The Green Dragon Inn, Leyburn

Fantasic old (13th century) pub with plenty of beams and a flag stone floor. It all seems authentic and "olde worlde" although the adjacent hotel wing that you have to walk through to get to the loo's does spoil it a bit. The waterfall (alledgedly England's tallest, although there seem to be about half a dozen locally that claim that) is well worth the short walk and is a pretty unique pub feature! Good choice of beers plus Stowford Press cider which was an unexpected bonus. Friendly staff.

After many years absence I finally returned to what I have always considered one of the finest pub experiences in the country. My past memories of the pub were rather faded and I was a bit concerned with some of the comments regarding the recent changes but I needn't have worried. This is still one amazing place and probably in my Top 4 or 5 pubs in the country. The pub itself is bigger than I remembered with a central corridor that has the main (Parlour) bar off to the left (which itself has 3 distinct divides) and another 2 smaller rooms of to the right. The main bar is a museum piece, choc-a-bloc with antique furniture, stone floors, rag rugs, low beamed ceilings, a magnificent range with a wood burning fire and even a clothes drying rack suspended over the top. Beyond is a smaller but equally stunning room with more antique furnishings, plate racks and another range. Lighting throughout is quite dim with just the glow of a few lanterns and the fires giving it a real 13th century charm that befits the age of the building. Dotted around are numerous old pictures of the village and local group gatherings, old posters (some original, some sadly duplicates) including an 1885 poster advertising the local Brass Band Competition showing prize money of £42 and admission of 1/- (Premier League money for those days). To the right of the bar is a small courtyard that has now been enclosed making a light and airy conservatory with more collectables including an old bicycle, mounted animal heads, old tools, a piano and even one of the old doors mounted on the wall (complete with an effigy on my visit – be very afraid of upsetting people – you never know what they do with a few pins in this place!). The 2 other side rooms are quite small with an interconnecting doorway and each has its own individual character whether it be the stone floors, old portraits and some interesting barrel seats. Note also the numbered doorways, a relic of the old licencing laws when each room had to be specifically recorded along with its purpose. The beers are all locally sourced – 5 ales on my visit; 2 from Theakston (Best & Old Peculiar), 2 Timothy Taylor (Landlord & Golden Best) and Yorkshire Dales Dragon's Tale. Tasting notes are on display next to the bar should you need them. There is also an antique “Kerching” till which is still used although a more modern flat screen version is also on hand to the back of the bar. The food appeared to be reasonably priced compared to other pubs we had encountered although we didn't get round to eating (which we would have done had the nearby Tan Hill Inn not already catered for our needs). Most people will be drawn here by the magnificent waterfall 200 yards upstream from the pub, Englands highest single drop waterfall. Entry can only be gained through the pub (admission currently £2 – worth every penny) so they have a captive audience with regard to visitors. As you walk through what must be the most impressive beer garden in the country you will see the circular band stand where the annual competitions take place. A few minutes further on and you will arrive at the waterfall, a magical place especially after heavy rain although care should be taken – it is wet, muddy and slippery. Sadly you can no longer walk round the back and the path to the top is no longer passable but this doesn't detract from the spectacle. Kevin Costner fans will recognise it from the bathing scene in the movie Robin Hoiod Prince of Theives I may have always looked at the Green Dragon with more than a hint of nostalgia and it may have possibly clouded my judgment but I remain totally overwhelmed by the place. There are some minor grievances but in the scheme of things they are so trivial they aren't worth mentioning and certainly not significant enough to prevent the pub being a long standing firm favourite of mine.