BITE user comments - ironhorse
Comments by ironhorse
I made a visit to this pub in December 2014 (together with 'er indoors) on a nostalgia trip to Leeds. I hadn't been in Whitelock's for over forty years but still remembered it being a bit of a gem then. It was with a bit of trepidation that called in (initially just to see if it changed much) and I'm delighted to report that it looks almost exactly the same as it did in the late 1960s / early 1970s when I used it as a lunchtime waterhole. The beer I had today was well kept (Theakstons Best Bitter), served at the right temperature and there were other tempting real ales to be had. Substantial sandwiches (in this case with thick slices of real ham) were had in front of a proper open fire. This is a very good example of a traditional city pub with a fascinating and quaint interior. The clientele I saw today were a wide range of age and background so, mercifully, it hasn't become a smart wine bar or a haunt for city slickers. If you get a chance, do make a visit.
5 Dec 2014 20:53
Another pleasurable visit on a Friday evening. We phoned up about an hour before arrival to book and although it was busy they obligingly accommodated us. Good to see that the high standard of pub food and beer (Lancaster Blonde) was as good as I can remember from previous visits. That it was so very busy so early (just past 7pm) is testimony that they consistently get it right.
8 Sep 2013 17:04
Good beer and sound pub food served by attentive staff. There were two real ales on offer when I called including the deliciously hoppy and refreshing Cairngorm Brewery Caillie which was well kept. Had three pints and just had to return the following day for some more (and to check it wasn't a dream). The discount for CAMRA card holders is still offered - unfortunately, I'd left mine at home.
8 Sep 2013 16:56
Kings Head Hotel, Ravenstonedale
Visited this pub on a quiet Thursday evening and was very pleasantly surprised. The whole place appeared to have been very carefully renovated in a sympathetic way - there were two fires burning (one open and one enclosed). The staff were friendly and helpful and we enjoyed a couple of pints of Hawkshead Windermere Pale (excellent) and a bar meal. Reasonably priced bar food.
We will visit this place again after a day on the Lakeland Fells.
9 Mar 2012 18:02
Horse and Farrier Inn, Threlkeld
A very busy but cosy and comfortable place for either just a drink or for a good meal. Despite being very busy, the staff were cheery and friendly and the beer (Jennings Cumberland Ale) on top form. On this visit we were able to sit outside at the back in the balmy evening air afer a heavy day on the fells - excellent.
2 Oct 2011 18:33
Called in again for beer and meal last night and still stand by my earlier comment. Very friendly staff, well kept beer (I enjoyed the Lancaster Blonde and Black Sheep Bitter) and a hearty, fresh, well-presented haddock and chips. A busy pub and no wonder - this is how to do it.
2 Oct 2011 18:26
This pub is now closed and boarded up - not surprising given the other comments posted here.
13 Sep 2011 22:48
The Blacksmiths Arms, Mickleton
Homely and friendly dales pub in Teesdale. Nothing flash, just good beer: had some excellently kept and dispensed York Brewery Guzzler. There was another real ale from Allendale (Golden Plover) which I would like to have sampled but I was reluctant to stop drinking Guzzler. Good,reasonably priced Sunday roast (best to book, it seems).
30 May 2011 20:50
Visited this pub after a long day on the Lakeland fells. Although it was very busy (a Saturday evening) we were given a friendly welcome and we were found a spot to sit and eat. Lancaster Blonde and Black Sheep bitter on offer - both very good. Enjoyed bar meals (choice of curries possibly made on the premises). This is a proper, cosy and lively pub staffed by people who seem to really enjoy their job - a real pleasure to visit. Will do my utmost to call in again when over in the Lakes.
31 Jan 2011 21:18
The Bay Horse Inn, Ravensworth
Don't ask for a taster - "we don't do that here".....This place has had a rather "cliquish" and unwelcoming feel about when I visited it so I don't bother now.
29 Oct 2010 19:51
Good basic walker's pub: excellent Copper Dragon Golden Pippin and Tim Taylors Golden Best (didn't try the other real ale). Hearty eating - all good after a day on the fells. Accommodation in need of some t l c.
29 Oct 2010 19:43
Excellent point of call for refreshment whilst on walking expedition - we enjoyed well kept Copper Dragon and able to sit outside in the sunshine.
23 May 2010 13:16
This pub is a real treat: excellent beer (go for Gold or try the Mellbreak) and scrummy eating. Landed up here after a long day on the fells and had the superb steak & ale pie washed down with Mellbreak bitter. My second visit but I hope I shall make many more. It is very popular so it's wise to book if you want to eat.
8 Mar 2010 18:20
The Shoulder of Mutton Inn, Kirby Hill
Always enjoyed good beer at this pub - they show real enthusiasm for keeping and serving real ale and there always seems to be some new brew to try on my visits. Good eating too. Why can't all pubs be like this?
20 Feb 2010 21:12
The Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge
I called in at this pub on a Tuesday afternoon in August after a good circular walk over to Rosedale Abbey and back with my dog. We were both welcomed by the staff with smiling service (the dog getting much admiration and even given something to eat). In addition to the York Brewery Guzzler which I drank (it was well kept and served at just the right temperature), the offer of real beers included Theakston Old Peculier, Thwaites Wainwright, Theakston Bitter, Black Sheep Bitter and Copper Dragon – a veritable beer festival.
It is the second time I have visited this establishment for refreshment this year; it was a calling point when I trekked the Coast to Coast walk in June and enjoyed a generous sandwich with trimmings washed down with Copper Dragon. It seems a large rambling but interesting building with cosy, low ceilinged rooms and fires. There are fascinating historical photos on the walls of the locality including the Rosedale Ironstone Railway the remains of which are close by. Whether walking, cycling or motoring this is a pub worth visiting - it's location astride Blakey Ridge is remote and wild. I'd like to come in the winter!
30 Aug 2015 15:44