Pub Of The Week: The Craven Arms, Appletreewick

This is possibly the perfect country pub. A handsome 16th-century building in the heart of Wharfedale, sit outside on a good day and drink in the stunning views, cask-conditioned ale and toast your good fortune for having stumbled across it.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Dec 2012, 00:00 BST

Inside, there’s a gleaming range with a roaring log fire, stone floors, battered oak settles, rag rugs and gas lights. Yep, you read that right. They flicker and hiss and create a wonderful atmosphere, especially on a gloomy winter’s afternoon. There are fading photos and old prints on wobbly walls, and no music. Heaven.

A good-looking menu chalked on the board includes several game-centric dishes including grouse, partridge, pheasant and a particularly tasty wild boar and venison casserole. There are pub classics too; gammon and egg, fish & chips and even a couple of good-looking veggie options.

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On the pumps, Thwaites Original Best Bitter and Wainwrights, Moorhouses Blonde and Black Witch and Hetton’s Dark Horse Brewery’s Pale Ale and specially brewed Cruck Barn Bitter. There are seven good wines by the glass and the coffee is ground and suitably strong. All this and it’s muddy dog and boot friendly.

At the back of this fabulous old pub is a vast cruck barn. Used mainly for weddings and parties, it’s really worth considering if you’ve got a big birthday coming up.

Amanda Wragg

The Craven Arms, Appletreewick, BD23 6DA. 01756 720270, www.craven-cruckbarn.co.uk. Mon & Tues 11.30am-3pm & 6-11pm, food served 12-2pm, 6.30-9pm; Wed/Thurs 11.30am-11pm, food served 12-2pm, 6.30-9pm; Fri & Sat, 11.30am-12am, food served all day; Sun 11.30am-10.30pm, food served all day.

THE VERDICT

Welcome*****

Drinks selection*****

Atmosphere*****

Food*****

Prices****

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