Carpenters Arms, Thirsk

Very much a dining pub although drinkers are not unwelcome, in fact stood at the bar I was asked if I was just there for a drink rather than the usual meanacing question “are you dining with us today sir?”. There are even a few newspapers hung out for punters. The pub has been recently been refurbished to give accomodation at the back , some work was still in progress when I was there. Inside it's an open plan long room split into different areas by vestigial walls, by the counter which is partly supported on barrels, is a seating area while to each end are the tables and chairs for dining. To the left is a bit more formal, the right hand end having a couple of tables that were not set up for dining. The refurbishment has left the pub with flag floors tasteful red painted walls and some well executed woodwork. Décor comprises some old watercolours and prints, it's well twigged to extent of a small tree, there is also a wood burning stove in the middle of one end, surely no connection? Whatever their wine list is like the beer choice is fairly mundane with the area's favourite Black Sheep bitter plus a reasonably well kept Landlord on the four pumps, service naturally enough is very restaurant in style but still friendly. It is run by Provenance Inns, a small company with four pub-restaurants across North Yorkshire, the other three are a bit further south towards York.