32 of the best pubs and bars in Yorkshire according to The Good Pub Guide 2021

The annual guide’s inspectors have picked out the top performing pubs from across Yorkshire
The Durham Ox, Crayke, is among the best 32 Yorkshire pubs according to The Good Pub Guide 2021. (Pic: @TheDurhamOx / Twitter)The Durham Ox, Crayke, is among the best 32 Yorkshire pubs according to The Good Pub Guide 2021. (Pic: @TheDurhamOx / Twitter)
The Durham Ox, Crayke, is among the best 32 Yorkshire pubs according to The Good Pub Guide 2021. (Pic: @TheDurhamOx / Twitter)

The Good Pub Guide 2021 has been released - celebrating some of Yorkshire’s best drinking establishments.

No fewer than 32 pubs from around Yorkshire made the list recommended by inspectors, with hundreds more suggested by readers.

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It's been a tough year for pubs as many landlords were forced to take the unprecedented step of shutting their doors during national lockdowns.

The full impact of the Covid pandemic could be long lasting on the hospitality sector but when restrictions are finally lifted, there will be no better time to support our local pubs.

Purchase The Good Pub Guide 2021 HERE.

Tickled Trout

Church Street, Bilton in Ainsty, YO26 7NN

A family run pub close to Wetherby Racecourse also has five bedrooms on site.

Its sizable bar promotes a friendly feel for patrons to enjoy one of many light refreshments.

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"Neatly kept country inn with first class licensees, character bar and dining rooms, very good food and seat in garden," is how it is described.

Contact: (01423) 359006 | www.tickledtrout.co.uk

Lion

Blakey Ridge, YO62 7LQ

This "spacious pub in a fine moorland setting with popular food all day" also has 13 comfortable bedrooms for overnight guests.

Situated at the highest point of the North York Moors, its views need to be seen to be believed, but also means it can often be snowed in.

Contact: (01751) 417320 | www.lionblakey.co.uk

Strines Inn

Mortimer Road, Bradfield, S6 6JE

Just a couple of miles north of Snake Pass, this "bustling inn" attracts travellers crossing the moors between Sheffield and Manchester.

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The building has stood the test of time, dating back to the 16th Century, despite its isolated position on the edge of the Peak District National Park.

Contact: (0114) 285 1247 | www.thestrinesinn.co.uk

Bull

Broughton, BD23 3AE

A wide ranging bar menu gives patrons the choice of changing guest handpumps, 18 wines, 30 gins and nearly 40 whiskies.

The roadside pub is described as "handsome", with "attractive rooms spreading out from the main bar area and is especially popular with families".

Contact: (01756) 792065 | www.brunningandprice.co.uk/bull

Wyvill Arms

Constable Burton, DL8 5LH

A converted 18th Century farmhouse, this "well run, friendly dining pub" is located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.

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The pub offers plenty of good food and drink and even has a model train on a railway track running around the second bar area.

Contact: (01677) 450581 | www.thewyvillarms.co.uk

Durham Ox

West Way, Crayke, YO61 4TE

This village pub is popular with locals and visitors alike thanks to "fine drinks and smashing food" among other glowing characteristics.

It has views of the Vale of York from three sides and a medieval church on a hill from the fourth - the very hill the Grand Old Duke of York marched his men, according to legend.

Contact: (01347) 821506 | www.thedurhamox.com

Blue Lion

Main Road, East Witton, DL8 4SN

Described as "civilised dining pub with a proper bar, real ales, highly enjoyable food and courteous service" - it's inclusion is clear.

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The dining room has a touch of class about it with candlelight and high ceilings, making the pub a popular refuge for dog walkers and those out for a special meal.

Contact: (01969) 624273 | www.thebluelion.co.uk

Tempest Arms

Elslack Lane, Elslack, BD23 3AY

Situated a few miles from Skipton, this cosy pub is handy for the Pennine Way and attracts a mix of customers in a character brimming setting.

"Busy inn with three log fires in stylish rooms, five real alea, good wines and well regarded food," is how the guide pays tribute to this pub.

Contact: (01282) 842450 | www.tempestarms.co.uk

Carpenters Arms

Church View, Felixkirk, YO7 2DP

Newly refurbished during the enforced closure of pubs in 2020, this pub is "stylishly furnished... with spacious rooms, real ales and highly regarded food."

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Home to Black Sheep Best, York Guzzler and a changing guest ale on handpump, as well as a range of ciders, wines, whickies and gins, there is plenty of choice behind the bar.

Contact: (01845) 537369 | www.thecarpentersarmsfelixkirk.com

Grantley Bar & Restaurant

Grantley, HG4 3PJ

If it's a "relaxed and interesting dining pub with good food" you're after in Grantley then look no further, as it welcomes its arms to locals and visitors alike.

Popular lunch venue for visitors to the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden nearby, some of the landlady's own paintings hang in the front bar.

Contact: (01765) 620227 | www.grantleyarms.com

Bridge Inn

B6270, Grinton, DL11 6HH

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A "godsend for thirsty walkers and cyclists", this riverside pub can be found in Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Its bar areas create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, with two log fires, darts and even a glass chess set for patrons to pass the time.

Contact: (01748) 884224

Shibden Mill

Halifax, HX3 7UL

Named the Yorkshire Dining Pub of the Year, the Shibden Mill has all the rustic charm of a restored 17th Century mill and modern comforts.

The "spreading bar" has an intimate feel, with upstairs dining and a heated terrace as well as 11 stylish bedrooms for overnight stays.

Contact: (01422) 365840 | www.shibdenmillinn.com

Oak Tree

Raskelf Road, Helperby, YO61 2PH

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"Attractive pub with real ales in a friendly bar, fine food in cosy dining rooms and seats on terrace," is how the guide describes the Oak Tree.

Colourful decor throughout, this pub is a hit with customers looking to quench their thirst or delve into a good selection of pub dishes.

Contact: (01423) 879189 | www.theoaktreehelperby.com

Wheatley Arms

Wheatley Lane, Ilkley, LS29 8PP

Located close to Ilkley Moor, the "smart inn with a cosy bar" is popular at lunchtimes with hungry walkers and locals.

Tub armchairs fill one side of the locals' bar while seats you can sink into occupy the other half to give patrons a choice of comfortable seating.

Contact: (01943) 816496 | www.wheatleyarms.co.uk

Black Horse

Lumley Lane, Kirkby Fleetham, DL7 0SH

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A blend of "traditional roots and modern comforts" can be found in this country inn, which also has 14 bedrooms for overnight guests.

"Attractively reworked country inn with well liked food, good drinks choice and cheerful atmosphere," says the guide.

Contact: (01609) 749010 | www.blackhorseinnkirkbyfleetham.com

Chequers

Claypit Lane, Ledsham, LS25 5LP

Described as a "friendly pub with hands-on landlord, log fires in several beamed rooms, real ales and interesting food".

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Followers of cricket will also spot a large photo of four Yorkshire heroes in one room.

Contact: (01977) 683135 | www.thechequersinn.com

Horseshoe

Levisham, YO18 7NL

A good base for exploring the North York Moors National Park, this bustling pub sits at the head of a little village.

"Friendly village pub with super food, neat rooms, real ales and seats on the village green" - what more could you want?

Contact: (01751) 460240 | www.horseshoelevisham.co.uk

Sandpiper

Market Place, Leyburn, DL8 5AT

Its market town location is a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and service perfected by the couple who run the cottage pub.

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"An appealing food plus drinkers' bar in a pretty inn, with a good choice of whisky", makes it a popular venue for many patrons all year round.

Contact: (01969) 622206 | www.sandpiperinn.co.uk

Fountaine

Linton in Craven, BD23 5HJ

A "neatly kept pub with attractive furnishings" is located in one of the most sought after corners of the Yorkshire Dales.

Open fires, beams, exposed stone walls and comfy seats makes this a popular and cosy destination for walkers and locals.

Contact: (01756) 752210 | www.fountaineinnatlinton.co.uk

Fox & Rabbit

Whitby Road, Lockton, YO18 7NQ

Located near the Dalby Forest, this "popular country inn" has plenty of surrounding walks for patrons to enjoy before or after refreshments.

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A friendly and inviting atmosphere awaits this "creeper-cld country pub run by two brothers who understand the meaning of hospitality".

Contact: (01751) 460213 | www.foxandrabbit.co.uk

Lister Arms

Malham, BD23 4DB

Popular with walkers, due to its location at the foot of Malham Cove, this "handsome, stone inn" is also home to many lovers of ale and good food.

"Friendly inn in fine countryside with cosy bars, dining room, enjoyable food and eats outside," is how the guide describes this pub near Skipton.

Contact: (01729) 830444 | www.listerarms.co.uk

Punch Bowl

Marton-cum-Grafton, YO51 9QY

A newly remodelled bar area and a thorough makeover throughout has given this old pub a new lease of life, while maintaining its traditions.

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A spiral staircase leads to a cosy coffee loft and a private dining room. There are also seats and tables in the back courtyard, which is home to summer barbecues.

Contact: (01423) 322519 | www.thepunchbowlmartoncumgrafton.com

Black Sheep Brewery

Masham, HG4 4EN

"Lively place with friendly staff, unusual decor in a big warehouse room, well kept beers and popular food," is how this pub is described.

Not only that, it's a "beer lover's dream" as patrons get to see the brewing process and sample the good range of Black Sheep beers.

Contact: (01765) 680100 | www.blacksheepbrewery.co.uk

Wild Swan

Main Street, Minskip, YO51 9JF

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This newly renovated country pub dates back to 1832 and has kept the cosy feel patrons love in a well run pub in the heart of York.

With a "stylish but relaxed bar and restaurant" and a two-way open fire, it remains a popular destination for many when they visit the city.

Contact: (01423) 326334 | www.wildswan.pub

Black Bull

Moulton, DL10 6QJ

"Character pub with a traditional bar, a large open restaurant, high quality food and courteous efficient service," is how this pub, located 2.5 miles east of Scotch Corner.

Patrons are promised a warm welcome, community spirit and good food and drink to boot.

Contact: (01325) 377556 | www.theblackbullmoulton.com

Old Bridge

Priest Lane, Ripponden, HX6 4DF

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The Old Bridge is the epitome of a family run pub, having been with the Walkers since the 1960s, so guests are sure to get a warm welcome.

Described as a "pleasant old pub" by the Calderdale Way, it has all the characteristics you would come to expect - and a church next door.

Contact: (01422) 822595 | www.theoldbridgeinn.co.uk

Star

King Street, Sancton, YO43 4QP

This bustling bar has a selection of ales on handpump, a "serious wine list" and pays just as much attention to its food menu.

The Star won the inaugural Great Yorkshire Pudding challenge, which "should tell you all you need to know about the standard of the cooking and its local ethos".

Contact: (01430) 827269 | www.thestaratsancton.co.uk

Buck

The Village Green, Thornton Watlass, HG4 4AH

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Overlooking the village cricket pitch, this "down to earth" pub is at the heart of its local community - and for good reason too.

Up to five real ales can be found on the handpumps, while there is also a function room and is the venue of Sunday afternoon jazz sessions.Contact: (01677) 422461 | www.buckwatlass.co.uk

Crown & Cushion

Welburn, YO60 7DZ

Close to Castle Howard, this "attractive village inn" has as much going for it outside as it does inside, with far reaching views on the terrace.

Inside, there is a bar area, a little tap room with rustic tables and two more formal dining rooms. All of which makes it a popular destination with locals "who appreciate its unaffected charm and good field-to-fork cooking".

Contact: (01653) 618777 | www.thecrownandcushionwelburn.com

Pack Horse

Widdop Road, Widdop, HX7 7AT

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Described as a "friendly, family run pub up on the moors with tasty food, real ales and plenty of malt whiskies".

It's clear to see why it's a popular spot, and not just with the locals, as both the Pennine Way and the Pennine Bridleway pass nearby.

Contact: (01422) 842803

Judges Lodging

Lendal, York, YO1 8AQ

This pub in the heart of the city also has 21 recently revamped bedrooms, with views of York Minster from some.

A characterful setting, with "fine vaulted ceilings, upholstered dining chairs and sofas on big flagstones" means it's a popular setting with many.

Contact: (01904) 639312 | www.judgeslodgingyork.co.uk

Maltings

Tanner's Moat, York YO1 6HU

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A city centre pub full of charm and amusing notices, from an old chocolate dispensing machine to a collection of railway signs.

A large range of drinks, often featuring the works of local microbreweries, and "good value food in quirky surroundings."

Contact: (01904) 655387 | www.maltings.co.uk

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