At a time when so many wonderful old Dales pubs – such as the White Lion at Cray, the Victoria in Whorton and (in practice) even the Moorcock at Garsdale have closed, it’s great to report a real success story – the recent re-opening of a real gem of a hostelry in the village of Thoralby at the bottom end of Bishopdale.
Leeds couple Paul and Daniela have taken over this beautiful 18th century listed building as a real community local – a proper local inn, not a gastro pub. No meals, no posh dining tables, just a cosy traditional bar and pub welcome.
It’s not actually on a weekend Sunday Dales Bus service but is less than an hour’s easy walk to or from the 875/876 from either West Burton, Street Head or Aysgarth Falls Corner(also serve by the 856) by footpath, track or quiet lane, and near the end of a classic 9 mile walk over Stake Pass from the top of the Stake Past above Kidstones – just turn right at the summit then fork left again right the ancient bridle road down to Thoralby, but allow at least 20 minutes after the pub to get to the bus stop at Street Head.
But during the week Monday to Saturday Thoralby village is served directly on Little White Bus 156 between Hawes (connection from Garsdale station) and Leyburn. Details in the DalesBus timetable or at www.dalesbus.org.
The pub is open daily 12 noon 11pm, but closed Mondays. So another six weeks to plan a Sunday walk calling in to experience The George from a Sunday DalesBus. It is important we do so, because our Dales pubs, mainly of them like The George rich in history, need our support just as we as walkers we need those lovely country inns at the end of a walk to add so much to the DalesBus experience, so call in at The George before our summer service ends to have a real old fashioned proper pub experience and a pint of locally brewed real ale.
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