Very disappointed Dropped in for an evening meal. Shame the meal didn't live up to the friendly welcome. Broccoli perfect,beans ok carrots overcooked and probably reheated. Potatoes warmed through, meat reheated in hot gravy. Last time I ate pub food like this was in 1980's It was meals like this that gave the UK such a bad name for its culinary prowess.
As staying locally uproad we decided to go in for an evening meal ,two nights running , in this very old Inn built around 1445 with the same landlord still behind the bar ! Serving great choice of ales,cider, etc ,Chef creating some great Yorkshire pudding roasts, and a biscuit for our Jackrussel made very welcome , Very friendly staff ,locals and visitors to the area staying overnight in the many rooms ,
I don't like to leave negative reviews, but in this instance, I feel it's needed in the hope the owners read with an open mind. We holidayed in the village and passed several times whilst exploring. After visiting Pen-y-ghent we decided to have a meal in the local pub. We quickly discovered from the eye rolling bar tender that they really want you to book a table, but we were begrudgingly told to come on in. Service in the bar was pleasant and swift before being directed to the restaurant. Here we were greeted by William from the kitchen. When taking our order, we were told the beef with Yorkshire pudding would be quick, but the lasagna would take an age. Throughout ordering we got the distinct impression we were not welcome and everything was a chore. Probably because we hadn't booked. Meals came out within 15 minutes and were okay. Best part was the beef in yorkshire puds but not all had the same veg. But then we didn't book. Although it would have been nice if someone asked if our meals were okay. 2 of our party left whilst the other two stayed for desserts. When William asked where the others had gone, we jokingly said they were tired, but we stayed behind after spotting the desserts on the menu. After walking off and pottering around, I then had to ask more directly... but politely if we could order some desserts. Another eye roll and walk off. Then, on passing from another tablet, he then called over with... 'well what do you want?'. Luckily we had already chosen as the menus were long gone. We politely asked for a Crumble... 'well that's our last one gone then'... came the response. And an Apple pie. What do you want with it? What are the options? No menu's were given so I has to ask. Another eye roll came along with a moody response of the options. Not wanting to put William out... as after all we didn't book... we went for the ice cream. He then abruptly heads off to the kitchen. What came out was a crumble with little crumble... and an Apple pie with soft crust and no cinnamon as I recalled from the long gone menu. But I know... we didn't book. We swiftly ate up, paid, and left. I like to think I'm fairly well travelled and I know Yorkshire Dale's is a very friendly welcoming place that relies on tourists. But this Free House is certainly not 'the pride of Wensley dale' as their website address suggests. If you can't serve drop in tourists, please say so on arrival so they can move on instead of treating them as inconsiderate patrons. Unfortunately, they are the only pub in the village, so perhaps they feel they can treat the public this way. Overall, meals were okay but a little over priced. Drinks were okay as well. Wasn't the cleanest or most up to date of venues. I didn't visit the toilets myself but was told by my daughter the door leading into the ladies was off it's hinges and couldn't be closed. There didn't appear to be any disabled access. Dogs are welcome indoors and there are outside benches. I hope the owners read and I wish them well for the future... but I won't be revisiting. Perhaps put a big sign up outside that says... 'must pre-book a table for food'.
This pub unfortunately doesn't live up to expectations. What pub has no coke, rose wine or crisps? Female behind the bar using used pint glasses to refill with beer and not particularly welcoming saying to us the bar at the front is known as 'the locals bar'. Without tourists it probably wouldn't survive. Appreciate this is a lovely old building but no excuse for it being dirty.
Loved this pub! Proper friendly staff and great pies! Made us feel very welcome and made max feel at home with some fresh cut roast beef!
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Askrigg, Leyburn, DL8 
