Why pub The Royal Oak at Gillamoor is an unexpected treat and worth a visit

Early spring is a great time to head to Farndale on the North Yorkshire Moors to see the wild daffodils. The three-mile walk is a must for the spectacular sight of the flowers and is guaranteed to cheer the spirits as we shake off the end of winter. But if you go, as I did, after a week of rain, be warned, it can be treacherous underfoot, so just as well we had spotted the Royal Oak in Gillamoor on the drive up after we had to abandon the walk.

By Elaine Lemm

Published 13th Apr 2023, 11:23 BST

The family-owned 17th-century pub is a delightful find after our disappointment, and for those with furry friends, there’s even a snug area where well-behaved dogs are more than welcome. The pub feels untouched by time with its stone floors, dark wood panelling, tables and settles, and the two magnificent fireplaces and is immaculately clean and sparkling. The Royal Oak is a place to hunker down while the weather outside does its thing.

Dominating the pub is a splendid bar, and though most tables are set for Sunday lunch, thirsty walkers, cyclists, and all are more than welcome to pop in for a drink en route as we did. We enjoyed a pint of Striding the Riding from the local Helmsley Brewery and there’s a good range of eight wines by the glass, gins, and the like.

Food is big here. We watch enviously as large plates, crowded with food whizz by with Yorkshire pudds so tall they look perilously close to toppling over. Food is served daily at lunch and dinner, and the menus are not overly extensive but filled with enough choices to suit everyone.

To unexpectedly find a pub like this was a real treat after my disappointment, and I made a mental note to come back very soon to eat as the food looked so good. Plus, they have a lovely B and B too.

The Royal Oak, 1 Main St, Gillamoor, York YO62 7HX Tel: 01751 431414

Bar open every day from 12pm. Food every day - 12:00pm - 2:00pm & 6:00pm - 8:00pm