The Punch Bowl Inn

Thank you to the kind staff at the Punch Bowl Inn who looked after us (Dad and two boys) after our car broke down nearby. A delicious meal, offers of a lift back to our holiday house and allowing us to stay in the warmth of the bar until the breakdown truck arrived near midnight. A lovely pub staffed by lovely people!

A February midweek break, which found us the only couple staying in the hotel! Overall, despite the lousy weather, we enjoyed our break, though there are one or two points I should mention. Our room (1) was spacious and comfortable, but the lighting was very dim, making it impossible to read after sunset. I set off to look for the advertised Residents Lounge, only to find it no longer exists, and is being converted into another bedroom. Obviously this is a fait-accompli, but I feel is a mistake as it means facilities for guests are the bar, and that's it. Incidentally, our room was directly above the bar, and some locals certainly made their presence felt. Of course they are perfectly entitled to make some noise. I am just mentioning the fact. A few more people were in for dinner, which was well presented and served promptly. The menu was varied, as was the wine list. Staff at all times were friendly and courteous. Breakfast was good. Bedroom keys were on large wooden fobs, and in our case the lock was right up against the door frame, making turning the key extremely difficult. The lack of double glazing meant a very wet, misted window in the mornings. OK, minor *******. It's an ideal base for touring the Yorkshire Dales, even on wet, foggy days such as we had. The staff work hard to maintain standards, and we hope they get busier as the year goes on.

Smashing lunch with friendly, efficient service from charming and helpful staff - we love that the bar welcomes well-behaved dogs, and that we can always rely on the Punch Bowl for great food quality, relaxed atmosphere and good value. Thank you.

The food was lovely. When we saw the bill she had charged up almost £6 for 2 glasses of lime and soda. That's a dash of lime and fizzy water from the dispenser. The bar person was quite rude when we said its normally under a £1. She eventually agreed but said 'it'll probably come out my wages'. Then became very moody. We still spent £25 on 2 baguettes no need to rip people off shame.

We were one of the few couples dining on a snowy Thursday evening, walked in to a lovely warm restaurant with a roaring fire. The staff were welcoming and the choice on the menu varied. After a starter and main course no room for pudding! The steak pie was the stand out dish of the evening. Plan to return soon.

Drinks fine ( although the range of draft beer is very limited) staff nice but there was as much atmosphere as a dentist’s waiting room. It used to be a traditional dale’s pub with lots of atmosphere and a general cosy feel. Over the last ten years it’s struggles to decide what it wants to be. The decor is fine for a trendy city bar but it just doesn’t work here- no open fire and rows of bright ceiling lights. I’m not saying it’s bad it’s so okay not to my taste.

I went here today after a bit of a detour nice pub but over rated sort of trying to be posh food was above average but tries to be something it’s not, first time for me I’ll give it another go but not on a Sunday I think they need to look at the prices there is better for less in the area if I’m honest I hope the road to Muker opens soon

The staff were busy but very friendly and helpful. The breakfasts, cooked fresh, were excellent. The evening meals were good too. The place and our room was very clean/well appointed and the views were great, plus you are close to Richmond, Aysgarth Falls, Buttertubs Pass and Hawes/Hardrow to sightsee. Also, very dog friendly.

Ok evening meal. The sea bass was somewhat sp**** for £21. Brie and squid starters were nice. Staff polite but in no way chatty or welcoming. No specials on offer. All in all a bit disappointing. These days I only try the Punch Bowl when I can’t get in anywhere else. And tonight’s meal, whilst fine in itself, reaffirms my sentiment.