The Stapylton Arms

The French Night meal was the one that made me sure this is my new favourite pub. The confit duck with blackberry sauce was sensational, and the fillet steak with Cafe de Paris butter was so good I asked for more. I had some butter left and asked to take it home. They wouldn't give us the leftovers, but brought us fresh butter, enough for five steaks at home. We also spoke with the chef afterwards. He clearly loves French food, and we begged him to add the duck confit starter to the main menu. I can't wait to go back. I've been here four times in the last few months. It's an old-fashioned pub that's worth the drive, and it serves drinks until 10.30, while some nearby pubs stop at 9.30. Service may not be as polished as at the fancier pub restaurants around here, but it's attentive, friendly and not pretentious. I've never felt I had to wait long. Small village pubs can't have staff constantly wandering about, so the odd comments about waiting for menus don't match my experience. The food is the main draw. You get sensible prices and good portions of well-cooked, tasty dishes, not tiny servings of fussy, obscure food aimed at a Michelin guide. I've enjoyed duck with black current jus, red cabbage and dauphinoise potatoes, Cock au Vin, and steak pie. All very good value, and we left happy and content.

We only stayed briefly while passing through, and wished we could have stayed longer because there are so many walks nearby. The room was comfortable and we got a decent night's sleep. Breakfast in the restaurant was very nice. Such a great experience staying here!

The pub felt warm and welcoming, beautifully decorated and set in a stunning spot in the North Yorkshire moors. On a snowy day, that cosiness was especially nice. The ladies serving us were kind and attentive, and the price was really good. Our roast beef sandwich had huge, fresh slices of perfectly cooked beef with fresh creamy butter. The coffee was great too, and the complimentary fudge was incredible. Highly recommend!

It was a very quiet lunchtime, and everyone in our party was pleased with the meal. The food was tasty and nicely presented. The bar and restaurant were clean, tidy and laid out impeccably. The slim gentleman I've seen serving on each visit gave us superb service, always considerate and smiling. Thank you.