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Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge, York
York
YO62 7LQ
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 9½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Will Larter left this review about Lion Inn
The Lion at Blakey Ridge is "in" Kirkbymoorside in the same way the Snake Pass Inn is "in" Bamford, or the Kirkstone Pass Inn is "in" Ambleside. In other words, it's in the "miles from anywhere" category. Thankfully, too, it's a lot more unspoilt than the two other potentially iconic pubs named, at least in my view. In the case of the Lion, there have obviously been additions and accretions, but it feels like the central pub is still there somewhere in the middle. Certainly, sitting as I was between the open fire (not lit at this time of year) and the ancient and somewhat careworn piano, I felt surrounded by a little bit of history, which is something I've not felt at those other two miles from anywhere pubs.
A slight downside was being surrounded by people eating their meals: the smell of their over-vinegared chips and the sight of their dogs, all of whom were trying hard to look like they didn't want any scraps or leftovers. It was a pleasant surprise to notice that the staff were encouraging incoming potential diners to move through to the dining room, leaving more room for the occasional casual drinker in the more pub-like part of the pub. A notice on the door stating that clean and well-behaved dogs were the only type that were welcome also made a pleasant change.
On the bar were eight hand pumps, featuring Theakstons Old Peculier, Best Bitter and Grouse Beater, Black Sheep Bitter, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, (ex-Thwaites) Wainwright and Old Rosie cider. I went for the Old Peculier, which refreshes the parts other beers cannot reach when you're cycling. I'm tempted to add a point for no background music, but I think an 8 fairly reflects my experience of this pub. I'd return next week if it wasn't such a bloody long way from anywhere.
On 19th August 2017
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3746 recommendations about 3483 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
. Wittenden left this review about Lion Inn
This is one of those iconic pubs that Yorkshire prides itself on-the highest, most remote-I dare say there’s a pub somewhere in the East Riding that revels in its lowness. The Lion is certainly remote on the moorland road out of Hutton-le-Hole:a solid stonebuilt pub, doubtless constructed by the monks or the mine owners. Inside, low ceilings ,open fires in the hearths,flagstones, a memorial chair,settles and a grand piano.
In grand walking country,this must be a hive of activity during the summer months. We visited on a November Friday afternoon having got (slightly) lost in Upper Farndale before finding the Rosedale Ironstone railway: the pub was quietly busy, with a more mature clientele and their dogs sitting and drinking by the fire, while the fog swirled outside. Given its location, this is necessarily a destination pub, and many of the tables in the warren of rooms are set up for dining. As a large meal was planned for the evening, we had a snack for lunch-I had scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, in honour of the shooting parties that we’d seen earlier in the day. Naturally, I couldn’t afford, and didn’t want the obligatory champers that in elevated circles accompanies this dish. A well stocked bar provided me with my only sighting of Old Peculier on this holiday: as ever, words fail me in describing this majestic, if somewhat unfashionable beer. Medieval and mystic go some way….Also enjoyed were Theakston’s Lightfoot, an aimiably flavoursome Golden Ale, and Copper Dragon’s reliable Golden Pippin.
We enjoyed this pub,it had a genuinely unforced atmosphere, and one could imagine worse places to get snowed up in, as happened last winter.
On 23rd November 2011
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 283 recommendations about 282 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Danny O'Revey left this review about Lion Inn
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.
On 12th April 2010
- rating: 10
[User has posted 1456 recommendations about 1434 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Mike Hewitt left this review about Lion Inn
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.
On 18th November 2008
- rating: 10
[User has posted 83 recommendations about 71 pubs]