Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge, York

A very fine pub situated on Blakey Ridge on North York Moors. In the middle of nowhere its amazing how these pubs survive, but the Lion is wonderful and exactly what you may look for from an isolated country pub, thick stone walls, lovely cosy rooms, real fires, good (if expensive) food and of course a piano! I think this was originally built by the monks for travellers. Great place to stop if you are passing, either by car or foot, or it is also on the Moors bus route. I've been here at all times of the year and it is a joy, just hard to leave! Beer is good, Old Pecular is very welcome on a cold day.

More of a eaterie than pub, there is a small area to drink in, presumably whilst waiting for meals. However, the food is quite good and there is a guest real ale as well as the normal fizzy stuff.

We often visit when we have people to stay and on Sunday we had Lunch and a couple of beers sitting next to one of the open fires. Low Ceilings, coal fires, middle of nowhere, excellent choice of cask ales including Theakstons and Speckled Hen. Located high up on the North Yorkshire Moors in blissfull isolation between Castleton and Hutton-le-Hole, we got snowed in here once and stayed the night. Marvellous. Ideal starting or finishing place for walkers.