Close

Join Our World... Sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Join Our World... Sign up for our exclusive newsletter.
Close

Be inspired every day with Living North

Subscribe today and get every issue delivered direct to your door
Subscribe Now
Be inspired every day with Living North
pub The Abbey Inn
Eat and Drink
September 2025
Reading time 2 Minutes

A hearty pub lunch is exactly what's needed as the cold creeps in

North Yorkshire is truly the land of proper pub grub and there's so many great places to choose from. Here are some of our favourites.
The Alice Hawthorn

The Alice Hawthorn

The Green, Nun Monkton, York YO26 8EW
01423 330303
thealicehawthorn.com
This charming country pub sits just off the beaten track, but its carefully-curated menus have made it a must-visit for foodies in Yorkshire. The menus celebrate the seasons and the food is complemented by an extensive hand-picked wine list. Start with braised pig cheek or seared king scallops, followed by wild North Sea halibut or roast rump of lamb. In summer, the pub’s garden is the place to go for sourdough pizzas and dishes from the grill every Friday and Saturday evening.

The Plough 

21–23 High Street, Scalby YO13 0PT
01723 362622
theploughscalby.co.uk
Enjoy modern British dishes in the relaxed restaurant and bar at this hugely popular pub. Dogs are welcome too, so it’s perfect for a quick pit stop after a long walk. Alongside the classics, there are always plenty of tempting daily specials and the new heated terrace means you can dine al fresco too.

The Durham Ox

Westway, Crayke YO61 4TE
01347 821506
thedurhamox.com
This award-winning pub has an exceptionally good menu packed full of hearty, uncomplicated classics, and has a spot in the Michelin Guide. Expect slow-cooked confit duck leg, freshly shucked oysters, and a classic ploughman’s lunch.

The Abbey Inn 

Byland, York YO61 4BD
abbeyinnbyland.co.uk
Just a mile down country lanes from Tommy Banks’ iconic Black Swan at Oldstead, The Abbey Inn is the latest addition to his foodie empire. Across the road from the Romantic ruins of Byland Abbey, this is a great gastropub where you can still pop in for a pint and some bar snacks, but also expect to find top-quality pub classics made with ingredients from the nearby family farm. The Sunday roast here has received plenty of well-deserved praise, and there’s a great cocktail list too.

sunday roast with side of vegetables The Gamekeeper’s Inn

The Gamekeeper’s Inn

Long Ashes Park, Threshfield, North Yorkshire BD23 5PN
01756 752434
gamekeeperinn.co.uk 

Once a gamekeeper’s cottage, this charming inn at the heart of the Yorkshire Dales is a must-visit for any foodie. The Gamekeeper’s Inn is known for great local ales and hearty homemade food, with locally-sourced produce prepared fresh in the kitchen by the talented team of chefs. Sunday lunch is legendary at this inn, and you should check out their speciality dining nights too – tapas, steak, fish and more. Stop by now for their delicious new spring-summer menu.

The Fauconberg 

Coxwold YO61 4AD
01347 868214
fauconbergarms.com
In this cosy 17th century coaching inn you’ll find home-cooked classics served in the bar, the snug or in the restaurant. Expect classic, hearty dishes like battered haddock, steak and ale pie, and Whitby breaded scampi all made with locally-sourced produce.

Chadwicks Inn 

High Lane, Maltby TS8 0BG
01642 590300
chadwicksinnmaltby.co.uk
This traditional country pub with an award-winning restaurant has retained plenty of its 19th century charm and still boasts original features such as the stone fireplace and exposed beams. The food is beautifully prepared and locally sourced and the menu includes all the classics alongside a popular Market Menu. They hold regular wine tastings and special themed evenings too.

The Blue Lion

Main Road, East Witton DL8 4SN
01969 624273
thebluelion.co.uk
With a well-established reputation for great food, this popular country restaurant is a must-visit. The seasonal menus showcase the best Yorkshire produce, and you can choose to dine in the cosy bar area, or in the more elegant dining room. Start with twice-baked Wensleydale cheese soufflé, followed by Herdwick lamb, ricotta gnocchi or dry-aged sirloin of beef.

The Crathorne Arms

Crathorne, North Yorkshire TS15 0BA
01642 961402
thecrathornearms.co.uk
A hidden gem of a pub in a community-focused village, The Crathorne Arms is a charming spot that prides itself on its homely character. The menu changes seasonally but you’ll always find your favourites done well here, alongside the tempting à la carte and prix fixe menus.

pie and pint in old pub The Lister Arms

The Lister Arms

Malham, Skipton BD23 4DB
01729 830444
listerarms.co.uk 

Enjoy home cooked food made from scratch in this popular and welcoming pub. Championing local producers, the menu captures the changing seasons of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales. Dine in the restaurant, or with your four-legged friends in the bar area in front of the fire.

The Bruce Arms

2 Main Street, West Tanfield, Ripon HG4 5JJ
01677 470325
thebrucearms.com 
An independently-run, dog-friendly 18th century coaching inn which now offers modern pub food – including plenty of fresh Yorkshire produce. They let the food do the talking here, promising ‘less fuss, more flavour’. The Sunday lunches get rave reviews, but head down for dinner to try spiced lamb sausage or Tanfield rabbit croquette, followed by wild venison haunch, roast cod or a Yorkshire sirloin with proper chips.

The Owl at Hawnby

Hilltop, York YO62 5QS
01439 330180
theowlhawnby.co.uk
It’s all about good food cooked well at this 19th century former drover’s inn. Home of the award-winning team from Bantam you’ll find traditional seasonal menus here and food is served in the dining room, cosy bar and garden. Definitely one worth seeking out, the dining room serves lunch Friday to Sunday, and dinner is available Wednesday to Saturday. Bar food is available all day Wednesday through to Sunday too.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.


Please read our Cookie policy.