Yorkshire pub cited as a ‘top tavern’ in staycations list
An historic North Yorkshire inn has been highlighted as one of the best places in the UK to head to for a postlockdown break. Chris Burn reports.
AS WE edge closer to a relaxation of restrictions, the demand for UK staycations has skyrocketed, with many people opting to holiday locally this summer.
Self-catering stays are rapidly filling up, but there’s still room at some of the finest inns dotted around the country; serving good brews and comforting grub, many pubs also have accommodation for weekend stays.
Forming the backbone of British communities, welcoming ‘locals’ offer an opportunity to get an insider take on both secret spots and well-known locations.
A new article by Press Association travel writer Sarah Marshall as has cited one such location in Yorkshire as among six “top taverns for a short break” across the country.
The list includes the Black Horse Inn in the village of Kirkby Fleetham, Hambleton.
The citation says: “With roots extending to the time of William the Conqueror, this rustic inn is filled with wooden beams and natural stone floors.
“Careful renovations have given the property an elegant overhaul, with 14 en-suite bedrooms decorated with luxurious fittings and mod-cons.
“Dining is top class in the AA rosette restaurant, but there’s also a traditional English pub atmosphere at a bar stocked with a good selection of real ales. The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a 40-minute drive away. Rooms from £139 with breakfast.”
The hamlet was referenced in the Domesday Book and used to be two separate villages Kirkby and Fleetham.
The Black Horse Inn is the only venue on the list based on the list in the North of England. Also included on the list are The Bell in Ticehurst, East Sussex; The Westleton Crown, Suffolk; The Peat Spade Inn, Hampshire; The King’s Arms, Dorset and The White Horse, Chichester, West Sussex.
The guide says of The King’s Arms in Dorset: “A gourmet stay in the heart of historic Christchurch, this charismatic and cosy 20-room Georgian boutique hotel has hosted monarchs and musicians during its 300-year history. Famous for its literary links to Thomas Hardy, it’s been described as a jewel on the Dorset coastline.
“Fully restored, the property overlooks the Stour River and Normanera ruins, and is a short walk to Christchurch Quay.”
Under the lockdown easing roadmap, while people in England will be allowed to stay with other members of their household or bubble in selfcontained accommodation like holiday cottages from April 12, hotels and B&Bs will not be back open to holidaymakers until May 17.
At that point, restrictions will still mean no more than six people or two households will be able to stay together indoors.
The earliest that all restrictions on mixing could be lifted is June 21.
While the lockdown easing roadmap is potentially subject to change, last week Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the timetable was still on course to be delivered.
“In just a few days’ time, I’m finally going to be able to go to the barbers,” he said in a speech. “But more important than that, I’m going to be able to go down the street and cautiously, but irreversibly, I’m going to drink a pint of beer in the pub.
“And as things stand, I can see absolutely nothing in the data to dissuade me from continuing along our road map to freedom, unlocking our economy and getting back to the life we love.”
Question marks remain on if and when holidays abroad will be allowed this year.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said last week: “The door is not shut, it’s just too early to say.”
■ All properties named on the Press Association list can be booked through Stay In A Pub (stayinapub.co.uk).