The Buck Hotel, Richmond

The bar was full with people having dinner when we arrived around 6.00 p.m. (in August 2010) and we couldn't find a seat. When I returned around 10.00 p.m., it was almost empty, so it certainly seems to do most of its business from food. As others have said, it has more of the feel of a hotel bar than Reeth's two other pubs, but it was pleasant enough nevertheless.

An 18th century Coaching Inn with more of a hotel feel than a pub although it does do a job and ticks a few boxes without leaving any great overall impression.. The carpeted main bar centres on an arched brick fireplace but overall, apart from a few token old local photos (including one of the pub in 1922) there isn't a great deal of character about the place. There is a dartboard in the main bar and a separate open room with pool table, flat screen TV and pictures of the local football team and brass bands. The noise from this section (both people and TV) does intrude into the main bar but to be frank, the place is a bit on the sedate side at this time of the year so it did at least add a bit of life and colour. One can imagine that the summer months see a different picture regarding usage and I would think it would be tricky getting a seat or table when it gets busy with ramblers. I am assuming that the full ale range isn't available during the off peak months as 2 of the 6 pumps were unused. The ubiquitous Black Sheep Best was complimented by Hambleton Best (a new one on me and not seen anywhere else on my travels during the week) and Old Rosie cider. A further pump had a reversed Copper Dragon clip but I gather they do always have one stocked. As the beers go it is probably the best of Reeth's pubs and certainly worth dropping by for but by contrast it was also probably my least favourite for character and ambience.

Eerily quiet when we called in, on Thursday evening, over the half term holiday. Having walked the short distance from the bustling King’s Arms, the contrast was marked indeed. Perhaps it misses out in not having the slightly more picturesque setting of HighRow, which the Black Bull and The King’s Arms enjoy? However, I suspect the main problem is that it feels more hotel bar than pub. That’s particularly true when you enter via the Arkengarthdale Road entrance and walk past reception. There were some real positives: The landlady was welcoming and friendly on our arrival and there was a fantastic real fire on the go. Also, it was a joy to see some beers that hadn’t been brewed by the ‘Masham mafia’ (Black Sheep and Theakston’s), in this case Copper Dragon Best and Hambleton’s ‘Nick Stafford’. Having said that, Black Sheep Bitter was still available, along with Weston’s ‘Old Rosie’ cider. Unfortunately, the Nick Stafford tasted very tired and past its best. I suspect the problem was a lack of turnover, rather than lack of care in the cellar. Despite the real fire, oak beams and photos and caricatures on the walls, the room felt a little dingy and stark. The lighting wasn’t quite right to add any cosiness. Having voiced some reservations, I would still give the Buck a second chance next time I was in Reeth. The licensees seem to be trying really hard and the food menu looked promising.

The Buck is one of two great Inns in Reeth. The Landlord ensures a warm welcome. There's a Pool table, darts, e-mail and Internet access. The Hotel and function room have been recently refurbished and look lovely.