Pub of the Week: The Angel, Topcliffe

Pulling into the large car park, I saw it is also a hotel – there’s a function room but where’s the pub? Well, it was there but at the front of the building. Once inside, it does take on its own identity from the hotel with a heavily stocked bar, two sizeable sitting areas – not set for dinner as in the dining room – and a separate sports room.
Throughout, all is cosy, with comfy dark furniture and wood-panelled walls. The music is a little irritating but doesn’t seem to annoy the locals who are sitting around the bar nursing their pints and having a gold old chinwag.
The staff are young and friendly. When I enquire about the beers, one tells me: “We always have the Black Sheep Special and Theakston’s Best cos that’s what the locals like.” Excellent stuff – look after the locals for sure. There are two regular changing ales on the bar, and today it was Wensleydale Semer Water and Ilkley Brewery Blond. Wines by the glass are quite pedestrian, but there’s a better range by the bottle. Judging by the tome of a menu and busy dining room, food plays a big part here.
Though the Angel was not initially what I expected, it has all the attributes of a pub and a popular one indeed with both visitors and locals. So a pub it is.
The Angel at Topcliffe, Long Street, Topcliffe, YO7 3RW, tel: 01845 578000. Bar open: Monday to Thursday, noon – 11pm, Friday and Saturday, noon – midnight, Sunday, noon – 10.30pm. Food: Monday to Saturday, 8 – 10am, noon – 2.30pm, 5 – 9pm, Sunday, 8 – 10am, noon– 8pm.

About The Author

Elaine Lemm

Following a successful career as a chef and restaurateur, Yorkshire's Elaine Lemm is a highly respected food and drink writer and recently voted one of the top 50 in the UK. Elaine is a member of the Guild of Food Writers and author of three books,The Great Book of Yorkshire Pudding, The Great Book of Rhubarb and The Great Book of Tea.

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