Grantley Bar & Restaurant, Ripon

Vine covered old building housing a first class dining pub in an hilltop village between Nidderdale and Wensleydale. In spite of looking every inch a dale's village pub the interior is modernly decorated to a high standard and equipped mainly for dining, although hints of an older pub still show though. Comprising a L shaped single room, carpeted throughout, there is a dining area to the right of the entrance that can be curtained off, then to your left an eating and drinking area and in the long arm of the L, a more dining room accented area. Apart from a pair of bar stools, britannia tables, albeit square topped, and a small upholstered bench the furniture is tables and chairs permanently set out for meals. The handsome panelled bar counter in a lovely mellow shade carries four handpumps serving extremely well kept beers from Theakstons and a guest, two pulls were unused on my visit. A keg choice of Guinness, Thatchers cider, Carlsberg and Bitburger lager is complemented by a relatively extensive wine list. Décor is a mix of plain, papered and panelled walls adorned with tasteful watercolours and plates, the village pub is echoed in tractor adverts and horse brasses. Heating is provided by a wood burning stove in the fireplace. The ceiling is notable for old chamfered beams and planks again in mellow colours rather than fake blackening. The food is elaborately presented but perhaps not extravagantly priced for the class of establishment, a two course lunch is £14. The staff are extremely pleasant and a variety of sophisticated events, such as recitals by a local harpist and string quartets are held regularly. It also succeeds in attracting its target demographic.

Official site of the Grantley Arms, contains menus, wine list and event details - www.grantleyarms.com

Official site of the Grantley Arms, contains menus, wine list and event details - www.grantleyarms.com