If there’s some good that’s come of the pandemic, it’s the sheer innovation that hospitality businesses have mustered – creating unique, socially distanced experiences for us to enjoy now that they’re back. And continuing the theme throughout the summer, a number of Yorkshire venues have revamped their winter innovations – providing beach-themed tipis, private dining pods and more for us to enjoy. Here’s our pick of the very best summer tipis and pods available to try at Yorkshire pubs.
1. Fat Badger Pub, Harrogate

The Fat Badger pub in Harrogate has revamped its igloos into summer domes, providing a little shelter from both the sun and the rain and allowing guests to drink from a social distance. Proving incredibly popular with guests, each dome houses a table for four, and they’re even available to book in advance, too.
The stunningly decorated quintessentially British pub, which overlooks The Stray, serves up a lengthy list of global wines, tasty cocktails and beers, with AA Rosette-awarded food in the restaurant. Book here. The Fat Badger, Cold Bath Rd, Harrogate, HG2 0NF.
2. Thor’s Tipi, York

The reigning King of the tipi tent, Thor’s Tipi, is back – with a summer edition that’s perfect for mate dates. Known as SOL AST, guests are invited to enjoy ‘luxe Ibiza’ vibes at the Principal Hotel Gardens, with plenty of seating, Portuguese food by Frango Eduardo, sangria, cocktails and so much more. SOL AST launches on 18th June. The Principal Hotel, Station Rd, York, YO24 1AA.
3. Yorkshire Ales, Snaith

A local bar found in small East Yorkshire town Snaith, Yorkshire Ales is a cosy pub with plenty on offer – including their fantastic beer garden domes.
Available to book for six, guests can book ‘dome platter packages’, which include food of your choice, including brunch, Afternoon Tea, cocktails and more, with street food also on the menu for those who fancy something a little different. Find out more. Yorkshire Ales, 17 Selby Rd, Snaith, Goole, DN14 9HT.
4. The Sportsman’s Arms, Wath-in-Nidderdale

A gorgeous pub surrounded by Nidderdale countryside, The Sportsman’s Arms has popped up a new, ambient summer tent, sprawling over their perfectly preened lawn and boasting spectacular views. There, guests can enjoy their wood-fired kitchen every weekend, which serves up an array of dishes – all designed perfectly for summer days.
Previous menus have included salt-aged sirloin steaks, Harissa marinated chicken thighs, slow-cooked pigs cheeks, Yorkshire cured meats, and plenty of veggie dishes, too. Bookings are open now here. The Sportsman’s Arms, Wath Rd, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, HG3 5PP.
5. Kirkstall Bridge Inn, Leeds

A riverside pub found in Kirkstall, Leeds, the Kirkstall Bridge Inn has kept their fantastic tipi for the summer, this time, featuring an open style that’s perfect for taking cover in the warmer months.
The tipi stands proudly in their beer garden, where guests can take advantage of ample picnic-style seating, Kirkstall Brewery’s very own beers, Sunday roasts and more. Kirkstall Bridge, 12 Bridge Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3BW.
6. Camp Katur, Bedale

Camp Katur has undergone a number of improvements over the past year, with the team getting extra creative ready for summer 2021. Not only is it now home to even more unique glamping pods and domes, but guests can now also enjoy their The Hebridean Bar & Grill – a new on-site restaurant packed with private shed pods to dine in, ample picnic-style seating, and a wood-fired oven throwing out tasty pizzas.
Chef Adrian Orford is at the helm of the restaurant, serving up dishes such as BBQ’d sirloin steaks, Korean chicken, burgers and more. Find out more. Camp Katur, Camp Katur The Camp Hill Estate, Kirklington, Bedale, DL8 2LS.
7. Ox Pasture Hall, Scarborough

Scarborough hotel Ox Pasture Hall has popped up a number of private dining domes for the summer, offering guests a lovely, socially distanced experience to enjoy on their gorgeous lawn. Part of their already fantastic al fresco dining offering – where guests can dine in the open sunshine – the private pods house up to six guests, with drinks, dinner, Afternoon Tea and more available to enjoy.
The gastropub has been awarded two AA Rosettes for ‘Culinary Excellence’, so it’s safe to say guests are in good hands. Naturally, the pods are highly popular so booking is recommended, however, you can find out more here. Ox Pasture Hall, Lady Edith’s Dr, Scarborough, YO12 5TD.
8. Crab & Lobster, Thirsk

An ever-impressive hotel drawing inspiration from some of the most iconic hotels in the world, the Crab & Lobster has a lot to offer its guests. And now, new for summer, guests can enjoy a private dining experience like no other – thanks to their glam new pods that are perfect for date nights.
Available all day long, guests can enjoy lunch, Afternoon Tea, and dinner, with each pod heated for the cooler evenings. Available for both drinks and food, guests can enjoy exceptional, award-winning food, with dishes such as Lindisfarne Oysters, Lobster Thermidor and Roast Prime Aged Fillet of Beef on the menu. Find out more here. Crab & Lobster, Dishforth Road, Asenby, York, YO7 3QL.
9. Mallyan Spout Hotel, Goathland

Located near the stunning Mallyan Spout waterfall, the Mallyan Spout Hotel has put up some gorgeous dining domes for the summer months, which are perfectly presented within their beautiful lawn.
Seating six people per pod, guests can enjoy a beautiful pub menu, packed with classic dishes such as steak and ale pie, battered cod, sirloin steak and gorgeous burgers, with York Gin, and some refreshing cocktails to wash it all down with.
Pods cost a £20 rental fee for two hours, and you can book yours directly with the restaurant. Mallyan Spout Hotel, Goathland, Whitby, YO22 5AN.
10. The Piece Hall, Halifax

Popping up this summer, The Trading Rooms at The Piece Hall has created some incredible private barrels for guests to enjoy, sitting front and centre within the space’s huge courtyard.
The Trading Rooms serves a stunning internationally inspired menu created with the best Yorkshire produce, with tasty pizzas, pasta, burgers and British meats on the menu. Their menus are switched up seasonally, with beers, cocktails, gins and more available to enjoy alongside. The Piece Hall, Blackledge, Halifax, HX1 1RE.
Read more: The Scenic Riverside Restaurant In York Serving Michelin Star-Worthy Grub
[Featured image: Thor’s Tipi]