8 must-visit Michelin pubs in Yorkshire

“Look for the church spire to help you navigate through the maze of country lanes that lead to this charming 15C pub, which was originally the gatehouse of Dalton Park. The Yorkshire larder is well-represented on the menus, with numerous daily specials reflecting what’s best in season. Unfussy, instantly recognisable dishes are meticulously prepared, packed full of flavour and have subtle modern touches. The charming team ensure everyone is looked after with a smile, and smart bedrooms add a luxurious edge.”

W End, South Dalton, Beverley HU17 7PN

Sandpiper Inn

Close to the Wensleydale railway station, this traditional North Yorkshire pub owned by Jonathan and Janine Harrison is another featured on the list of Michelin’s favourite Yorkshire pubs.

Divided into several cosy drinking and eating areas, the pub boasts a sun-trap terrace at its front. Drinkers can find locally brewed cask ales on the hand pulls here, alongside hearty cooking that shows a mix of classical and seasonal influences.

Michelin says: “In the further north of Yorkshire, close to the scenic Wensleydale Valley, you will find The Sandpiper – tucked to one side of Leyburn’s busy market place. Jonathan Harrison has been at the stoves since the turn of the century and runs things in a ‘proper’ Yorkshire way, with cooking that shows both a strong classical and seasonal base. Two bedrooms retain all the character of the 17th century property; try to line up your stay with the Friday market.

“You’ll receive a cheery Yorkshire welcome from the friendly owners of this characterful stone pub, set just off the main town square. Menus reflect the location, with the experienced chef carefully preparing tried-and-tested dishes; puddings are a highlight. Two ‘country-chic’ bedrooms offer excellent comforts.”

Market Place, Leyburn, DL8 5AT, United Kingdom

Shibden Mill Inn

This charming 2AA restaurant with rooms in Halifax is not short of accolades. It’s also an Estrella Damn Top 50 Gastropub, and now a Michelin-recommended Yorkshire pub.

Michelin says: “The scenery of West Yorkshire is still heavily punctuated with historical reminders of the Industrial Revolution. Shibden Mill, hidden away at the bottom of a steep wooded valley, started life as a corn and spinning mill before becoming an inn in the late 19th century. The monthly changing menu offers dishes that have an ambitious edge but are hearty and full of flavour, with Yorkshire produce to the fore. Open fires and low-hanging beams offer a cosy feel to enhance your visit. The restored Piece Hall in Halifax is just a short drive away and well worth a stop before or after your meal.

“Tucked away on the floor of a steep, wooded valley, this former corn mill is full of rustic character, with cluttered, low-beamed rooms, open fires and cosy snugs. Monthly changing menus offer hearty, flavoursome dishes made with Yorkshire produce. The young team are organised and welcoming – and boutique bedrooms add to the appeal.”

Shibden Mill Fold, Halifax, HX3 7UL, United Kingdom

The Star Inn at Harome

Somewhat notorious ever since it was ravaged in a fire back in 2021, this long standing Michelin-starred Yorkshire pub is a favourite amongst Yorkshire foodies.

Michelin says: “Andrew Pern’s 14C thatched inn oozes charm and character, with its low ceilings, Robert ‘Mouseman’ features and some charred beams left in situ in a nod to its life story.

“Head Chef Steve Smith’s cooking has a classical base with modern overtones, and Yorkshire leads the way in rich, gutsy, flavour-driven dishes, with fish coming from Whitby, game from the Moors and vegetables plucked from the kitchen garden. Relax on the terrace, then stay over in one of the individually styled bedrooms; one boasts a snooker table, another, a piano.”

High Street, Harome, YO62 5JE, United Kingdom

The Abbey Inn at Byland

This country pub with rooms is run by Michelin star chef Tommy Banks, also behind Roots in York and The Black Swan in Oldstead.

On the hand pulls you’ll find two regular Yorkshire ales, Black Sheep Bitter and Timothy Taylor’s Landlord, as well as a host of rotating guest beers and a fine list of wines. Food, meanwhile, focuses on refining hearty dishes with plenty of tender loving care.

Michelin says: “Run by the same team as Michelin-Starred ventures Roots in York and The Black Swan in Oldstead, this charming inn has the happy distinction of overlooking the ruins of Byland Abbey – adding a little bit of history to your visit. While many pubs are leaning away from their traditional fare, the chefs here eschew that trend by sticking to the classics – and executing them marvellously. A heavy dose of skill and refinement is brought to the likes of sausage and mash with onion gravy, while local produce (much of it from their own farm) provides delicious natural flavours.”

“There is a simple, homely feel to this pub overlooking the ruins of Byland Abbey, courtesy of its stone flagged floor, colourful throws and blazing fires in the winter. The cooking stays true to its pubby roots, providing well-executed takes on traditionally comforting fare, from sausage & mash to their signature ‘Byland Burger’. The owners, who also run The Black Swan in nearby Oldstead, provide much of the superb produce from their own farm. Traditional bedrooms sit upstairs and, in the summer, the garden terrace makes a great spot for a pint and ‘mini pie of the day’.”

The Lime Tree Inn

Possibly the only new build pub on the Michelin list, this spacious watering hole in Ouseburn first opened its doors in 2020 and has quickly made it onto the radar of Michelin inspectors.

Built by a local craftsman after the village’s only pub, the Crown Inn, was closed by a pubco that refused to sell it on the community, inside you’ll still find some classic features such as a roaring woodburner, exposed stone and brick as well as wooden beams.

Michelin says: “Every village needs a good local pub, and The Lime Tree Inn provides just that for the residents of Great Ouseburn. In fact, it’s such a fabulous place that it must pull in plenty of punters from the surrounding area too. A team that includes plenty of locals run the place well, with the cooking providing exactly what’s needed – generous portions of colourful, flavoursome food using Yorkshire produce. The chefs make their own bread and ice cream every day, only adding to the pub’s already considerable appeal.”