The Blue Bell Inn, Kettlewell: Historic Yorkshire pub which prides itself on its homely pub grub

When you’ve had a long day on the hills and riverside paths of Upper Wharfedale, or an ambitious hike up Great Whernside, this handsome Georgian pub is a sight for sore eyes. It’s certainly got some history.

Established in 1860, the former coaching inn is arguably the oldest building in Kettlewell; according to a fact board in the pub, this wouldn’t have been the case but for the Great Flood of 1686 when Kettlewell and Starbotton were almost lost.

On an early spring day it’s bathed in sunshine and drinkers are taking advantage and sitting outside on benches. Inside, there’s a lot of space; three large, comfortable rooms with flagged floors, including one with a wood stove the size of a small family car – very welcome in fact because there’s still a nip in the air.

We’re the only ones in so I can’t report what the atmosphere might be like, except to say the music is on the loud side – or maybe it’s because there were no bodies to soak it up. What I can tell you is that they’ve got an impressive selection of cask ales.

I counted eight hand pumps including Wharfdale best bitter and blonde, Norr Drift from the Bingley Brewery, CPA pale ale from the Craven Brew Co, Wensleydale Semer Water and Hetton Pale Ale brewed up the road at the Queens Arms in Litton.

They pride themselves on the food offer too: expect rustic, homely pub grub with a regularly changing menu depending on what’s seasonal and available.

The Blue Bell Inn, Middle Lane, Kettlewell, North Yorks BD23 5QX

01756 760230 www.bluebellkettlewell.com