At The Blue Lion, our seasonal menus use the very best Yorkshire produce. From lunch in our cosy bar to more formal dining in our main restaurant – with our a la carte menu – our chefs craft exceptional dishes. When it comes to Sunday lunch, we’re famed for serving up the finest roasts with all the trimmings.
Nestled in the small hamlet of East Witton, The Blue Lion offers a picture-postcard setting and is surrounded by the unspoilt beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. It is an escape unlike anywhere else. Take in the fresh Yorkshire air with walks around Wensleydale; discover ancient ruins and heritage sites – including the nearby Jervaulx Abbey and Bolton Castle; or explore the Dales limestone landscape at White Scar caves. From salmon fishing on The Blue Lion beat at the River Ure, to shooting at one of the nearby estates – or clay shooting at Agglethorpe – use our charming and historic inn as a base to explore the Yorkshire countryside or a place to just kick back, relax and indulge in excellent food and the very best Yorkshire hospitality.
Surrounded by the splendour of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and nestled in the heart of iconic Wensleydale, The Blue Lion encapsulates the finest elements of traditional rural England.
Originally built as a shooting lodge and evolved into a coaching inn around 1840, The Blue Lion is steeped in history. Visitors have included King Charles (when he was Prince), James Bond, Kate Winslet and many more famous faces – so you never know who you might bump into at the bar!
Melanie Jackson is now at the helm of The Blue Lion and took over as owner and General Manager in 2022. Melanie and the team have transformed The Blue Lion, refurbishing all of the courtyard bedrooms to offer the ultimate in luxury, as well as redecorating the main restaurant, breathing new life into the historic pub. Today, not only is The Blue Lion an iconic inn, it is a place where guests can unwind in peace and tranquillity; wine and dine with exceptional food and service and escape to the countryside for outdoor pursuits.
