Victoria Arms, Leyburn

Wow - took us a while to get our heads around it and then we felt honoured to be there. A vintage parlour pub which you cannot think will be here for ever. Interesting nick nacks (if not a touch grim) and a unique experience, as you really are in someones front room. Photos at my walking blog - http://mappiman.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/120416-day-2-yorkshire-dales-inn-way.html

Unspoilt, as in undecorated since the Coronation*, two room dales pub. Lots of clutter adorning the ceiling in the main room, miners lamps, racing tickets, postcards, banknotes etc, plus the emphemera of a real village pub. The newspaper cuttings, the pictures of treasured sporting victories, the notes of thanks from the RNLI. There is a small collection of stuffed furry heads above the open fire, and alongside them on the white plastered walls are a deers head and a stuffed bird in a case. There are some more in the wooden walled pool room next door. The furniture and carpets are ancient as is the hand operated darts scoring machine and although I didn't see a board there is a small TV, probably the newest thing in the room. Beer comes from a solitary Black Sheep Bitter handpump plus a few std kegs. A priceless pub. * not sure who's.

What a gem! The landlord, who was sat in his rocking chair by the coal fire with his slippers on. has been there for 55 years and it doesn't look like it has changed since 55 years before that. A good pint of Black Sheep was on offer as was the said landlords dry sense of humour. Outside toilet and all, the pub is just fantastic. Wew ere just passing but will be back for a night at some stage.