The Bridge Inn

The Bridge is a happy mix of village pub and dining inn, with locals enjoying the bustling games room and beamed old bar whilst a more tranquil restaurant area caters for those after a more intimate meal experience. Two of the Yorkshire Dales' wildest and prettiest dales meet here in Grinton; Arkengarthdale and Swaledale collide in a symphony of fells, moors, waterfalls and cataracts, at the heart of which Grinton has stood for nearly 1,000 years. The inn is just a tad younger; a 13th-century riverside building close to one of Yorkshire's finest old churches, known as the Cathedral of the Dales. Lanes and tracks slope down from the heights, bringing ramblers and riders to appreciate the good range of northern beers that Andrew Atkin matches with his fine foods; York Brewery's Yorkshire Terrier being a case in point. Resident chef John Scott is in charge of the food, his menu inspired by carefully chosen seasonal local game, meats, fish and other produce, including herbs plucked from the garden. Expect traditional English dishes with a modern twist, enhanced by daily-changing specials. Starters range from a black pudding Scotch egg to lamb koftas with mini spiced poppadums and a roasted garlic dip. Mains reflect a similar scope, running from homely steak and ale pie, or cod in real ale and dill batter with chips to Asian duck leg on noodles with a black pudding spring roll and a sweet chilli and plum sauce. Finish with Liz's ginger pudding; Amaretto cheesecake; summer pudding; or a selection of Swaledale cheeses with savoury biscuits and chutney. For entertainment there is musicians' night every Thursday.