At The Blue Lion experience true Yorkshire hospitality, exceptional food and stylish rooms
The Blue Lion is a charming restaurant with rooms situated in the heart of North Yorkshire. Nestled in the picturesque village of East Witton, amongst the stunning backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales, The Blue Lion offers a place to relax and unwind in a beautiful countryside setting.
Experience true Yorkshire hospitality in our restaurant and real-ale bar, with its alluring charm, glowing candlelight, and roaring fires that create a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the year.
Our menus are led by the season and inspired by the incredible produce grown, reared, and crafted across Yorkshire. We work closely with local farmers and suppliers to ensure every dish reflects the quality and character of our region. Whether you join us for a leisurely lunch, an intimate dinner, or a celebratory gathering, you will enjoy honest food created with care and served with a genuine smile.
Our newly refurbished courtyard rooms offer the perfect getaway from it all, combining a luxurious look with thoughtful touches and all the modern comforts. Each room is designed to provide a peaceful retreat after a day spent exploring the Dales or simply relaxing in the village.
While our iconic inn has an illustrious past, it was founded as a hunting lodge and first opened its doors as a pub in 1840, taking its name from the emblem of the coat of arms of the Earls of Ailesbury. The Blue Lion has been lovingly restored in recent years, blending its rich heritage with contemporary comfort while maintaining the timeless character that makes it such a treasured part of the community.
As custodians of this historic coaching inn, we take pride in offering a warm welcome, exceptional food, and an experience that captures the very best of Yorkshire. Whether you are staying overnight, dining with us, or simply calling in for a drink by the fire, The Blue Lion is a place to feel at home.
“Here at The Blue Lion, our approach is simple: make people feel at home. Our team is dedicated to delivering warm, attentive service and a relaxed, country atmosphere where good food, great company, and genuine hospitality come naturally. Whether you’re joining us for a meal, a drink by the fire, or an overnight stay, we aim to give you an experience that reflects everything we love about North Yorkshire.”
The Blue Lion has a long and storied past that adds to the charm guests feel today. Originally built as a shooting lodge, it later became a coaching inn around 1840, serving travellers making their way through Wensleydale. From 1856 onwards, the inn was run by the same family across three generations, shaping much of the character that visitors still associate with The Blue Lion.
One of its most memorable custodians was Bessie Fletcher, the last of the family line and something of a local legend. She served beer straight from the barrel in a back room, but only on weekdays and only if she took a liking to you. Sundays were reserved for playing the organ at the parish church, and the inn remained firmly closed. This unusual tradition made The Blue Lion the last public house in England with a six-day licence.
The next significant chapter began with Paul and Helen Klein, who took over in 1990 and guided the inn through more than three decades of thoughtful evolution. While respecting its heritage, they modernised the space with sensitivity, including the installation of the inn’s first bar. Their stewardship ensured the preservation of the Grade II listed status, while the former stables that once housed travellers’ horses were transformed into the charming courtyard rooms that guests enjoy today. The original pub sign, inspired by the Earl of Ailesbury’s Bruce family coat of arms, was also lovingly retained.
Today, The Blue Lion remains a much-loved country inn where history, character, and Yorkshire hospitality come together. Every corner of the building carries a story, and every stay or visit continues a legacy that has been nurtured for more than 180 years.
