The Charles Bathurst Inn, Richmond

The Charles Bathurst (or just plain CB as it is locally known) is the sister pub to the Punch Bowl at nearby Low Row and is not unsurprisingly similar in character and approach. The interior has been refurbished in a typically modern style and whilst not unattractive, it does seem to mirror inumerate conversions of pubs up and down the country. It may lack any of its own charm or originality but if it isn’t to your taste, a glance at the 1973 newspaper article that can be found by the door to the restaurant may make you see it in a different light. The main bar has bare floors, beamed ceilings, subdued tones and furnishings created in the Robert “Mouseman of Kilburn” Thompson workshop – keep an eye out for the trademark carved mice in the woodwork. A sunken lounge leads off the main bar containing a large flat screen TV, dart board, a collection of Quoits trophies and a family tree of the Bathurst family (Charles Bathurst aka Charles Bragge was a 19th Century Politician although his connection to the pub or local area isn’t immediately apparent). At the far end is the restaurant, separated from the main body of the pub by a set of doors. The numerous old photos around the pub include the local wartime Home Guard, Brass Bands, sports days, groups of sheep clippers (incredibly all identified in the annotations) and one of the pub in its previous guise as the Black Bull. The 4 Real Ales aren’t the most inspiring choices for the area (Black Sheep Best & Rigwelter, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Theakston Best) but the quality was decent enough and whilst I didn’t note the prices, it didn’t seem too bad for a modern style food orientated pub. For an unexceptional Monday evening, the restaurant was particularly busy whereas the pub section had a steady flow. The sensible customer base leads to a hassle free ambience and the pubs fairly isolated position means that most people tend to be couples or small groups who travel here by car. For what it’s worth, the CB was recently included in the Independent’s Top 50 Country Pubs and whilst I certainly wouldn’t agree to that particular accolade, I had a pleasant enough couple of pints whilst Mrs B made use of their free WiFi (no code required) although I’m sure it would appeal more to those who prefer to mix a few beers with a dining experience.

Usually known as just the CB, this is a well regarded food led pub in a narrow north Pennine dale, it is conveniently located near the junction of the Reeth to Tan Hill road with the road over the Stang to the A66 and Barnard Castle. An originally 18th century building that has had many extensions over the years the main bar is relatively small and is entered through a long porch cum front extension. A particularly woody room with bare floorboards, wood bar counter and beamed ceiling, the furniture is a mix of mainly stripped pine candle powered tables and chairs set out for dining, although there is space around the counter for vertical drinking. The walls are plain and display maps and photos of Arkengarthdale and its people from earlier days, there are also some framed,interesting, pages from magazines. The four handpumps dispense well kept local Yorkshire ales from Black Sheep, Theakstons and Timothy Taylor as well there being a wide keg range including two ciders, Strongbow and Woodpecker; and two smooths, John Smiths and Worthington. Lagers are from Kronenburg, Fosters and Bitburger. The ales are served in lined glasses by pleasant and friendly bar staff. There is an extensive and wide ranging wine list to complement the food, which is served on eccentric crockery. To one end is a large formal dining room and at the other end, down a level, is a small cosy dining area. Either side of the bar counter are steps leading down to immaculately clean toilets and further eating and drinking areas. As the pub is built on a hill you continue to go down stairs as the building spills down the hillside, finally ending in a conservatory with views of the dale. Dogs are banned but children are welcome, and there is a small play area by the car park. It also offers accommodation. Owned by the same people as the Punch Bowl at Low Row in nearby Swaledale it appeals to a different clientèle to the more pubby Red Lion in the main part of Langthwaite village.

Official site of The Charles Bathurst Inn - www.cbinn.co.uk

Official site of The Charles Bathurst Inn - www.cbinn.co.uk