The Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge

I called in at this pub on a Tuesday afternoon in August after a good circular walk over to Rosedale Abbey and back with my dog. We were both welcomed by the staff with smiling service (the dog getting much admiration and even given something to eat). In addition to the York Brewery Guzzler which I drank (it was well kept and served at just the right temperature), the offer of real beers included Theakston Old Peculier, Thwaites Wainwright, Theakston Bitter, Black Sheep Bitter and Copper Dragon – a veritable beer festival.

It is the second time I have visited this establishment for refreshment this year; it was a calling point when I trekked the Coast to Coast walk in June and enjoyed a generous sandwich with trimmings washed down with Copper Dragon. It seems a large rambling but interesting building with cosy, low ceilinged rooms and fires. There are fascinating historical photos on the walls of the locality including the Rosedale Ironstone Railway the remains of which are close by. Whether walking, cycling or motoring this is a pub worth visiting - it's location astride Blakey Ridge is remote and wild. I'd like to come in the winter!

30 Aug 2015 15:44

Whitelocks, Leeds

I made a visit to this pub in December 2014 (together with 'er indoors) on a nostalgia trip to Leeds. I hadn't been in Whitelock's for over forty years but still remembered it being a bit of a gem then. It was with a bit of trepidation that called in (initially just to see if it changed much) and I'm delighted to report that it looks almost exactly the same as it did in the late 1960s / early 1970s when I used it as a lunchtime waterhole. The beer I had today was well kept (Theakstons Best Bitter), served at the right temperature and there were other tempting real ales to be had. Substantial sandwiches (in this case with thick slices of real ham) were had in front of a proper open fire. This is a very good example of a traditional city pub with a fascinating and quaint interior. The clientele I saw today were a wide range of age and background so, mercifully, it hasn't become a smart wine bar or a haunt for city slickers. If you get a chance, do make a visit.

5 Dec 2014 20:53

Boot and Shoe Inn, Greystoke

Another pleasurable visit on a Friday evening. We phoned up about an hour before arrival to book and although it was busy they obligingly accommodated us. Good to see that the high standard of pub food and beer (Lancaster Blonde) was as good as I can remember from previous visits. That it was so very busy so early (just past 7pm) is testimony that they consistently get it right.

8 Sep 2013 17:04