The White Horse Inn, Beverley

Step into this 16th century coaching inn and you would be forgiven for thinking you’d
travelled back in time. The White Horse Inn in Beverley has a farmhouse-like interior that’s been sympathetically maintained – even down to its mock tobacco-stained walls. Here, you’ll find quarry tiled floors, antique furniture and original gas lighting, along with crackling fires to warm up next to on frosty winter evenings. The inn is known locally as ‘Nellies’, after a former landlady, but it is now owned by Samuel Smith’s, meaning you can pick up a reasonably priced pint here. To keep its olde world appeal, The White Horse has a strict set of rules that its customers must adhere to, including no phones or swearing. The inn is also cash only.

The Royal George, Staithes

A picture-postcard fishing village on the North Yorkshire coast, Staithes draws tourists from all around the world due to its rich maritime history, charming cobbled streets and friendly atmosphere. The Royal George can be found on Staithes’ High Street, only a short walk away from the seafront. The pub was included in the Sunday Mail’s list of the ‘100 cosiest pubs in Britain’ and it’s easy to see why. The Royal George has a traditional interior with coal fires. It also has its own bed and breakfast, which makes a great base for those exploring the area. The pub serves a menu of classic comfort food, including beer battered fish and chips, chicken parmo and a highly recommended homemade steak and ale pie. Modestly priced children’s meals can also be found here.

The Star Inn, Harome

Located just outside Helmsley, The Star Inn was badly damaged in a suspected arson attack
last year. This characterful thatched inn has now been painstakingly restored with a new
interior that incorporates many of its original features as well as a few delightful new ones. Some of the charred roof timbers have even been kept on display to mark this latest chapter in The Star’s history. The inn has a rustic feel with exposed beams, wood fires and oil paintings adorning the walls. It serves ‘modern Yorkshire food’ that is beautifully presented. On the menu here, you’ll find seasonal dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients like game and North Sea fish, prepared with herbs grown in the inn’s own garden.

Harrogate Tap, Harrogate

Once a thriving spa resort, during its heyday Harrogate welcomed droves of wealthy visitors who came to drink the town’s sulphur-rich spring waters. The Harrogate Tap is located in the town’s original railway station, where it once provided weary travellers with much-needed refreshments. The pub reopened in late 2013 after a major renovation and now boasts a smart interior that reflects the decadence of Harrogate’s past, with wooden panelling, a beautiful carved bar and Chesterfield-style benches. The Tap serves beers from all around the world, including craft ales from microbreweries as well as pints from bigger names. It also offers a great selection of wines.

The Craven Arms in Appletreewick

Nestled away in the scenic village of Appletreewick, in the heart of the Wharfedale
countryside, The Craven Arms started life as a farmhouse and likely became the popular pub
it is today when farmers’ wives began brewing their own ale here to sell to passing cattle
drovers. This rural pub is still full of charm – fires crackle in cast iron ranges and the walls are covered with curios and souvenirs from the Craven’s fascinating past. You can even stay here and escape from the modern world for a couple of nights in a cosy and well-equipped shepherd’s hut. The Craven Arms serves a variety of artisan dishes, which are cooked to order using local ingredients. You can enjoy a range of hearty pub staples here, as well as some more creative options. Behind the bar, you’ll find cask ales from Yorkshire breweries and homemade pickled eggs.

The Black Swan Inn, Pickering

Situated in the bustling market town of Pickering, The Black Swan is a 300-year-old coaching inn with an award-winning restaurant and a fabulous 4-star hotel. The Black Swan has a relaxed feel, created by its laid back decor with warm, earthy colours and exposed brickwork. The food here is prepared by a talented team of chefs and the inn’s menu fuses classic British cooking with some of the best cuisine from around the world. You can tuck into Sunday lunch here or treat yourself to a three course dinner with starters like venison. carpaccio, followed by mains such as roasted sea bass with Jerusalem artichokes or roast chicken with an orange sauce and Asian salad.

Lister Arms, Malham

Located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and on the Pennine Way, the pretty village of
Malham is within walking distance of many beautiful natural visitor attractions, including
Malham Cove and Tarn, Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss. The Lister Arms sits in the centre of
the village in an old stone building. Its AA Rosette-award winning restaurant serves tasty, filling meals that are just the thing to tuck into after a long hike. The pub’s constantly evolving menu features steaks from native British breeds, chargrilled to perfection, along with vegetarian and vegan choices like a plant based wild mushroom risotto. The Lister Arms also has rooms where you can stay while exploring the area on a winter break.

Cellars Bar, Scarborough

This lively, family-run bar sits in the cellar of an imposing Victorian house in the seaside town of Scarborough. Cellars Bar boasts its own homegrown community with regular social events such as open mic nights, HDTV sports and pub quizzes. You’ll also find a quirky piece of history here, in the form of a dumb waiter, which is still used to move orders between the floors. The bar is well-stocked with a varied selection of wines, ales and spirits. When it comes to food, you can choose from favourites like burgers, baguettes, fish and chips and scampi, as well as all day breakfasts and weekly specials. You can also try the pub’s famous homemade ‘drunken bullock’ steak and ale pie.

Photos: The Star Inn at Harome, The Craven Arms, The Black Swan