar has been divided into three rooms and is now much cosier with stone floor, low beams and two impressive ranges. An extension contains a function room and 18 letting rooms. Beer range varies, usually includes Taylor Landlord, up to four guest ales plus Weston’s Old Rosie or Vintage cider and one other real cider. www.greendragonhardraw.com

HARMBY, Pheasant Inn, near Leyburn, DL8 5PA (01969 622223): Country pub with few frills and an old fashioned atmosphere. Small, cosy bar with low ceiling and real fire, larger lounge. Licensee also runs neighbouring caravan site. Keeps traditional pub hours. Black Sheep Best Bitter.

HAWES, Old Board Inn, Market Place, DL8 3RD (01969 667223): Comfortable one-bar pub with coal fire and serving food. Part of the Enterprise Inns chain. Beer range varies, normally includes Taylor's Golden Best (or occasionally Landlord), Theakston Best Bitter and Black Sheep Bitter.

HAWES, Crown Inn, Market Place, DL8 3RD (01969 667212): Large pub on main street. The attractive interior has been opened out to form two main rooms but retains a distinct old-fashioned feel with old pictures, brasses and iron artefacts on the walls and ceiling. The lounge at the front has a coal fire at each end, while the bar to the side is partly partitioned, the front half containing a bar billiards table. John Smith Cask Bitter; Theakston Best Bitter, XB, Old Peculier.

HAWES, Fountain Hotel, Market Place, DL8 3RD (01969 667206): Free house with opened up interior and coal fire. Good value food. Black Sheep Bitter, Special; John Smith Cask Bitter and often Black Sheep Riggwelter as well.

HAWES, White Hart Hotel, Main St, DL8 3QL (01969 667259): Old pub on narrow cobbled street, reopened Autumn 2011 after complete refit, decorated in a contemporary feel without sacrificing the essential character of the place. Downstairs there is a traditional style bar divided into in two sections, one with an open fire and the smaller room displaying darts board and trophies. There is a separated dining room and bed & breakfast is also offered. Theakston Best Bitter and Lightfoot Ale, plus at least one guest beer.

HORSEHOUSE IN COVERDALE, Thwaite Arms, DL8 4TS (01969 640206): Traditional local in a tiny hamlet, high up the dale at 250 metres. Open evenings and for Sunday lunch. Theakston Best Bitter, John Smith’s Cask Bitter.

LEYBURN, Black Swan Hotel, Market Place, DL8 5AS (01969 623131): Attractive inn on market square serving food and offering bed & breakfast. Regular GBG entry and popular with diners, there is occasional live folk music. An Enterprise Inns house, managed by same tenants for some years. Black Sheep Bitter, John Smith Cask Bitter, Timothy Taylor Landlord, occasional guest.

LEYBURN, Bolton Arms Hotel, Market Place, DL8 5BW (01969 623327): A comfortable Pubmaster house at the top of the Market Place with good views across Wensleydale. Opened out into a single large carpeted drinking area with a pool area behind the bar. A sign outside advertises a welcome for children and the availability of a function room. Black sheep Bitter; John Smiths.

LEYBURN, Golden Lion, Market Pl, DL8 5AS (01969 622161): Market town pub with food available, opened-up and comfortable interior. In the 1990s sold “Oliver John’s Bitter” brewed on the premesis and later elsewhere. Its smart interior has recently been refurbished. Black Sheep Bitter and three beers from the Wensleydale range..

LEYBURN, King’s Arms, Grove Square, DL8 5AE: Locals’ bar on Richmond road just off main square with large-screen tv at one end; three separate rooms. John Smith Cask Bitter.

LEYBURN, Sandpiper Inn, Market Pl DL8 5AT (01969 622206): At west end of market place, it reopened after refurbishment March 2002 and is convenient for the Wensleydale Railway station. Popular with diners and has been Egon Ronay recommended, it is split into several small drinking/eating areas and a small terrace outside at the front forms a real sun trap in good weather. Black Sheep Bitter, guest ale often from Copper Dragon.

MIDDLEHAM, Black Bull Inn, Market Place, DL8 4NX (01969 623669): Lively split-level local with three separate rooms, one of which functions as a pool room. The decoration has a distinct horse racing theme and there is a real fire. Greene King IPA, John Smith’s Cask Bitter.

MIDDLEHAM, Black Swan Inn, Market Place, DL8 4NP (01969 622221): In the shadow of Richard III’s historic castle, this split-level pub on the village square has character aplenty with exposed beams and a separate dining room. Black Sheep Bitter, Theakston Best Bitter, Old Peculier, John Smith’s Cask Bitter, Hambelton Stud.

MIDDLEHAM, Richard III Hotel, Market Pl, DL8 4NP (01969 624987): Comfortable small hotel on Market Place with carpeted front bar opened out, and decorated with flock wallpeper. There is a real fire and a separate dining room to the rear. John Smith’s Cask Bitter, Wensleydale Semerwater.

MIDDLEHAM, White Swan Hotel, Market Place, DL8 4PE (01969 622093): A historic bulding extensively repaired and refurbished after a major fire some years ago, its multi-roomed interior has a clean and crisp style and many old architectural features. It operates as a pub/restaurant with dining rooms to the rear and, as might be expected in this capital of the racing world, is popular with the horse racing set. Black Sheep Bitter & Ale, Theakston Best Bitter, John Smith’s Cask Bitter.

NEWBIGGIN IN BISHOPSDALE, Street Head Inn, near Leyburn, DL8 3TE (01969 663282): Modernised in the 1970s, attracts trade from nearby caravan site and YHA bunk barn. There is home cooked food served in bar or restaurant, en-suite accommodation and dogs and children are welcome. www.dalenet.co.uk/streethead Theakston Best Bitter, John Smith’s Cask Bitter.

REDMIRE, Bolton Arms Inn, DL8 4EA (01969 624336): At the edge of the village, which is the current western terminus of the Wensleydale Railway. Enlarged in 2004, it has a restaurant and separate bar. No tv, machines or loud music; walkers welcome and five B&B letting rooms in converted stable block at rear. Pub open all day, offering meals lunchtime and evening and snacks all day. Black Sheep Bitter, John Smith’s Cask Bitter, Theakston Best Bitter, plus a changing guest beer, often from a local micro brewery. www.bolton-arms.com

SPENNITHORNE, Old Horn Inn, near Leyburn, DL8 5PR (01969 622370): Interesting country pub in a small village, still retaining several drinking rooms. Beers from the Marston’s range.

THORALBY, George Inn, near Leyburn DL8 3SU (01969 663256): Small off-the-beaten-track village pub a few hundred yards off the B6160 Bishopsdale road. The interior has been opened up into a single room but it is still very cosy and has two distinct halves. At one end is a particularly impressive stone fireplace. Black Sheep Bitter; Theakston Old Peculier; Webster’s Yorkshire Bitter; guest beer. Black Sheep Bitter; guest beers. Separate apartments offer accommodation. Black Sheep bitter, guest beers.

WENSLEY, Three Horse Shoes, DL8 4HJ (01969 622327): Excellent cosy and friendly village pub on A684 near crossing of River Ure. Redecorated and extended by the new management in 2009. Main stone-flagged bar with woodburning stove and dining tables. Additional dining space in adjacent rooms. Outside is a patio drinking area with superb views of the dale. The ladies and gents toilets, a short trek across car park, were due to be replaced inside the building when the refurbishment is completed by the end of 2009, including an extended cellar. Regular beers are John Smith's Cask Bitter, Yorkshire Dales Landlord's Ale and guest beers. Excellent value and quality lunch and dinner menus cooked to order from locally supplied produce (not available Monday lunch or Sunday evening).

WEST BURTON, Fox & Hounds, near Leyburn, DL8 4JY (01969 663111): This extremely attractive village lies just off the Wensleydale – Kettlewell road and is set around a large green. The only pub is close to the unusual weather vane monument and stocks on the green and is popular with walkers. It features a narrow, low-beamed bar with imposing stone fireplace, along with a separate dining room. Bar food is serves and there is en suite accommodation to English Tourist Board 3 crown standard. Black Sheep Bitter; Tetley Bitter, guest beer from the Copper Dragon stable.

WEST WITTON, Fox & Hounds, near Leyburn, DL8 4LP (01969 623650): Run by enthusiastic CAMRA member this traditional Dales pub of character is on the on main route through Wensleydale. Popular with locals and walkers alike, it is situated at the foot of Pen Hill, where the ancient feast of Burning of Bartle takes place each August. Although partly opened out, the welcoming bar retains the feel of two separate rooms, with the bar separated from the games area by a stone chimney breast and fireplace. To the rear is a dining room featuring a delightful inglenook fireplace, complete with bread oven, plus an outdoor terrace and quoits pitch. Four beers usually available including a Black Sheep Bitter, John Smith Cask Bitter plus two guest beers, one of which is usually from the Yorkshire Dales range, traditional cider from Weston’s

WEST WITTON, Wensleydale Heifer Inn, near Leyburn (01969 622322): 17th century inn of considerable character. Changed ownership in 2005 and the Chef is now David Moss, previously at The Crab, Chieveley, Berks. Following a complete refurbishment in contemporary style it is now a “restaurant and fish bar”. Beers on offer are expensive but include Golden Pippin and a Yorkshire Dales housebrew. A very popular eating venue. www.wensleydaleheifer.co.uk

WORTON, Victoria Arms Inn, near Bainbridge, DL8 3EU (01969 650314): There is nowhere else quite like the Victoria. The bar is unchanged for many decades and the pub is a treasure trove of decorations that include ultra-violet lighting in the games room, a sign to “Bedrooms 50-70” and the back half of a fox. Beware of everything and anything – you never know quite what might happen – features in CAMRA’s “Historic Pubs of Yorkshire & Humberside” Black Sheep Best Bitter.