The Blue Lion

Just back from a 2 night stay , warm , friendly , food and team amazing . From planning and arrival of a medium size party . Attention to detail and being looked after was amazing . The rooms the bar the dining areas all a cosy homely feel . I wanted to stay forever . Thankyou so much and we look forward to returning .

I want to say first the food and breakfast in the restaurant here were fantastic, and I’d love to return to eat. The rooms and stay however really let this place down. We’d booked for valentines night, and I noted it was more expensive than other places to stay nearby that, being local, I know. Despite this I found our room to be small, unimpressive and tired. The bed was a double, metal frame, and although comfortable and clean it squeaked. The room was a nice temperature. However there was a damp smell which was noticeable when you arrive and quite unwelcoming. The bathroom was in need of refurbishment- little things like the plug chain broken in the sink and a wobbly tap. The shower screen was a folding one and it didn’t fold / unfold properly. Grouting in the tiles needed a good scrub or replacing. Cheap coffee, and one pack of biscuits to share is tight for the price of the room. We will definitely be back for dinner but won’t stay the night.

We were staying at a cottage in the village for a week. We ate in the Blue Lion on the first evening and just had to return again a few days later. We had two superb meals which, unlike many places, actually justified the 'gastropub' label. The Wensleydale Cheese Soufflé starter was to die for and we had a range of fish and meat dishes between us - overall 12 faultless courses between us over 2 visits. Great value for money given quality (£140 inc a beer and a bottle of wine for two of us which would barely buy you a bog standard pub meal down south). Atmosphere and staff were also lovely - attentive, warm and welcoming. Clearly the folks in the kitchen also know what good tastes like. Can't wait to go back, perhaps to stay next time.

I was here with family from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day and was not disappointed in any way. We arrived to a warm welcome and some Blue Lion gin and tonics in our room. Note that we stayed in Room 16, which is located in the courtyard. The room was well equipped and very comfortable. The Christmas Eve dinner was excellent, as was the service. For Christmas lunch, the whole bar and restaurant were fully occupied, with everyone seated at 13:00. I thought this could be an issue however, the staff ran the lunch service like clockwork. It was excellent service and food! All the staff were great and made my six-year-old son feel very welcome. We are very much looking forward to visiting again soon.

As long-time visitors (since the 1990's) for sentimental reasons we go back to the Blue Lion every couple of years, each time hoping for the fabulous vibes of our earlier visits. But sad to say what was once a truly magical experience has gradually tapered away to the frustratingly inconsistent. The level of welcome and service seems gender-related; attentive and friendly female FOH and waiting staff absolutely top notch, waistcoated males minding the bar grumpily old school and exuding lofty indifference. Unless you're one of the favoured 'regulars' or part of a loud-talking shooting party, of course. I was made to feel invisible and insignificant at the bar when one of these showed up. Food better than average gastro-pub fare but distinctly underwhelming for the money. The room we had was tired, in need of re-decoration and poorly cleaned - the previous occupants' waste bin had not been emptied when we arrived. Nice. Overall experience - distinctly mediocre for the money. To be fair to new owners, in our experience this has been the trend here for the last few years. Comparisons may be odorous, but up the road is the Wensleydale Heifer in West Witton, fishing in similar waters but without that slightly-pleased-with-ourselves edge. .....who always seem to get things just right. Sadly, it finally feels to us like the end of our affair with the Blue Lion. Sorry. Maybe it's just us........

Have been coming to the Blue Lion for years because we’ve not once had a bad meal. Since change in ownership I honestly think it’s got better. The food is delicious, excellent service and the decor very subtly updated.

We have been eating at the Blue Lion for years… Todays’s lunch was one of the best ever… The whole place was looking spritely.. New garden furniture… new staff uniforms… new paint…new menu… We loved our lunch… The scallops were excellent… the bread was superb… a new source… Two Dales sour dough…heavenly… The carpaccio of beef was outstanding! Good to see the old faithfuls on the staff still there with their impeccable service … Excellent to see the new owner is a fully hands on operator which shows! Altogether a faultless lunch… The changeover has been seamless with some improvements on what was always a pretty slick operation… We feel well placed to assess working as we do in upmarket hospitality… Thanks for a great experience… Austin and Tim Millgate House Richmond

Same great welcome. Very good food and glad change of ownership hasn’t changed it much Always enjoy visiting and must stay again soon. Lunch was great. Proper welcome and proper chips. Will return soon

Our lunch was absolutely wonderful, the food is excellent. Front of house team outstanding led by a great woman who knows her stuff! We will definitely return. It’s quite clear now to those of us who eat out that we will have to pay more for this type of service and cooking, we perhaps just don’t go out as often as we used to to soften the blow!