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The Best Countryside Pubs in Yorkshire

Updated: Mar 12

Cosy countryside inns, food-led locals and charming village pubs worth visiting.


Yorkshire is famous for its pub culture and Leeds is surrounded by some truly excellent spots. From cosy village inns and historic countryside pubs to stylish gastropubs serving standout food, there are plenty of places perfect for a relaxed drink or a long lunch.

Whether you're searching for a traditional Yorkshire pub, a countryside Sunday roast or a dog friendly pub near Leeds, these are some of the best pubs in and around Leeds worth visiting.


The Grantley Arms - Ripon


Located in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside near Ripon, The Grantley Arms is a charming village pub that perfectly balances traditional character with a food offering that goes well beyond standard pub fare.


The interiors are cosy and welcoming with a relaxed village pub feel, making it a lovely spot for a long lunch or evening meal. The menu focuses on elevated pub classics made with seasonal ingredients and local produce. Expect dishes like slow-cooked meats, fresh seafood and beautifully prepared Sunday roasts that have helped build the pub’s strong reputation for food.


The pub also offers a carefully curated wine list and a great selection of ales, making it ideal for a relaxed countryside visit. Dogs are welcome too in the bar area, which makes it a great stop after countryside walks in the surrounding Yorkshire landscape.



The Star Inn at Harome


Few pubs in Yorkshire are as famous as The Star Inn at Harome. This historic thatched-roof inn is one of the most celebrated food pubs in the region and offers a truly memorable countryside dining experience.


Originally dating back to the 14th century, the pub combines rustic charm with exceptional cooking. The menu focuses on seasonal Yorkshire produce and creative dishes that elevate traditional pub dining.


Guests can expect beautifully prepared plates featuring ingredients from the restaurant’s own gardens and surrounding countryside. The experience feels somewhere between a country pub and a fine dining restaurant, making it perfect for a special lunch or dinner.



The Crown - Boston Spa


Located in the lovely village of Boston Spa, The Crown is a classic Yorkshire pub that has become a favourite among locals.


The welcoming atmosphere and cosy interiors make it a comfortable place to settle in for drinks or food. The menu features a mix of traditional pub favourites alongside modern seasonal dishes, making it ideal for a casual lunch or relaxed evening meal.


The pub is particularly popular for its Sunday roasts and hearty comfort food, and its location close to the River Wharfe means it's a great place to stop after a countryside walk. Dogs are welcome, which adds to its friendly village pub feel.



The William and Victoria - Harrogate


A well-loved gastropub in nearby Harrogate, The William and Victoria is known for its lively atmosphere and consistently excellent food.


The menu focuses on elevated pub favourites and modern British dishes using seasonal ingredients. Expect plates such as beautifully cooked meats, seafood dishes and indulgent comfort food classics.


It’s particularly popular for long lunches and evening meals thanks to its relaxed dining room and welcoming atmosphere. The pub also offers a strong wine list and great cocktails, making it a lovely spot for a relaxed dinner out.


Dogs are welcome in the bar areas, which makes it a popular stop for visitors exploring Harrogate.



The Myrtle Tavern - Meanwood


The Myrtle Tavern is one of Leeds’ most charming hidden gem pubs. This small neighbourhood pub has a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels like a proper local. It’s known for its excellent selection of ales and its relaxed, friendly vibe with furry friends welcome too.


Perfect as the last stop after a long walk around Meanwood park, there's also a buzzing outside area for those warmer days. The menu features pub classics with an indulgent Yorkshire pudding filled roast dinner featuring on the Sunday menu.


Christmas at the Myrtle Tavern is second to none, as they go all out with decorations and truly make you feel like you've stepped into Santa's grotto. Not one to miss when the time comes!



The Beck and Call - Chapel Allerton


The Beck and Call is a lively social spot with a large beer garden and rotating street food pop-ups, which give the menu a constantly changing feel. You might find anything from pizza to tacos depending on the week.


It's quickly become one of the most popular pubs in north Leeds and is a great place to spend the afternoon with friends, family and furry friends.


Its a top spot to catch large sporting fixtures with them popping up a large screen in the garden for tournaments (check the website for details) and they also host a pub quiz every Wednesday at 7pm which is great fun.



The Highland Laddie - Leeds City Centre


Not so much countryside but needs a mention... just outside Leeds city centre on Cavendish Street, The Highland Laddie is a beautifully revived Victorian pub that has quickly become one of the most exciting food-led pubs in the city. The pub reopened in 2025 and has already built a strong reputation for it's seriously good cooking.


Inside, the pub feels traditional and cosy with one side focusing on drinks and bar snacks, while the dining room offers a more relaxed space for proper sit-down meals.


The menu is where things get particularly interesting. Expect elevated pub food and creative British dishes cooked over an open fire grill. Highlights can include things like sardines blistered over the grill, freshly baked sausage rolls, oysters served at the bar and hearty dishes like beef and oyster pie.


Bar snacks are a big part of the experience too - from devilled eggs and prawns served by the half-pint to freshly sliced ham rolls with a dedicated mustard menu, making it feel like a pub that takes both food and drinking culture seriously.



The Tickled Trout - Wetherby


Located in the pretty town of Wetherby, The Tickled Trout is a beautiful riverside pub that’s perfect for relaxed lunches and long summer evenings.


The pub sits right beside the River Wharfe, giving it a scenic countryside feel despite being only a short drive from Leeds. Inside, the pub combines cosy traditional interiors with a more modern dining space, creating a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.


The menu focuses on seasonal British dishes and well-executed pub classics, with highlights including fresh fish dishes, hearty Sunday roasts and comforting favourites like pies and burgers. The outdoor terrace overlooking the river is particularly popular in warmer months, making it a lovely spot for a drink or meal in the sun.



The White Hart - Otley


Located in the heart of Otley, The White Hart is one of the area’s most popular pubs and a great spot for a relaxed meal or drink just outside Leeds.


The pub combines the charm of a traditional Yorkshire local with a more modern dining experience. Recently renovated, inside the interiors feel cosy and welcoming, with a lively bar area and a comfortable dining space that makes it just as suitable for casual drinks as it is for a proper pub meal.


Food is a big part of the appeal here. The menu focuses on elevated pub classics and seasonal British dishes, with highlights often including hearty pies, fresh fish dishes and generous Sunday roasts that draw visitors from across the surrounding villages. The pub also has a strong drinks offering, with a good selection of local ales, wines and cocktails.


The White Hart is also dog friendly in the bar area, which makes it a popular stop for walkers exploring the nearby countryside and riverside paths around Otley. Whether you're popping in for a pint, a Sunday lunch or an evening meal, it’s the kind of pub that always feels lively and welcoming.


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