Best Pubs With Rooms in North Yorkshire: England's Top 3

There's something special about a proper British pub, isn't there? Imagine a crackling fire, a pint of something local, and fantastic food. Now, picture being able to just head upstairs to a cosy bed afterwards instead of worrying about a taxi home. That’s the magic of pubs with rooms, and it turns out Yorkshire is smashing it. According to a guide released on Monday 19 January 2026 by The Telegraph, three incredible North Yorkshire pubs have been named among the '50 best pubs with rooms in England'. So, if a countryside escape with top-tier food is on the cards, these spots should be on the list.

What makes a pub one of the best?

Getting on a list like this isn't just about having a couple of spare rooms upstairs. The folks at the Telegraph have a proper system. They send out their travel experts to secretly review these places. It’s a bit like being a food critic, but for the whole experience. These experts score the pubs on six different things, giving each a mark out of ten.

• Location: Is it somewhere beautiful, convenient, or special?

• Style and Character: Does it have a unique vibe? Is it memorable?

• Service and Facilities: Are the staff friendly? Do they go the extra mile?

• Rooms: Are the rooms comfy, clean, and a bit special?

• Food and Drink: Is the menu exciting? Is the food delicious?

• Value for Money: Does the price feel fair for the experience?

They then average out these scores to get a final rating. So, making the cut means these three pubs are not just good at one thing; they're brilliant all-rounders. It’s a testament to the hard work that goes into creating a truly memorable stay, showcasing that classic Yorkshire hospitality.

The Alice Hawthorn: rustic Scandi-chic in Nun Monkton

First up is The Alice Hawthorn in the village of Nun Monkton, near York. This isn't just any old pub; it has been completely ‘reinvented’. It's got a restaurant serving what the review calls ‘faultless’ food and some seriously cool rooms to stay in. Forget chintzy floral wallpaper; this place offers something much more modern. The pub features an annexe of rustic barn-style rooms, which sound amazing.

The review points out that the eight new Garden rooms, built from corrugated iron and Douglas fir, ‘feel more Norway than North Yorkshire’. That’s a pretty cool compliment. It suggests a minimalist, stylish, and cosy vibe, like a Scandinavian cabin but with the bonus of being in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. And the food? The review says, ‘Lunch or dinner at the Alice Hawthorn is the very ideal of gastropub fare’. Basically, that means it’s pub food, but elevated. It’s not just a pie and a pint; it's creative, high-quality cooking in a relaxed setting. Some standout dishes mentioned are popcorn king prawns, a rich fish stew, and a classic dessert with a twist: warm Yorkshire parkin with fiery ginger ice cream. This is the kind of place that truly defines modern pubs in England.

The Abbey Inn: a star chef's cosy country pub

Next on the list is the Abbey Inn in Byland, and this place has some serious star power behind it. It's run by Yorkshire’s own star chef, Tommy Banks. For anyone who follows the UK food scene, that name means a lot. He’s known for his incredible cooking and focus on using ingredients grown on his family's farm. The Abbey Inn channels this philosophy, presenting itself as a cosy country pub that happens to serve incredible food.

The menu is built around local family farm ingredients, which is fantastic because it means everything is super fresh and supports local producers. They also work with other trusted independent suppliers to get the best of the best. The review raved about the experience, describing the staff as ‘efficient and enthusiastic’. The food and drink offering scored a perfect 10 out of 10. That's huge. A particular highlight was the Dexter beef burger. This isn't your average burger; a Dexter beef burger is known for its incredible flavour. And it gets better: the review says its ‘accompanying pork fat fries are inevitably perfect.’ Just imagine how good those must be. Even the breakfast is described as a ‘delight’. This is a real foodie destination that still feels like one of the best, most welcoming pubs.

The Penny Bun: tip-top atmosphere on the Denton Reserve

The last of the magnificent three is The Penny Bun in Askwith. This pub is located between the lovely towns of Ilkley and Otley and is situated within the huge 2,500-acre Denton Reserve. So, location-wise, it's a winner if someone is looking for stunning scenery and country walks. The review describes the atmosphere in the bar and restaurant as ‘tip-top’, which is exactly what you want to hear. It suggests a lively, friendly place where both locals and visitors feel right at home.

And, of course, the food gets a big thumbs up. It’s clear that great food is a theme across all three of these amazing Yorkshire pubs. A couple of highlights mentioned for The Penny Bun were the ‘delicious’ lightly battered courgette flowers stuffed with goat’s cheese and a ‘perfectly baked’ apple crumble. This is classic comfort food done exceptionally well. It’s the kind of cooking that makes a pub feel like a home from home. Visiting these three pubs is a brilliant way to experience the famous Yorkshire hospitality that the region is known for. Whether it's the creative dishes, the cosy rooms, or the welcoming atmosphere, they truly represent the best of pubs with rooms in England.