17-12-09
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| Some other personal pub & brewery fav. websites to visit |
Craven Arms, Appletreewick, Skipton Royal Shepherd Inn, Skipton The Swan Inn, Addingham One Eyed Rat, Ripon Timothy Taylor Brewery, Keighley Copper Dragon Brewery, Skipton Theakston Brewery, Masham Daleside Brewery, Harrogate |
| Other Inn and Pub Guides |
thirsk.org Guide to Thirsk and area inc. pubs northallerton.info Guide to Northallerton and area inc. pubs thepubsofyork.com Guide to York pubs fancyapint.com The best guide to London's pubs |
| A few Nidderdale websites to visit |
| North and West Yorkshire CAMRA Links |
CAMRA Homepage Keighley and Craven CAMRA North West Yorkshire CAMRA Harrogate and Ripon CAMRA Halifax and Calderdale CAMRA Bradford CAMRA Leeds CAMRA York CAMRA East Lancs CAMRA |
and the Washburn Valley
'I will lift up my eyes unto the hills
From whence cometh my strength'
If you have any additional relevant information, whether historical or current, or any comments about any of the pubs featured on this page then please feel free to contact the website administrator via e-mail. Click on the images to enlarge in a new window. Pubs with their own webpage have a link - click on the name. All information is supplied in good faith and no responsibility is accepted for its accuracy. Finally...if you have enjoyed visiting this page, why not recommend it to a friend... NEWS:
The
Stone
House
Inn
has
closed
(6
Sept)...
but the Timble Inn has re-opened (24 Sept)... |
 The Stone House Inn in 1925 - click on the picture to see a bigger version |
Open Pubs - travelling
down the Dale. Arguably the least well known of the major Yorkshire Dales running from the east side of the Pennines, Nidderdale is still very much a busy working dale. This intimate valley stretches for over twenty miles from its head at Great Whernside above the reservoirs of Scar House and Angram, down to the edge of the popular spa town of Harrogate. Any inns / pubs on this page which I think are definitely worth a visit have their photographs outlined in colour but that is my own personal opinion of course. |
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Middlesmoor - 'The Crown Hotel'
Locally owned, somewhat idiosyncratically operated but very genuine and intimate Dales pub with spectacular views of the dale below (one of North Yorkshire's highest pubs at just under 1,000 feet above sea level) . Opened as a hotel in 1818 and since Autumn 2002 run very ably by the popular Malcolm and Caroline Whitaker, and their son John. A very good display of local photographs in the bar. Good fires, excellent bar meals and en-suite Bed & Breakfast available. Draught Black Sheep bitter available. Cask Marque approved Tel. 01423 755204 |
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Lofthouse - 'The Crown Hotel' Free House. Welcoming and popular family run small hotel / Inn owned by Clive Newcombe since 1980. Offering rooms, traditional food and inviting public bar. Black Sheep and Daleside beer on draught. The Crown was granted a seven day licence at Pateley Court on 2nd February 1949 after 50 years with a six day licence. The landlord at that time was Tom Bradley, who had been landlord since 1907 but who was exempted from paying rent during both world wars. Tel. 01423 755206 |
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Ramsgill - 'The Yorke Arms Hotel'
18th Century built Self styled 'restaurant with rooms'. Nationally recognised privately owned Michelin starred olde worlde country hotel and restaurant with small public bar owned and operated by Bill Atkins and chef Frances Atkins. There used to be a small public bar but I believe non-diners, and particularly ramblers, are no longer particularly welcome. An archetypal and upmarket small english country hotel in every sense with deep pockets essential ! Tel. 01423 755243 |
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Wath - 'The Sportsmans Arms'
Intimate small country hotel and restaurant at the bottom end of Gouthwaite reservoir and with comfortable and welcoming public bar. Run by the Carter family since 1978 and a more affordable and accessible alternative to the Yorke Arms. Theakstons and Black Sheep bitter. Tel. 01423 711306 |
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Pateley Bridge - 'The Bridge Inn' Free House - Opened in April 2003 after the licence was transferred from the adjacent Watermill Inn. Much smaller but light stone and wood interior and a friendly un-pretentious atmosphere. Stone patio garden. Recently changed hands (summer 2009) Bar meals and Black Sheep beers. Tel. 01423 711484 |
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Pateley Bridge - 'The Crown Hotel' Popular with tourists and locals alike, and the only true pub left in the High Street. Refurbished in 2007. Open all day seven days per week. Bar meals available in small restaurant. Darts and Pool as well. Black Sheep Ale. Tel. 01423 712455 |
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Pateley Bridge - 'Pateley Club' Members Social Club (visitors welcome). Originally built in 1692 as the Brewery Pub of Metcalfe's brewery (George & Dragon). By 1773 had become the George Inn and in the early 20th Century (?) became the Conservative Club until re-named around 1998, though I think it is still officially called the 'Pateley Bridge Conservative and Unionist Club'. Full size snooker table and darts board. Tetley's bitter. Tel. 01423 711219 |
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Pateley Bridge - 'The Royal Oak Inn' Ex. Mansfield Inns pub chain outlet - next to Auction Mart. Darts and real fire. Small terrace outside pub. Under the capable running of Robert Jackson since Aug 2003. Bar meals served every day. A bit down at heel maybe internally but normally friendly and genuine enough with good service. Check out the original 1920's tiling in the entrance porch. Anybody who knows the historic Golden Ball pub in Cromwell Street, York, will recognise this. Tel. 01423 711577 |
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Dallowgill - 'The Drovers Inn' Free House. Locally and affectionately known as 'The Little Drovers'. Not technically in Nidderdale but an allowable indulgence as the characterful Drovers Inn has strong connections with Nidderdale, lying about five miles from Pateley Bridge at the far end of Dallowgill Moor. A well known isolated moor edge pub renowned for its tiny 'living room' bar - it can feel a bit like being in someone's front room. The pub is owned by Dallowgill shooting estate and as such remains unspoilt and un-commercialised. Closed all day Mondays. Built between 1856-1861 by Joseph Atkinson. Friendly licensee in Steve Plews, and the pub offers bar meals and two/three Real Ales (normally inc. Hambleton and Old Mill plus one other) Tel. 01765 658510 |
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Fellbeck - 'The Half Moon Inn' Free House - Fairly isolated pub on the main Pateley Bridge - Ripon road. Food and Real Ale (Black Sheep). Largely bare stone interior with large separate function room. Tel. 01423 711560 |
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Wilsill - 'The Birch Tree Inn' Another acquistion by the Punch Pub Company (2000/1) and renovated shortly afterwards with the loss of the distinctive painted end wall name featured on the photograph. Bistro type interior and emphasis - another pub to pass-by if you're after a 'Dales pub' experience. Black Sheep bitter ? Tel. 01423 711131 |
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Low Laithe - 'The Olde Oake Inn' Free House - The Olde Oak is a small mid-dale pub which changed hands in mid-2008. Has a loyal local following and seems to have enjoyed a recent upturn in business. A clean and well-maintained pub which offers bar meals, Sky sports and pool. Only Real Ale at last visit was Black Sheep. Tel. 01423 780247 |
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Summerbridge - 'The Flying Dutchman' Samuel Smiths House with typical restrained Sam Smith's interior. Tenants seem to change on a very regular basis however and the pub has little atmosphere, with the very cheap beer prices being probably the only attraction. The sign in the photo depicts the famous race horse which won the St. Ledger and Derby in 1849, though the pub was (reputedly) originally named after the famous seventeenth century dutch phantom ship of the same name and just recently the sign has changed again to reflect this. Terraced beer garden to rear. Interestingly, the gents toilets have retained their original pre-war tiling and features. Tel. 01423 780321 |
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Dacre Banks- 'The Royal Oak'
Free House. Locally owned and a pub since being built in the early eighteenth century. Cosy and authentic 'Olde Worlde' feel. Good atmosphere and very popular with a wide range of local people for eating and drinking. Reputedly haunted as well. Accommodation available. Sells a range of Real Ales (normally inc. Rudgate). Small patio area, attractive beer garden but down some very steep steps, an outdoor boules pitch and separate pool room as well. Tel. 01423 780200 |
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Darley - 'The Wellington Inn'
Enterprise Inns - On the main Pateley Bridge - Otley road, The Wellington was greatly extended in the late 1980's by previous owner Robert Booth. Re-opened Dec 2008 having been closed for two months and is well-frequented by locals and passers-by. Open all day seven days per week. Tiled floors, real fires and an extensive food menu as well as guest Real Ales (Copper Dragon's 'Golden Pippin' is on permanently). Darts board and pool table. Comfortable snug with traditional large solid fuel range. Tel. 01423 780362 |
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Burnt Yates - 'The New Inn' Free House situated on the Pateley - Ripley road. Changed hands privately again in 2006. Opened as a pub in 1810. Restaurant orientated and intimate comfortable interior liberally decorated with antiques and curios. Tetley's bitter and local Rudgate beers. The sloping bar was reputedly made from an oak tree which stood outside the pub. Up to date (2007) photo provided by the current owner Timothy King. Tel. 01423 771070 |
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Kettlesing - 'The Black Bull' Ex Vaux Inns pub which has recently come under new management as at Dec 2009. Built in 1899 as a coaching Inn. If you like lots and lots of brassware then this is the pub for you ! Homely and fairly dark interior with attractive small restaurant. Original tiled and clean toilets. Only drawback is bad get-out onto the very busy A59 Harrogate-Skipton road. New signage which was badly needed has greatly improved the external view. Click on the photo to see how the Black Bull looks now. Draught Ales - currently Black Sheep and Tetley's. Tel. 01423 770233 |
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Kettlesing - 'The Queens Head' Free House with an understated traditional interior - The Queen's changed hands in December 2003, and whilst maintaining its long established reputation for good food, now welcomes Real Ale lovers, with Harrogate brewed Daleside and Roosters beers appearing regularly, as well as Theakstons. Tel. 01423 770263 |
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Birstwith - 'The Old Station Hotel' Locally owned Free House 'under new-management'. Re-opened 14 November 2003 after a sympathetic renovation. The pub was called simply 'The Station' util its re-opening last year, and was built in the 1850's and originally called 'The Sebastapol' after the Crimean war siege of the same name in 1854. Name changed to The Station some time after the building of the Nidd Valley railway line in the 1870's. Very attractive beer garden to rear. Draught bitter is Tetleys, Black Sheep. Tel. 01423 770254 |
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Hampsthwaite - 'The Joiners Arms' Busy pub in this village at the very foot of the Dale which now serves largely as a commuter and retirement village for Harrogate. Popular restaurant and separate tap bar. Operated by the same family since 1984. Open seven days per week. All days weekends. Tetley and Rudgate beers on draught. Tel. 01423 771673 |
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The Washburn
Valley The Washburn valley runs for about ten miles from the West of Harrogate and Nidderdale, down to the River Wharfe near Otley. It is now best known for its four reservoirs which supply Leeds with water; namely, from top to bottom, Thruscross, Fewston, Swinsty and Lindley Wood which, together with the land around them, offer numerous recreational activities for visitors. Several pubs lie within the slopes of the valley, with the Gate Inn having been closed in the early 1960's prior to the building of Thruscross reservoir and the abandonment of West End village. |
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Thruscross - 'The Stone House Inn' Free House - *currently closed as of 6 September 2009* The Stone House re-opened on 14 February 2005 having been closed since 28 July 2002. From May 2007 until recently closed has been under the ownership of John Mcewan. I would be surprised if the Stone House re-opens before next Spring. The Stone House was originally an 18th century built farm until in 1868 Jesse Peel (whose brother John ran the nearby Gate Inn) was granted a licence and ran the pub for forty five years. A bare-stone interiored and isolated pub of much character, situated on the edge of the moor 900 feet above sea level, and which has had numerous owners over the past twenty/thirty years. A wonderful place to be sat outside when the curlews are calling and gliding in Springtime. Tel. 01943 880325 |
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Blubberhouses - 'The Hopper Lane Hotel' Enterprise Inns. Roadside eating and drinking pub on the main A59 Harrogate-Skipton road with a traditional and warm interior with real fires. Stone floored bar, food and accommodation. Real Ales: Black Sheep, Timothy Taylors, Theakstons, Tetley's. Tel. 01943 880246 |
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Norwood -'The
Sun Inn' One of the area's most well known pubs, drawing patrons particulary from West Yorkshire and situated on the Otley-Blubberhouses road. A large stone interior and traditionally well known for live music and its enormous 5th November Bonfires. Very popular with the motorcyle fraternity for whom it has long been a meeting place. Tel. 01943 880220 |
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Timble/Fewston - 'The Timble Inn'
Free House: NOTE: *re-opened Sep 2009*The legendary Timble Inn near to Fewston reservoir closed in the summer of 2004 but has been completely renovated and has recently (late September 2009) re-opened as a small pub/restaurant and offers en-suite accommodation as well. The new interior is a nice balance of contemporary and rustic and it's good to see such a famous pub open again after five years. Closed all day Mondays. Please note the thumbnail photo is an old one taken before 2004. Click on it to see a larger photo of how the pub looks now externally. There is also a 1912 postmarked postcard here. Real Ales: Theakstons Bitter, Copper Dragon 'Golden Pippin'. Tel. 01943 880530 |
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Newall with Clifton - 'The Spite Inn' (aka 'The
Roebuck Inn') Enterprise Inns. The Spite Inn lies up the hill just outside Otley on the road towards Blubberhouses and Nidderdale, but is just inside North Yorkshire and on the flanks of the Washburn Valley. A stone interiored pub dating from the mid-nineteenth century which offers food. The interior is fairly plain but clean and well maintained. The modern name of 'The Spite Inn' apparently originates from a long running feud between this pub and a former next-door pub (The Travellers Rest). The first time I went in this pub (mid 1980's) it was owned by Websters brewery of Halifax. Real Ales at last Visit: Copper Dragon 'Golden Pippin', Taylors 'Landlord' and Wells 'Bombardier'. There is a faded photo dating from 1910 here. Tel. 01943 463063 |
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Gone but not
forgotten...some closed Pubs in the Nidderdale and Washburn Valley area.
(in rough
chronological order) |
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Greenhow Hill - 'The Miners Arms' Free House - as of August 2008 closed (again) after being closed for nearly two years up to April 2008, the Miners re-opened in a much reduced form with only a small side bar open to the public. Recent work on the 'pub' would seem to preclude any re-opening at all and it would seem that 'The Miners' has gone forever. As of December 2009 it was reported that the building had been re-possessed by the banks. The Miners opened as a pub over 150 years ago and is situated in a former lead mining community high above Pateley Bridge. Like many other remote pubs though it had mixed fortunes over recent years. This was the third highest Inn in North Yorkshire at 1250 feet above sea level (after The Tan Hill Inn and The Lion at Blakey, nr Rosedale). |
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Burnt Yates - 'The Bay Horse Inn' Free House - The Bay Horse closed at the end of August 2002 following which it lay semi-derelict for some time. Planning permission was passed in April 2005 to convert the Bay Horse for residential and community (day nursery) use and several houses have recently been built in the car park. |
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Pateley Bridge - 'The Watermill Inn' Closed Feb 2003. Former Free House and before that a former flax mill (closed over thirty years ago) famed for the 36ft diameter working water wheel attached to the pub which is one of the largest water wheels in England. The license has been transferred to the new and adjacent 'Bridge Inn' which opened on 16 April 2003, with the Mill itself being converted into flats. |
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Shaw Mills- 'The Nelson Inn' Closed app. 1994. Small cosy free house which served a hamlet just out of the lower Dale. Converted into housing. |
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Darley - 'The Prospect Inn' Closed app. 1996 Former free house situated in the main part of the straggling village of Darley. Converted into housing. |
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Pateley Bridge - 'The Talbot Hotel' Built in late 18th Century as the Star Inn. Closed as a pub in 1983. Last landlord Dennis Johnson but still open as a licensed Hotel. |
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Low Laithe - 'The Dusty Miller' Closed 1964, the last landlord being Alan Haynes. Until the mid 2000's was still open as a small restaurant, but that has now closed. |
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Pateley Bridge - 'The Kings Arms' Closed 1968. |
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Thruscross - 'The Gate Inn' Closed early 1960's prior to the creation of Thruscross Reservoir. Only the rear foundation wall now remains.(left in photo.) From a tree adjacent to the pub a sign used to hang: 'the gate hangs well and hinders none, refresh yourself and pay, and travel on.' |
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Pateley Bridge - 'The Black Bull & The Bay Horse' Closed in early 1950's (?) and demolished to make way for High Street Car Park. |
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Pateley Bridge - 'The Cross Keys' Built in the 18th Century as the Cricketers Arms, then renamed 'The Shoulder of Mutton'. Bought by Metcalfe's (brewers of Pateley). Closed in 1957. Photograph (with kind permission of Paul Skirrow) shows the pub probably around the turn of the century. |
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Blubberhouses- 'The Frankland Arms' Closed after the Second World War, with demolition possibly when the road was widened in the 1960's to take out the bad bridge highlighted on the photograph. If anybody knows the app. year of closure, I'd be interested to know. This photograph was kindly sent to me by Anthony Hayes of Massachusetts, USA. |
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High Birstwith- 'Meg Gate Inn' Closed after the Second World War (circa 1950?) |
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Middlesmoor - 'The Kings Head' In 1906, The King's Head transferred its licence from the Ryder family, who had held it continuously since 1760, to Middlesmoor House and John Thomas Dolphin, who surrendered it, also in 1906. (This information via Mr William Glencorse of Kings Head House, Middlesmoor) |
