The Queens Arms, Litton
As pub locations go, they don’t come better than the Queens Arms at Litton in the heart of the Dales.
The five-mile detour off the busy main Grassington to Kettlewell Road is well worth it for the stunning scenery and heartening hospitality at the quaint 17th- century inn.
After a few years of ups and downs at the Queens, it eventually closed. However, new owners and a total – yet careful – refurbishment in 2012, has put that gloomy era behind them. The upshot – a refreshingly traditional and well-cared-for pub with 4 cosy rooms (including a large family room) for those not wanting to make the long trek home.
Michelle and Matthew Birtley and their 2 girls are hoping to carry on the Queens Arms tradition for many years to come, serving only home cooked & locally sourced ingredients.
All the staff are also local, including talented chef Matt. His outstanding home-cooked food offers all you could dream of on a pub menu, plus a little waft of the contemporary to keep things interesting.
Handmade Pies and Puddings, Fresh Haddock, Beef Dripping Chips and Sunday Roasts (with gravy made the traditional way) are proving extremely popular.
There is a microbrewery on site, where local brewer Thomas Crapper brews his very popular Littondale Pale Ale, Queens Best Bitter plus a Dark Brew.
We are also proud to serve Tetley’s cask.
Food is served in the bar area which you will share with the locals, farmers, their dogs and even possibly a visiting darts team. For larger party dining we have the cosy fire in the Littondale Bar to gather around, in here we can seat up to 28 comfortably.
The Queens Arms in Litton, Yorkshire Dales wins award in Alastair Sawday’s guide; Pubs & Inns of England & Wales 10th Edition
The Queens Arms in Litton has been honoured for its commitment to the local community with an Alastair Sawday’s pub award.
The latest edition of Sawday’s much loved Special Places Pubs and Inns of England & Wales comprises over 950 of Britain’s very best pubs with just twelve selected to receive an award in one of four categories; authenticity, commitment to the community, local, seasonal & organic produce or pubs with rooms.
David Hancock (no relation to owner Mark Hancock!), editor of Sawday’s Pubs & Inns of England & Wales said “With many rural pubs closing, The Queens Arms is a good news story in the remote Yorkshire Dales. It remains a local offering Yorkshire ales, proper country cooking, a warm welcome to walkers and six comfortable bedrooms. With over 950 pubs in the guide, winning is a terrific achievement for the hard-working landlord, chefs and staff!”
Mark Hancock, owner of The Queens Arms is thrilled with the recognition for his staff and the local community; “from the first day we re-opened the pub we have tried to keep everything as local as possible. We employ nearly 10% of the population of our Dale and are very lucky that they have pulled together so brilliantly to provide our customers with a great welcome, lovely food and such friendly service. The local support we have received has been overwhelming and we are delighted to win such a prestigious award.”
“Please join our 10th anniversary celebrations by raising a glass to the Queens Arms at Litton for this very real achievement. In this, our biggest ever edition, award-winning pubs have had to stand out more than ever before. So each has demonstrated remarkable creativity – plus excellence and willingness to evolve – in a changing and challenging industry” said Alastair Sawday founder of the Guides.
David Hancock of Sawdays presented Mark Hancock, Queens Arms Manager John Younger, Head Chef Ann Baker and the Queens Team with the award on Saturday 18th May.
“Under new management Matthew & Michelle 2019”