BITE user comments - evilfishkiller
Comments by evilfishkiller
Stopped off here on a sunny spring day after a great walk up Gunnerside Gill - recommended if in the area.
Sat outside in the sun and enjoyed Black Sheep (Golden Sheep) and York ( First Light) - both in excellent condition; there was ordinary Black Sheep on as well. A great local pub if you are ever in Swaledale.
23 Apr 2011 09:16
Like others have mentioned, the two negative posts below dont match this lovely country pub - were they thinking of 'Mansfield' rather than Manfield??
Anyway, I always make a point of visiting this pub whenever in the area and have always found a great range of beers (6 to 8 on tap), friendly and knowledgeable staff, and clean, spacious, welcoming surroundings. This pub has won so many local awards and continues to do so (local CAMRA pub of the year 2011), as well as hosting interesting community events and beer festivals.
Always a beer on from local brewer ( white boar), then rotating guests - on my last visit tried Marston Moor, Tim Taylors and Sharps. The food menu looks good, but I go for the beer not food, so can't comment on that.
My only complaint is that because this is in a quiet, rural area it doesn't open until 5 pm during the week, so no good if you wanted an afternoon drink in their sunny garden, or to browse their extensive collection of interesting books if it was a rainy day in the dale.
23 Apr 2011 09:06
The Quaker Coffee House, Darlington
A brilliant little drinking place - I always try to get a session in here when 'oop North' visiting relatives higher up the Dale.
Excellent and interesting selection of beers, ability to try before buy, and a friendly welcoming ambience from staff and regulars both. My favourite 'pub' in Darlo!
13 Apr 2011 21:44
The Wasdale Head Inn, Wasdale Head
We always go to this pub when in the area - if you are after a great range of real ale ( usually 7 on at a time) rather than the food, foreigners or toilets mentioned in posts below, then you will enjoy this place. Definitely has a prime location and a historical ambience with many old Abraham Bros photos of climbing on the wall.
All of the beers we tried here were in top condition - including their house beers- and not one of the staff spoke Eastern European; they were definitely born and bred Cumbrians!
Probably worth avoiding on holiday weekends when it can be unpleasantly busy with campers from 2 nearby sites, and waits for food can be excessive.
Get it right though ( midweek or low season) and it is one of England's classic drinking spots.
13 Apr 2011 21:32
The Gosforth Hall Hotel, Gosforth
Great pub/inn with something for everyone. Oozes ambience - it is nearly 400 years old and has a regular selection of local Cumbrian ales - when we were there there was Hawkshead, Ennerdale, Yates and Keswick beers on offer. Famous for it's pies apparently though we didn't eat here.
Definitely the pub to go for if in the Gosforth area.
13 Apr 2011 21:17
The Screes Inn, Nether Wasdale
Popped across here after visiting the Strands - a bit disappointing as far as beers go. Just Robinson's beers on sale ( but a good range of 4 or 5 types) although the two we sampled were very 'average' and none of us wanted seconds.
Didn't try the food but menu looked similar in range and price to other local pubs.
13 Apr 2011 21:11
The Strands Hotel, Nether Wasdale
Well they brew 18 sorts of beer with 5 on at any one time, so any beer drinker should be happy here. On top of that it has a 'homely' feel, lots of space and the portions of food coming out from the kitchens looked huge, ( although we didn't eat here)
Tried the 'eerrmm' bitter which was an excellent session beer and very tasty for it's ABV; then went on to T'errminator - a 4.9 % choclatey porter which everyone loved.
Friendly staff, great beer and food- definitely edging ahead of it's rival across the road (Robinson's beers only, not even a Cumbrian guest).
13 Apr 2011 21:05
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Tan Hill Inn, Keld
Always make a point of stopping off here after walking in Swaledale or Arkengarthdale. It has a fantastic location, and on a clear day the views are amazing.
Inside, once you get past the pet lambs(!), it feels warm and snug, with that comforting smell of a low coal fire. Always a good choice of ales - tried Old Peculiar and their 'house ' beer which is a tasty 5% er brewed by Dent - both were in excellent condition.
Sat in the lower room - very comfy, and chatted to a local about all the music gigs that go on here...never been able to make one of those yet, but they sound epic!
A great pub if in the area.
23 Apr 2011 09:26