Pub Of The Week: The Kings Arms, Sandhutton

There was a time when most pubs were a vibrant, beating heart of a community. Sadly for many that is now but a murmur.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Oct 2012, 01:00 BST

Happily, there are enterprising landlords/ladies and even the communities themselves busy out there breathing new life into their local by joining forces with other ‘endangered species’. Do not be surprised, therefore to see public libraries, post offices and even the village shop sharing space with the pumps.

The Kings Arms at Sandhutton is such a pub. It has been the hub of the village since the early 1800s, and still strives to be so, with a proper shop -– not a deli – out back. How’s that for a service?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A significant amount of charm has been knocked out of the lovely old building in the creation of a large, modern dining room. The same makeover in the bar, however, is somewhat redeemed with a roaring log fire and healthy-sized spirited, crowd enjoying the good range of ales and, less exciting, wines on offer.

The Kings Arms is food-led and runs from pub grub, through to more than acceptable gastro-style dining. There’s a quirky ordering system of choosing your slab of meat, fish or whatever, from the chef’s counter and discuss with him how to cook it. It’s a little confusing but staff are more than eager to explain the procedure.

The pub is too modern and pushes food too much for me, but better that than it closing. If I lived in Sandhutton, I would be happy to pop in for a drink, eat a bar meal and I would certainly shop here. What more could I ask from a pub?

Elaine Lemm

The Kings Arms, Sandhutton, Thirsk, YO7 4RW. Tel: 01845 587887.

THE VERDICT

Welcome****

Drinks selection****

Atmosphere*****

Food****

Prices***

Related topics:FoodThirsk