Wensleydale, in the Yorkshire Dales, is absolutely one of my favourite valleys. Not only does it provide stunning scenery and walks but there is an endless amount of things to see and do.
Followers of me will know that I also have a family history going back to the valley. It was a joy to travel back here and with Malc too for a dog friendly stay at the Blue Lion Inn, East Witton.
Location
Firstly, let me mention the location of The Blue Lion Inn, the beautiful small village of East Witton, in the heart of Wensleydale.
Not too far from Leyburn. I took a drone pic from above and you see the large village green surrounded by the village and then the valley wonderfully. It is like stepping back in time.
The scene was set perfectly for a lovely escape away so it was time to head inside and enjoy some great local comfort too.
A lovely welcome was given on entering, I must say the staff here are incredible to say the least. Always happy to help and always smiling. Makes a lovely ambience don’t you think?
In the room
I was looking forward to seeing the room for sure.
Beautiful. Yes, beautiful and a warm homely feeling.
A really comfortable bed together with a view across the village to the hills. Loved it! Malc, my border collie had some surprises awaiting him in the room too bless him.
A real dog friendly welcome with some delicious luxurious food wrapped in a gift box.
History
The Blue Lion Inn was originally built as a shooting lodge and in and around 1840 it evolved into an inn.
The owners, Paul & Helen have done an amazing job over the last 30 years since they took over. You absolutely get that sense of being in an old inn with lots of character, yet you are never without any modern necessities or comfort.
Well, Malc had has some lovely food, but I was hungry myself.
Dining
The reason i had heard previously of the Blue Lion Inn was in a large part because of the reputation of the food. I really was looking forward to dining time.
My appetite was well and truly whet just looking at some of the menu!
Jeesh! Choices, lovely choices. I could see why the place had such a good reputation as well. Not just with the food.
The evenings are getting cooler and the log fire in the dining room was flickering, keeping us warm and cosy together with the candles and lighting. The whole eating experience had a wonderful feel to it.
So, where to start? Well I was in Wensleydale, home of the famous cheese! So I was immedietly drawn to… Twice baked Wensleydale cheese soufflé, with chive cream sauce. Amazing!
I can only think how difficult that must be to prepare so well as it was! It was delicious.
Or what about another starter….. Butter confit hand-dived king orkney scallop, with pickled cucumber, scallop velouté, sea greens and caviar.
As you can gather from the board I previously showed you. the mains are plentiful, all sounding lovely and a choice there for all tastes. The two we sampled were:
Roast Crown of Yorkshire Partridge, confit leg and walnut roll, roast pear, celeriac and red wine sauce…
and, Ox cheek and riggwelter suet pudding, with a maple glazed parsnip, colcannon potato and parsnip crisps.
Oh… my… word. Every meal, every course was stunning and delicious, and filling! It really was. I made a mental note to head back this way again and again to work my way down the menu 🙂
Absolute compliments must go to the kitchen staff!
The bar
After a lovely meal, it was time to head into the bar area, sit by the fire and enjoy a lovely evening drink of course. An ale followed by a gin, or two was in order to end another wonderful day of travel.
Malc made himself cosy by the fire too! 🙂
Exploring
Of course, after a comfortable sleep there was a whole wealth of things to see and explore.
Old favourites like Hardraw Force, or the little village of Gayle near Hawes that holds so many childhood memories for me. Plus I found new special places that will be in upcoming posts.
Honestly, The Blue Lion Inn was a gem of a place to stay and together with the location I can only highly recommend it. Also if you are looking for a pet friendly place that truly welcomes dogs then here is your place for the area.
