Kings Head, Richmond

This is a restaurant now, as previously posted, as such, it should be marked closed [admin note: actioned 22/11/09]

A small, traditional stone built pub, at the heart of the village, next to Gunnerside beck. The open-plan interior is cosily low ceilinged and retains the original beams. There is also a fabulous fireplace, with a lovely old range and plenty of pictures and photos on the rough plastered/ artexed walls. It does appear a little tired e.g pink painted walls, with more than a hint of the seventies about it, but a little freshening up is all it needs. Calling several times over a week, the beer was always in excellent nick. Black Sheep Bitter looked to be a permanent fixture, plus a rotating guest beer. We particularly enjoyed The Yorkshire Dales Brewery’s ‘Askrigg Ale’. Food is available and although we didn’t try it, it looked to be good value. There seemed to be a traditional fare/ gastro-pub mix, as ‘egg and chips’ was being served up alongside such dishes as feta and beetroot salad. Staff were friendly and welcoming during our visits. A rumour that the pub is being run as a village co-operative is not true. The couple currently running the King’s Head are tenants, arriving in late August. (They arrived three days before August bank holiday weekend into total chaos, as the previous landlord had allegedly taken all the fittings with him, including the extractor fan!) The fact that the place seems a going concern again after only a few weeks is a credit to them. Mind you, when they strolled into the bar early one evening, in their walking gear, I took that to be a very good sign. I loved the atmosphere of this pub and came away thinking it was a proper community local where villagers mix with the inevitable tourists. It’s the sort of place where you can open out your map and plan tomorrow’s walk, whilst rubbing a finger of spittle onto grazed knees, or gaze into the fire, whilst cradling a pint and enjoy a reverie or two. Long may it continue.