George Inn, Skipton

A long whitewashed pub in a quiet village in Upper Wharfedale.In this time of Pandemic, entrance is strictly regulated:one waits at the gate of the tented patio for a member of staff to take one's temperature and escort into the pub. A small bar parlour with woodburning stove leading to a further room set up for dining,where our large group sat on our early November mid week lunchtime visit.As Will says, the Guv is particularily friendly and enthusiastic,and possesses a remarkeable memory. On the bar alongside the usual keg offerings,three well kept cask beers:George Inn Ale from Wensleydale, together with a couple of guests-Chinook from Goose Eye, and Wensleydale's inimitable Black Dub.All these were in great form,and our meals excellent. As an aside,this was one of the twentieth century writer and activist J B Priestly's favourite pubs : the candle that traditionally burns during opening hours refers to the Hubberholme Parliament.

We were relieved to find affordable accommodation here after walking from Grassington on the "Inn Way To The Yorkshire Dales" and finding that the Buck Inn in Buckden was closed. Despite being the nearest open pub, The George was very quiet at night, with only half a dozen other customers. That's probably about half the population of this tiny village, though, and there wasn't space for many more in the bar. The adjacent dining area has more seats, but was in darkness after they stopped serving food at 8.30. A useful place to stay if you're walking the "Inn Way" or the "Dales Way."