Blue Lion - Richmondshire

Was trying to figure out, after my recent experience, why this restaurant was #2 in East Witton and not #1. I think it’s partly the rooms letting it down, and people’s expectations from price. I’ll review our overnight stay separately under ‘hotel’, because that was average. The food however was excellent I can’t fault it. Everything was perfect. The soufflé, soup, steak and I had pork wellington, all gorgeous. The service was lovely. If anyone is reading these reviews from the BL I think it would help if people were offered a choice whether they eat in the bar or restaurant. We absolutely loved being in the bar with its open fire and informality, but I realise some people would prefer the restaurant at the prices charged. Breakfast was superb !!

We have eaten here many times as we have a holiday lodge locally, tonight was a disappointment. Arrived slightly early for our 7.15pm table so ordered a drink at the bar and were taken to our table in The Snug. Orders promptly taken and served by a young girl who was friendly and chatty. Food was delicious as ever, the scallops to start so tasty, my husband declined a starter as he loves their desserts. Seabass main perfectly cooked and the pork tenderloin Wellington a welcome addition to the menu. Our plates were cleared at 8.05pm, did we want to see dessert menu yes please. 30mins later, no dessert menu. By this point we had no drinks left either. We did try to catch the waiters eye when in the snug but to no avail and not one person checked on us. My husband then went to bar to ask for one....no one there. Eventually we both got up, went to the bar and ordered a last drink, when the waiter arrived, as our taxi was due at 9pm. A very disappointing end to our evening. There was no one actually managing the restaurant and the fact we were totally forgotten about reflects this. Will we come back? Possibly.....but there are many other excellent restaurants in this area with far better service!

We are VERY impressed! We loved the service (relaxed and efficient), the food, and the charming atmosphere. The staff are friendly, informed, and attentive. The pub is set up well for walkers. They have detailed maps of walks of various lengths around the Dales and the village.

Very nice restaurant and great wine and service, it is just very expensive not a village pub, a restaurant , but food excellent, you get what you pay for

We stayed at the Blue Lion for two nights to celebrate a family birthday, having eaten here on previous trips and had a wonderful time. The hotel is comfortable and cosy, the staff were lovely and the food is really incredible. The atmosphere in the dining area with the wood fires is lovely in winter. It’s ideally placed for walking a lovely weekend of long walks in the dales and delicious suppers afterwards!