Craven Arms, Skipton

This is an excellent, traditional pub that is clearly ancient. It has a huge fireplace and a large cruck barn done out as a restaurant at the back. There were 8 ales on during my visit, Ossett Yorkshire Blonde, Timothy Taylor Golden Best, Saltaire Raspberry Blonde, Ilkley Mary Jane, Moorehouse's Black Witch, Wadworth Henry's IPA and Dark Horse Hetton and Cruck Barn. I tried the Black Witch and Cruck Barn, both of which were excellent. Mrs Staal and I ate the lunchtime sandwiches, which were delicious and good value. Service was excellent. It was quite busy for such an isolated pub at lunchtime. I assume it is a popular stopover for ramblers. All in all an excellent pub.

If you have time to spare and surplus of cash, have a drink in the bar at the Hilton Hotel. The prices are high, around £4.00 for a pint of Guinness. Food available all day. No real ale, that I remember. Has an automatic piano. Not sure whether to give a high rating for cleanliness & style or low for the high prices.

Can't reccommend enough. 8 Beautifully conditioned real ales. Great Food and with the log fires and facinating buildings' including the heather thatched cruck barn, its well worth a visit.

Official site of the Craven Arms - www.craven-cruckbarn.co.uk

Official site of the Craven Arms - www.craven-cruckbarn.co.uk