Charles Bathurst Inn, Arkengarthdale, Richmond

Nov 22 2009 by Eddy Eats, Sunday Sun

Character - 5
Quality - 4
Service - 4
Value - 4

Rating: 17/20

I’VE always been a country lover and there’s nothing better than going for a drive in the hills followed by a hearty Sunday lunch.

After last week’s jaunt to the Baltic on Newcastle Quayside Mrs Eats fancied swapping the city for the countryside.

You can’t beat a bit of history mixed with the stunning surroundings of the Northern Dales so she was delighted when I told her that we were heading to the Charles Bathurst Inn in Arkengarthdale, where the opening scenes from All Creatures Great and Small were shot.

A friend recommended it, but we were well aware of how good it was after voting it the top Scran in 2007. We both hoped that it still maintained the high standards we enjoyed on that visit.

The inn dates back to the 18th Century and is set in some of the most spectacular scenery our fair region has to offer. It’s three miles from Reeth, 10 miles from Richmond and a short drive away from Barnard Castle.

The drive there was so enjoyable, as we rollercoasted over the sweeping country roads. At one point there was no sign of life, just me, the Mrs and our Eatsmobile.

When we arrived at the Charles Bathhurst the setting was equally as stunning - it’s surrounded by rolling hills that go on for miles.

It almost took Mrs Eats’s breath away - no easy feat, considering she never stops talking.

Inside, the pub is equally as impressive. Owners Charles and Stacy Cody have refurbished parts of the inn but kept lots of the building’s traditional features and charms. One of the first things to greet you as you walk into the main bar is the roaring, open fire . . . a welcome sight after coming in from the cold, crisp air outside.

We found a nice spot by the window, much to Mrs Eats’s delight, as she was enjoying country life so much.

We’d worked up an appetite on our trip, so we quickly placed our orders at the bar.

The inn offers two courses for £12.50 and three for £15, with special rates for children.