Blacksmiths Arms, York

If I was an ex-pat, in my mind’s eye I would have an image of a village pub in autumn, with a lit range, steaming and snoring Labradors, tweed clad locals, and beer and food garnished with the sepia of nostalgia. Given that I’m not an ex-pat, but merely on our annual trip to the county of my (distant) fathers, I can safely say that the Blacksmiths Arms comes close to my platonic ideal of what a pub should be: a stone built pub, opposite a historic church in a cosy, prosperous looking moorland village. To the left, down an entrance vestibule lies the public bar: on our two autumnal visits this has been the haunt of the tweed clad:by day solid burghers-perhaps the retired judges that favour this corner of Yorkshire, by night keepers and shooters relaxing after an outside day. To the right, a long room laid up for dining. I was very impressed by the friendliness and efficiency of the staff: our large family group’s byzantinely complex order was handled with aplomb and great good humour.Helpings of food were reassuringly generous: my lamb pie has gone down in the annals of famous pies-the pastry unctuously oozing with the liquor within. On the beer front, the regular Theakston’s was partnered by Falling Stone from Wold Top. Unfortunately, this was the tail end of the barrel. This was followed by Sleck Dust from Great Newsome, a good pale session beer.Oh yes, the range was lit, the dogs were snoring, and tweed was in evidence.

Fantastic cosy n welcoming pub with great beer n food and friendly helpful staff.

Tucked away in a fold on the North Yorks Moors in a pretty village, this popular pub is noted for good beer and good food, certainly a destination pub for lovers of traditional pubs. A stone building with a number of small rooms, the main bar is decorated with old pictures, pump clips, certificates from CAMRA and dozens of pewter mugs. Three hand pumps with Theakstons Best plus guests in excellent condition, a black board lists what’s coming next. Friendly and efficient service, a great village pub.

TT's plus upto 10 guest ales along with 160+ bottled beers from the Continent. #GBG 2008 listed#

Theakstones beers and a food offering in this cosy pub with a secluded garden for those warmer months. Not open Tuesday lunchtimes. #GBG 2008/2009 listed# Accomodation available.

Official site of the Blacksmiths Arms - www.blacksmithslastingham.co.uk

Official site of the Blacksmiths Arms - www.blacksmithslastingham.co.uk