The Farmers Arms, Richmond

A typical Dales village pub, in the heart of beautiful Swaledale. It’s essentially one opened up room, but there are several discernible drinking areas. It still has a traditional feel overall, despite some modernisation e.g. some of the beams above the bar have been replaced and the dreaded halogen spot lighting introduced- far too bright. However, there is still stone flagging, a real fire, breweriana and photos of village life on the walls and tankards hanging from the beams. There were five real ales on offer, largely dominated by the ‘Yorkshire mafia’: Theakstons ‘Best Bitter’ & ‘Old Peculier’, Black Sheep Bitter & Black Sheep Ale and Yorkshire Dales’ ‘Muker Silver’. The MS was as fresh as a daisy, if a little too cold for my palate. The landlord was friendly and welcoming, it’s not very often you get a smile when you approach the bar these days. He obviously has a sense of humour too, as the toilets were named ‘Tups’ and ’Ewes’! A gentle early evening buzz when we called, largely provided by ravenous walkers eating their evening meal. As we didn’t eat here I can’t comment further on the food. Worth a visit, I’d call again if in the area.