Whether it’s the solid sound of the antique clocks ticking in the background in place of bland musak, the enticement of the open fire in winter or the view of the Dale from the garden in summer, stepping into The Sportsman’s Arms entices you to slow down and leave normal hectic life at the threshold.

A long-time favourite haunt, The Sportsman’s in Nidderdale knows what it’s about. It resists the temptation to follow the latest interior or culinary fashions in favour of a traditional, well-heeled country look and a reputation for serving great food that simply brings out the best of seasonal produce.
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We held a 50th birthday get-together at The Sportsman’s one April, with our group staying in the 11 bedrooms for the weekend. Suffice to say, it was fantastic from start to finish, ending with one of those great strolls with a lovely bunch of mates along a scenic footpath by the side of Gouthwaite Reservoir. Happy memories indeed!  Amanda Brown
 

Newly re-opened, The Birch Tree Inn at Wilsill in Nidderdale is a good example of how the pub format can be re-thought and rejuvenated to create a really appealing un-stuffy space. The Birch Tree’s Glasshouse café (so-called as it’s a short hop from the village of Glasshouses) is a happy blend of bar, coffee house and restaurant that suits everybody from cyclists and walkers through to diners and those taking a drive up t’Dale. It's currently open for breakfast, coffee, lunch and dinner from Thursday to Sunday, but we think this will be extended once the first few bedding-in months have passed.

The dining area has been given a spritely facelift with an all-glass side aspect opening onto a terrace that will be a great summer sundowner location looking over fine views of Nidderdale. There are no starched white table cloths in sight - this is a relaxed area where one group can settle in for a three course lunch while their neighbours devour a slice of homemade cake and a hot chocolate.

Sensibly, The Glasshouse has begun with a simple tapas-style menu which the owners say, will evolve in the coming months. The French onion soup was so good and comforting that it was an immediate hit of Hygge. Meanwhile the follow-on dishes of crispy haddock goujons and lamb kofta were generous; no mean-spirited platefuls here, just good old smiley Yorkshire hospitality with a touch of finesse (expect truffle mayo rather than ketchup with the skinny chips).

For anyone wanting to hold a group gathering, their self-catering accommodation is also due to open on-site and as the new owners have a great restaurant-with-rooms pedigree, the quality should be pretty good. Suffice to say, we’re going back again in the evening so we think it’s worth keeping an eye on The Birch Tree as it settles into its new facelift and the accommodation opens. Amanda Brown

 

In the winding lanes above Skipton you'll find the multi award-winning Angel at Hetton, run by the characterful Pascal whose father could be described as the "godfather of the gastro pub". The Angel has since been updated, but still serves the famous "Moneybags".  

Pascal is passionate about his support of local artists, and recently created Art in the Bar, a programme of changing exhibitions.The Angel is also known as a great venue for celebrating special occasions, where guests can eat in the private dining area or enjoy a private tutored wine tasting in the Wine Cave. There are nine comfortable rooms for those wise souls who use the Angel as a base for further exploration of the Yorkshire Dales. ​Susan Briggs

The Blue Lion in East Witton feels very much like it's been an important part of the local area for a very long time - which it has. Paul and Helen Klein have run it for over 20 years. Originally an English coaching inn, the Blue Lion is now split into two distinct areas, with different characters. 

The bar is full of dark wood with the comforting patina of age. It's here you'll often find a shooting or fishing party, recounting their day and enjoying local ales and fine wines. The excellent, hearty menu is chalked up on the blackboard and includes many seasonal and local specials.  

The more formal candle-lit restaurant feels more intimate and sophisticated, a worthy setting for a gourmet meal. ​