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The Bruce Arms - West Tanfield

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Cosy Yorkshire pub-with-rooms

The Bruce Arms is the quintessential Yorkshire country inn – in fact, when The Weekenders paid a visit, the car park was buzzing with a tweed-clad shooting party ready for a slap-up lunch. Inside, the bar is as you would expect: flagstone floor, huge fireplace, friendly staff and an endless supply of local ales.

But it’s The Bruce Arms’ restaurant that has marked it out as a well-regarded local favourite and a great place to base yourself for a countryside weekend. Head chef, and co-owner, Russell Caines, presides over his stylish dining room, with a menu that is both sophisticated and comforting. British dishes, made with local ingredients, are prepared with a stylish twist and all at sensible prices.

Two comfy bedrooms have been recently refurbished, with views of the picturesque little village, and guests are spoiled with one of the best Full Englishes around – just to keep them going till dinner!

Where is it?

West Tanfield is a small village in Wensleydale, part of the glorious Yorkshire Dales. This is prime walking country, and you can explore miles of paths and trails right from The Bruce Arms’ doorstep.

The tiny cathedral city of Ripon is just ten minutes’ drive from West Tanfield. Founded over 1300 years ago, the old market town is filled with shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs, and also boasts many historical buildings and museums, including the stunning edifice that is Ripon Cathedral. The city also has its own racecourse (www.ripon-races.co.uk Tel: 01765 602156), which holds popular and colourful race meetings from April until August.

The magical Fountains Abbey (www.fountainsabbey.org Tel: 01765 608888) is only a fifteen minute drive from West Tanfield, and the ruins and the beautiful park surrounding them make for a relaxing and romantic day out.

It’s no surprise that scenic Wensleydale is a favourite with film location scouts, and a drive around might bring back memories of All Creatures Great and Small, which was filmed here, and more recently, Elizabeth, which used nearby Middleham and Bolton castles. But for some real cinema history, visit the beautiful Aysgarth Falls, twenty minutes from The Blue Lion, where mullet king, Kevin Costner, duelled with Little John in Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves.

You could, of course, try looking for Wensleydale’s most famous duo, Wallace and Gromit, but apparently they’ve moved to St Lucia for tax reasons.

Where can I eat?

The Bruce Arms is logistically the obvious choice, but should be at the top of your foodie list too.

If you are looking for an alternative, however, Lockwoods in Ripon (www.lockwoodsrestaurant.co.uk Tel: 01765 607555) is a good local bet, serving fresh and modern British/European dishes in a relaxed environment and at sensible prices. It has great brunch and lunch menus too.

A little further afield – about half an hour’s drive from West Tanfield – is the famous Yorke Arms (www.yorke-arms.co.uk Tel: 01423 755243) in the gorgeous Nidderdale Valley. This Michelin-starred restaurant is home to top chef Frances Atkins, whose team dishes up a beautifully simple British menu, using seasonal, local ingredients.

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The Bruce Arms is the quintessential Yorkshire country inn, but with a great restaurant and cosy, comfy bedrooms.