The Malt Shovel, Brearton www.themaltshovelbrearton.co.uk

The Malt Shovel is in the tiny village of Brearton between Knaresborough and Ripon and what a little gem it is! This 16th century pub with log fires has been decorated to a beautiful cosy standard and as the owners are both operatic performers, is full of cultural interest and decor. Jurg the swiss-born owner and founder of Bleikers Smokehouse comes to chat with you after the meal and boy what a meal! A superb range of choice from fresh fish and seafood, to smoked in their own kiln specialities to locally reared organic offal and meats and the treacle tart was to die for. Great selection of wines and choice of seating from outside, conservatory to cosy corners - great for families and romantic couples alike