Yorkshire's Best Pubs for Foodies
The cosiest local pubs for foodies to find this winter
The Fountaine Inn
This idyllic country inn, just five minutes from Grassington, enjoys one of the most stunning settings in the Dales and with roaring log fires, low ceilings and cosy snugs it’s a great place to hunker down in. Warm and inviting, dining here is informal (dogs are welcome in the bar, snug and Linton room), and the menu features plenty of pub favourites including their hugely popular steak and ale pie and delicious sounding Dizzy Blonde beer-battered fish and chips.
Lauradale Lane, Linton-in-Craven BD23 5HJ
fountaineinnatlinton.co.uk
The Abbey Inn
This historic 19th century inn has been transformed into a cosy country pub overlooking the ruins of Byland Abbey. Serving a seasonal menu of reimagined pub classics, all created by Chef Director Tommy Banks, alongside a carefully curated drinks list including real hand-pumped ales and seasonal cocktails, whether you want a pint by the fire or a blow out meal in the Piggery restaurant, this is definitely one to seek out for some winter solace.
Byland, York YO61 4BD
abbeyinnbyland.co.uk
The Lister Arms
There aren’t many cosier places than beside the fire in the bar at the Lister Arms in the tiny village of Malham, tucked beneath the famous Malham Cove. The food here is all made from scratch using top quality seasonal produce from local suppliers and you can expect to find all your favourites served with a modern twist on the menu, or tuck into their special Afternoon Tea which includes miniature versions of their homemade steak and Thwaites Ale pie, mini Yorkshire burgers, and mini fish and chips. Dogs are welcome in the bar but not in the restaurant.
Malham, Skipton BD23 4DB
listerarms.co.uk
Alice Hawthorn
With traditional flags and plenty of open fires in every room, this characterful pub is definitely where you’ll want to while away the winter. Not least thanks to its cosy bar and imaginative menu designed by the talented kitchen team under the watchful eye of chef John Topham. Find dishes such as Dos Passos prawns (if you know, you know), chargrilled Iberia pork presa and Creedy Carver duck, all accompanied by an extensive wine list.
The Green, Nun Monkton YO26 8EW
thealicehawthorn.com
The Bruce Arms
This traditional 18th century coaching inn sits on the cusp of Nidderdale and the Yorkshire Dales. Now a popular dining pub, whether you’re a walker or wanting to celebrate something special, you’ll receive a warm welcome at this family run, family-friendly pub (they love dogs too). The imaginative menu includes specials such as Thirkleby duck breast served with orange and onion marmalade, pommes Anna and asparagus, and Tamworth pork schnitzel with lemon and caper butter and fries. Sunday lunch is very much an institution here so book early to avoid disappointment and definitely order the chocolate bomb for dessert.
2 Main Street, West Tanfield, Ripon HG4 5JJ
thebrucearms.com
The Owl Hawnby
A former drover’s inn dating back to the 19th century, this pub is now home to the award-winning team from Bantam who are all about good food cooked well. With an eye on tradition and a determination to make the most of North Yorkshire’s expansive larder, food is served in the dining room and cosy bar, with a regular list of specials available, all accompanied by fine wines and local ales.
Hill Top, Hawnby YO62 5QS
theowlhawnby.co.uk
Tan Hill Inn
Famous for being the highest pub in Great Britain, and also one where you might just be lucky enough to get snowed in (it’s happened before), this cosy inn serves freshly cooked pub classics alongside its renowned giant Yorkshires filled with your choice of beef stew and dumplings, sausage, lamb or beef bourguignon, accompanied by a raft of local cask ales and beers. Settle down by the fire and tuck in as you take in the sweeping views from the windows and wait for the snow.
Reeth, Richmond DL11 6ED
tanhill.com
The Devonshire
This welcoming family-run pub in the heart of Grassington serves traditional, homecooked food showcasing the best local produce. The ever-changing daily specials allow the kitchen to take advantage of catch of the day fresh fish, limited availability game, and fresh garden produce, and the same menu is served in both the restaurant and the bar, where you’ll find more than 50 gins, cask ales and a carefully-curated wine list.
25–27 Main Street, Grassington BD23 5AD
thedevonshiregrassington.co.uk
Grantley Arms
A newcomer to Yorkshire’s pub scene, this younger sibling to the grand Grantley Hall is where you’ll find a traditional cosy pub atmosphere combined with fine dining from chef Gavin Swift, who has crafted a tempting offering including an outstanding Sunday lunch and classic à la carte menu, all championing home-grown Yorkshire ingredients. Family owned and family friendly, dogs are also welcome in the bar.
Ripon HG4 3PJ
grantleyarms.co.uk
The Craven Arms
You might recognise this pub from All Creatures Great and Small. The Craven Arms, nestled in the picturesque Wharfedale village of Appletreewick, is cosy as they come, with its gas lighting, real log fires and rustic bar. The kitchen here serves great food using locally-sourced produce and the ale, cask conditioned in the pub’s own cellar, is just as popular.
Appletreewick, Wharfedale BD23 720270
.craven-cruckbarn.co.uk
The Plough, Wombleton
This award-winning pub dates back to the 15th century. Snuggle up by the fire in the bar where bar staff are on hand to pour the perfect pint of local ale or glass of wine from a hand-picked selection to accompany the bar snacks and nibbles. In the restaurant expect timeless, comforting dishes with a modern twist and plenty of Yorkshire generosity.
Main Street, Wimbledon YO62 7RW
ploughwombleton.uk
The Golden Lion
Promising heartwarming hospitality and home-cooked food, this charming country inn in the heart of Settle champions local producers on its menu packed with pub classics, including a traditional Settle suet pudding and sausage and creamy mash with crispy onions. Cosy up by the fire in the dog-friendly bar or linger over a meal with friends and family in the restaurant after a day exploring the surrounding Dales.
Duke Street, Settle BD24 9DU
goldenlionsettle.co.uk
The Tickled Trout
A real Yorkshire inn with flagstone floors, open fires and oak panelling, The Tickled Trout smokes its own salmon, bakes its own bread every day and churns its own sea salted butter. Serving a seasonal menu, all meat and fish are sourced from within 30 miles, local shoots supply pheasant, partridge and rabbits, and most of the pub’s suppliers are smaller, award-winning artisan producers. The menu includes small plates alongside traditional mains and daily specials, and there’s a wood-fired pizza oven here too.
Church Street, Bilton in Ainsty YO26 7NN
tickledtrout.co.uk
The General Tarleton
Newly reincarnated, this historic coaching inn is now under the watchful eye of Tommy Banks and his team. There’s a casual drinking space for locals and visitors but the focus here is on the food, where the produce-led menu features seasonal dishes, pub classics and a hearty offering from the grill. Well-kept beers and a carefully considered wine list mean you’ll want to linger in the cosy brick-lined and beamed restaurant.
Harrogate Road, Ferrensby, Knaresborough HG5 0PZ
generaltarletonferrensby.co.uk
The Pickled Pheasant
This newly refurbished pub is the kind of place you wish was your local. Playing an important part in the local community, this welcoming space serves a menu which includes breakfast and brunch, bar bites, small plates and proper hearty pub classics in its bar and restaurant, with wood burners to keep you cosy.
Woodhead Road, Holmfirth HD9 2NQ
thepickledpheasant.com
Chadwicks Inn
This charming and atmospheric 19th century public house retains many original features such as its stone fireplace and beams. Originally the Half Moon Inn, it was taken over by an RAF mosquito pilot named John Liddle following the Second World War, who renamed it The Pathfinders (the bar retains the same name) in honour of the pilots and the proximity to the nearby Thornaby airfields. Good food is done well here and includes plenty of fish dishes and steak from the grill.
High Lane, Maltby, Middlesbrough TS8 0BG
chadwicksinnmaltby.co.uk
