A group of three of us called in for a meal after a day out in The Dales. I had booked online the night before, and was drawn here by the good, up to date website, online menu, online booking, and some imaginative vegetarian options. As a veggie, I'm so used to having to settle for a burger or a flavourless curry which looks like it's come from a Tesco ready-meal, or a mushroom risotto served in a tiny ramakin with side-salad (because, apparently, vegetarians mustn't be hungry), while my non-veggie friends tuck into pie or chips, which is more what you want after a day out in the countryside. The pub has a cosy bar area and a separate dining room, with a more sophisticated feel, but not stuffy or formal. The drinks options at the bar were superb, a perfectly served pint of Landlord (well kept, fresh, correct temperature, well pulled) and even a local scrumpy cask cider - a rarity for this neck of the woods. The food did not disappoint. For mains, the vegetarian mushroom pie was awesome, a proper pie with mash and root veg and plenty of gravy. For once, I felt like the chef had given as much care and consideration to the veggie option as they had the meat dishes. My friends (not veggie) had what one described as the best cooked piece of fish (cod) he'd ever had, and a piece of beef which looked so succulent it was literally falling apart. Top notch, one of the best pub meals I've had in ages. The service was friendly, attentive and relaxed, and the general vibe was very pleasant. Well done Craven Arms, you will definitely be seeing us again!
Craven Arms – Settle