Aldwark Arms, York

The Aldwark Arms was our first pub on a Sunday visit to North Yorkshire. Situated in a village north of York, this is more of a gastropub than a village local. The contrast with 11 pubs we visited in East Yorkshire the previous day was stark. Everywhere in East Yorkshire had been relaxed when it came to Covid restrictions, with very few people wearing face masks indoors. However, in the Aldwark Arms, everybody was wearing masks to walk around. Whether this was a local thing, or more of a social class thing, I'm not sure, but an interesting observation nonethless. Inside, there are a number of different seating areas. Everybody we saw were dining and staff were a little reluctant to offer up a table inside for drinkers. There is also a large outdoor area. Although, there was a rather nasty whiff in the air, possibly from the adjacent river. 4 real ales are available. These were Timothy Taylor Landlord, Pennine Hair of the Dog & Hambleton Thoroughbred Session IPA & Stud Blonde. I opted for the Thoroughbred, which was a little too bitter for my liking. A pleasant enough pub is a lovely village location, but a little too pretentious for my liking.

Official site of the Aldwark Arms, contains menus and drinks list - www.aldwarkarms.co.uk

Official site of the Aldwark Arms, contains menus and drinks list - www.aldwarkarms.co.uk