I don’t know about you, but on the days that I do commit to using my legs for more than going to the fridge, it has to end with a full tummy and a pint in my hand. It’s just the rule. It’s almost like a personal transaction, the perfect antidote to exercise. And I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one. If you ask us – and we are the experts here – it’s the only way to finish an adventure in the Dales. It’d almost be sacrilege to not, actually. Which is exactly why we’ve rounded up some of the best places in the Yorkshire Dales for a proper pub lunch – to make sure each and every one of you does as God intended in his own county: eat well, and drink well.
1. The Lister Arms, Malham
One of few pubs in Malham – all of which are excellent, by the way – The Lister Arms offers a proper pub atmosphere, with your typical pub grub on the menu. The perfect place to refuel after a day hiking around the local countryside, the venue serves up home-cooked grub, with steaks, pies, fish, sausages, burgers and so much more on the menu. If that wasn’t all, The Lister Arms is home to a fantastic beer garden (one of our favourites, actually), which attracts plenty of sunshine throughout the day. The Lister Arms, Malham, Skipton, BD23 4DB.
2. Aysgarth Falls Hotel, Leyburn
Ideally located by the stunning Aysgarth Falls, The Aysgarth Falls Hotel (appropriately named, huh?) is well-known for its delicious food, serving beautifully presented dishes which have even been rewarded with an AA Rosette. Expect wonderful, hearty British cuisine across their menus, with a number of Indian-inspired dishes mixing things up a little. Aysgarth Falls Hotel, Aysgarth, Leyburn, DL8 3SR.
3. Fountaine Inn, Linton in Craven
The Fountaine Inn often comes up when you ask folk which pubs they love in the Dales, thanks to its traditional bar area and fresh, modern dining room. Just a short walk from Linton Falls, guests can kick back and relax before tucking into pub grub approached with fine dining in mind – with classics such as the steak and ale pie, fish and chips with mushy peas and rib-eye steak gracing the menu. The Fountaine Inn, Linton, in BD23 5HJ.
4. The Saddle Room, Leyburn
Conveniently sitting right next door the family-friendly attraction The Forbidden Corner, The Saddle Room is a popular pit-stop in the Dales, with a little something for everyone on the menu. Expect dishes from the charcoal grill, classic pub grub such as burgers, battered fish and gammon, as well as smaller bites such as sandwiches and ‘pick n mix’ snacks. The Saddle Room, Tupgill Park Stables, Coverham, Leyburn, DL8 4TJ.
5. The Craven Arms, Appletreewick
Highly rated by those who’ve stepped inside and experience their food, The Craven Arms takes huge pride in their menu packed full of locally sourced produce, taking just as much care in how they present each and every dish, too. Expect Wensleydale beef, tasty pies, local game and more – all perfectly washed down with a nice, cold ale – of course. The Craven Arms, Appletreewick, Skipton, BD23 6DA.
6. The Freemasons Arms in Nosterfield
A hidden gem just outside of the Yorkshire Dales boundary, The Freemasons Arms has been going since the 1800s, offering a historic, proper pub feel. Pairing its traditional and cosy vibe with dishes crafted with locally farmed produce, the pub is a fantastic stop off for those in the Bedale area. Expect plenty of steak, seabass, pie and proper British puds on offer. The Freemason’s Arms, Thornfield Rd, Nosterfield, Bedale, DL8 2QP.
7. The Black Horse, Grassington
A lovely 17th-century coaching inn turned welcoming pub, The Black Horse is situated in the centre of Grassington, with plenty of shops and the backdrop of All Creatures Great And Small right on its doorstep. Beautifully decorated with modern-yet-homely finishes, guests can escape the countryside for a proper good meal, where they’ll find dishes such as pork, sage and cider sausages, pies of the day, pork loin and coq au vin up for grabs. The Black Horse, 4 Garrs Ln, Grassington, Skipton, BD23 5AT.
8. The Traddock, Austwick
A truly stunning country house in Austwick, near Settle, The Traddock has quite an upmarket feel to it, thanks to its Georgian architecture and regal decor. While it’s not a pub like the rest of this list, it’s well worth a visit for some homely grub – with two AA Rosette chefs in the kitchen serving the finest ingredients the county has to offer. Expect a regularly changing British menu, with much more of a special feel to it than your average restaurant. The Traddock, Austwick, Settle, LA2 8BY.
9. The Devonshire Arms Country Inn, Cracoe
Situated between Grassington and Skipton, guests love the Devonshire Arms for its hearty pub grub, with seasonally changing menus packed full of Yorkshire produce. Each dish is creatively presented giving it that special finish, with lovely pies, succulent Yorkshire beef, and other pub classics such as gammon, scampi and seabass on the menu. Devonshire Arms Country Inn, Grassington Rd, Skipton, BD23 6LA.
Read more: 14 Of The Most Spectacular Sunday Roasts To Try In The Yorkshire Dales
