Craven Heifer in Craven

Great place. Fantastic selection of beers and lovely food. They have excellent local knowledge and advised us to take a walk to the local creamery for a fantastic wine and cheese tasting. We will definitely be back.

Walked from Settle this afternoon along the river bank with our springer looking forward to some nice food after reading all the good reviews. Sign near pub stated food served all day and dogs welcome…oh no! shock and horror the pub was closed and not open until next day. Never mind there’s always that long walk back to Settle where at the fish and chip shops were open.

Really unexpected hidden gem. Was recommended this pub in a guide I follow online, but was not expecting such a tasteful modern refit inside! If this was my local I’d be ecstatic. Will definitely be back for food which looked lovely.

A really lovely pub with great food. The greyhound loved it.

Popped into this pub for a quick bite to eat before setting off on a walk to Feizor. None of us have ever had such delicious soup. We ordered two butternut squash soups to share between four of us (if we’d have realised how totally amazing it was going to be we’d have had one each!) and a cheeseboard to nibble. The cheeseboard was from the Courtyard Dairy - need I say more!

Amazingly friendly barman (manager?), great food out the kitchen (the portions weren't huge), decent curated music selection playing indoors, decent pints. Small/medium beer garden, has a stream that runs behind a waist high wall.

Had a lovely evening meal here 15th August. Very warm welcome and the Steak & Stilton Pie is delicious.

Had a lovely evening meal here 15th August. Very warm welcome and the Steak & Stilton Pie is delicious.

Lunch time. I asked for a menu and was told the only food available was on two small blackboards on the bar. A sign in the bar said 'hot bar snacks always available...freshly made in house'. At the point of ordering I was told they weren't available. Hmmm My Grandaughter ordered fish & chips (given the pub signs said traditional pub food) and when it arrived, it was a smoked mackerel fillet, chips and (over salted) pea puree. Hardly what I'd picture as traditional pub fish & chips, never mind the fact we couldn't eat the peas because of the salt. My wife and I ordered a cheeseboard and a charcuterie board to share. What came for £13 each was 9 thin slices of meat and 3 thin wedges of cheese, good but we had to go home for something to eat. Can't help thinking I've been fleeced.

Stayed opposite..lovely traditional pub x

Stayed opposite..lovely traditional pub x

My husband and I called at the Craven Heifer for a quick drink while walking between Horton in Ribblesdale and Settle. Finding the pub to be beautifully decorated and the staff welcoming, we decided to return for dinner and are glad we did. Although the pub was quiet, given that it was a Tuesday evening. The staff and locals we very welcoming. The decor is lovely and the space inviting. Plus there was a fantastic playlist on in the background. When ordering food, the new landlord told us that the kitchen was closed, but that he could offer us a cheeseboard, some chips and pulled pork sandwiches. The pulled pork sandwich was absolutely delicious, as was the accompanying homemade coleslaw and chips. The cheeseboard was tasty, but at £13 we felt that it needed a bit more to it; perhaps some slices of apple/pear or some frozen grapes would have bulked it out a bit. That said, collectively, we left satisfied and the overall value of the meal as a whole was very good as the sandwich and chips was very reasonably priced. We also very much enjoyed the Paradise pale ale. If we are ever in the area again, we will certainly return and will recommend the place to any friends and family visiting the Yorkshire Dales.

Booked for dinner after hearing premises had new menu and management and wasn't disappointed. Ryan the amicable manager introduced himself, gave us an option of tables and took the trouble to find out what attracted us and what our honest feedback was at end of night. The decor and menus are work in progress but the currently small menu was fine and although we had four different starters and mains this was all delivered without issue. We all enjoyed our meals and I would recommend mine of pea soup with garlic butter and bread roll followed by a very succulent and tasty steak, ale and stilton pie. All served with a smile and warm conversations. If you are looking for a traditional rural pub and food with a decent selection of beers and wine I would recommend it. Judging by our experience they are striving to make it work and will do so. We will return !

Went for a drink after a walk to nearby waterfalls. We decided to return later as the menu looked good. We were not disappointed the food was lovely, freshly prepared. Staff were friendly. We manged to get a nice table by the river which was nice. Would visit again if in the area.

The new landlord has transformed the pub.The food & atmosphere has been transformed.We had a fantastic meal,the food reflecting good local produce.The bar area is welcoming & was busy.We were glad we had booked as the place was full

Lovely old place. Staff friendly. Only had a quick drink. Hope to visit again

I stayed for one night when doing the Yorkshire 3 peaks due to the close location to Horton in Ribblesdale (5 min drive). On arrival about 6pm I found a space in the customer car park opposite the pub, it is only small (to be expected for a local village pub), but there was also other parking available outside the pub and on nearby streets. The landlord welcomed me and was very friendly and helpful explaining everything. I went up to the room, which was exactly what I needed, comfortable and clean, with a good shower, tea coffee etc and plenty of space for everything. I ate in the dining room (you should book as it was busy) and had an amazing pizza and chips. The Guinness was up there with the best I’ve had (I had 4 to make sure!). The bar staff and waiting staff were all really friendly and welcoming too, even inviting me for a game of dominoes! All in all, a great stay and I would definitely return.

Great pub, good food and beer, friendly owner and staff, definitely be going back here

What can we say about Mark!! Great landlord who made us Hull folk feel welcome.. the Baileys with whiskey was a winner too.. We had take away pizzas, which were banging! Please visit this great pub with great food!

Nice pub with good food that is reasonably priced. I had fish and chips, which was very tasty but could have been just a little larger. The staff are friendly and the outdoor area to the rear has the river running right next to it.

Gorgeous right by the river, great beer lovely in the garden

Amazing pub in fact the best I’ve been to in a long while. Beautiful location and equally as beautiful inside. Lovely beer garden overlooking Stainforth Beck. The sound of the fast running water is amazing. Great selection of quality ale, the decor as full of character and charm and the landlord is very pleasant and friendly. I will be returning to try the food. Beef dripping fish and chips served here and it sound delicious. Very much looking forward to going back to try it. All in all it’s a brilliant pub.

Fine lunch and very friendly service.

YOU CANT PARK HERE! Parked in the car park whilst unloading for a local Airbnb. Whilst waiting for others in our party to arrive went to the Craven Heifer to have a drink. Upon arrival at the bar the publican hit us up about our cars. Apparently you can only park in his car park if you are a guest of the pub. Admittedly we weren’t staying in one of his ensuite rooms but we were paying customers having a drink. The publican made it very clear that the cars couldn’t remain where they were. We assured him we were moving them when the others arrived. If you want to run a successful business you need to be kind and polite to paying customers at your bar. Needless to say we moved the cars quickly but it left a sour taste

Parked in the car park whilst unloading for a local Airbnb. Whilst waiting for others in our party to arrive went to the Craven Heifer to have a drink. Upon arrival at the bar the publican hit us up about our cars. Apparently you can only park in his car park if you are a guest of the pub. Admittedly we weren’t staying in one of his ensuite rooms but we were paying customers having a drink. The publican made it very clear that the cars couldn’t remain where they were. We assured him we were moving them when the others arrived. If you want to run a successful business you need to be kind and polite to paying customers at your bar. Needless to say we moved the cars quickly but it left a sour taste

We booked to eat here after arriving in the village for a week long holiday and I can say we were not disappointed by this pub! First, the food, it was absolutely beautiful all freshly cooked so does take time but with the atmosphere and welcome you don't even realise the wait. Everything is beautiful and couldn't recommend one thing in particular and nothing is to much trouble for them. Also the breakfasts are just gorgeous and highly recommended to fill you up ready for the day. The maker's of this pub though are the staff, it is refreshing to meet staff that will stand up for their business meaning they make fast friends with anyone and can easily feel part of the village in minutes they also remember your face and take time to learn you name and more about you. This is a massive shout out to Mark, Lindsey and James you really made a impression that will stay with us forever. My partner doesn't drink therefore doesn't particularly enjoy visiting the pub, however I have a feeling I will be driven two hours just to say hello and maybe have some of their ice cream! We can not wait to come back and see you guys in the not so distant future.

What a great little pub. Over visiting family during the Easter break. Came here for drinks most days - service is excellent, very welcoming staff and great prices. Great selection of beers, spirits and wines. Lovely little beer garden overlooking the river - would be excellent in summer with warmer weather! New donuts and ice cream for sale - donuts were to die for. Food was excellent - everything cooked fresh and tasted that way to! Lots to choose from the menu including homemade pie! Lindsey puts great care into the food which you notice when you try it! 10/10. If you are passing whilst out for a walk, or in the area, 100% call in for a drink/food and you will not be dissapointed. We will be back in the summer when hopefully the weather is a bit better!

Mark and the staff Couldn’t do enough. Three starters and three mains. Scampi. Burger. 10oz Sirloin. £75 total.

I rarely write reviews unless somewhere really stands out (good or bad). This little pub is just exceptional! We'd rented out a small cottage in Stainforth and popped in to this pub on the first evening for a quick drink with our two small boys (4 and 8). By the time I'd ordered a second drink for my wife and I we'd had already had several laughs, the landlord (Mark) had shook my hand and we were on first name terms. I don't think we've ever felt so welcomed in such a short amount of time, anywhere, ever. That night they had a local celebrity performing a tribute act and Mark informed us that it would be a ticket only event after 7pm as the place gets packed. That's fair enough, it is a tiny pub and locals come first. Plus we had two small boys so shouldn't really have been staying late anyway. Shortly after Mark had slipped us a couple of free tickets so we didn't have to leave. When we eventually left at just after 8pm to get the boys to bed, Mark seemed genuinely upset we had to go. It just got better from that point on. When my mum came to join us we popped back in on a Tuesday night. The locals were really friendly as before, Mark jokingly offered my 4 year old a job behind the bar, and the next thing we knew Mark had pulled out a bag of old balloons and proceeded to start making balloon animals for the boys. They were absolutely delighted, and found it hilarious watching daddy trying to do it as well with balloons popping everywhere. We ate twice during our stay, the staff were brilliant and accommodating, the food was fantastic (if you have time to wait 40 mins for them to make the home made steak and ale pie you honestly don't want to miss it!). I wish I knew how they cooked their chips! By the end end of our little holiday, on the last night when it was time to leave my wife was giving the landlord a hug to say goodbye and the boys were really sad to have to go. Honestly a truly exceptional little pub, incredibly friendly and well managed and we will definitely be going back one day! One thing to note for walkers. The pub is small internally so no dogs are allowed inside. There's a great little beer garden overlooking a stream so it would be fantastic in summer.

Lovely little pub with stunning views and fab for those who like to walk/ramble. Delicious home cooked food and my partner really enjoyed the Guinness, was the perfect pint he said! All 10 of them! Lol Really enjoyed the music quiz too, it was good fun. Would definitely come again but stay for a full weekend next time.

Today Sunday 4th December we had lunch at the Craven Heifer in a Stainforth! And OMG the food is so good firstly Lindsay the chef pub landlady is the best cook ever with the help of Steve her assistant cook they just the make the most tasty food. I had a salmon seafood medley In champagne sauce and my husband had the lamb shank with the most yummy creamy mashed potatoes! And they do the most amazing homemade pies! If you are visiting the Yorkshire Dales you must go and check out the Craven Heifer in Stainforth village, Mark & Lindsay (pub landlords) are such lovely down to earth people who will make you very welcome!

Staff where very unwelcoming when we tried to enter the pub.. Clearly a private party for locals. Tourists not welcome at all. Looked a nice pub but don’t want your business. Locals only

We stayed in Stainforth for a week over New Year and would have liked to visit the Craven Heifer more than we did but too cold to sit outside as we had our dog with us. Very surprised that an Inn in this part of the world is not dog friendly as they must lose out on custom.

As soon as you walk in you are made to feel very welcome. The Landlord is very friendly and chatty. The pub itself is very cosy and I recommend their restaurant, they serve delicious homemade food. The bedrooms are very clean and comfortable, as well as tea/coffee making facilities they also provide a ‘breakfast’ box which was a nice surprise. Overall I would definitely stay here again.

Myself and friends stayed here Friday night in readiness for doing the 3 Peaks the next day. Throughout our stay the staff and all in the bar were very welcoming, we had a little walk around the beautiful area and across the stepping stones. We ate in the pub and as we had read prior to our stay the food was delicious and filling. We had a good nights sleep and the rooms were clean. I liked the little fridge provided that had fresh milk in instead of cheap cartons and decent sized cups to have a hot drink in. We didn’t get to say goodbye to the owners as we was away at 6am for our long day ahead. Would definitely recommend this place to others.

Stayed here for 2 nights. Was welcomed by a super friendly landlord couple who I immediately found upbeat, friendly and chatty and we immediately got along. They were kind enough to set up a tab for me to settle later in the night and I also ordered food where I was directed to the dining area. I ordered Scampi and it was incredible. The young waitress (I believe it was Ell or Ellie) was fantastic and very tentative to my needs. She is definitely a credit to the pub. I ended up getting on with the locals who were all very friendly but overall I would give 10 stars if I could. Mark & Lindsey are doing an incredible job and are a 'real Yorkshire' couple who tend to your every needs. Will definitely be returning sometime soon!

I thought at first this was a nice no nonsense place. I had booked in for the night and ordered a pizza. Half way through eating it I went through to the bar as I had WiFi issues. When I returned my pizza had been...

Very welcoming and friendly pub. The new owners are doing a great job. We stayed one night. Our room was bright, well decorated and very clean. They dont do breakfast which is made clear on booking. It was a lovely touch that we had a...

Average quality from the frozen meal, little favour and packet salad with the finishing touch the anemic garlic bread . In a pub with little atmosphere you have to really up your game in the food dept.

Perhaps we were unlucky, but the kitchen was in chaos. Most dishes were unavailable. The food we did get was fine and home made. The young staff did their best to placate other diners who had to wait a long time for their food. The...

We have stayed in Stainforth for a week and been in the pub for after walkies drink each evening and tonight we had a meal. We both had lamb shank and jam roly poly and have to say it was one of the best lamb...

Wouldn't recommend, not dog friendly inside, only in the small garden, closed Monday nights, didn't eat here so cannot comment on the food, but all in all not very welcoming.

On holiday in the area, we returned as we liked the welcome received on the previous week's visit (ate burger and chips on that occasion) , and it feels like a proper pub in a lovely village location - with accommodation and food.. We read...

We stumbled across the craven heifer on a walk in the dales a couple of weeks ago. On arrival we were greeted by the most welcoming staff and hosts and felt at home right away. We had some drinks in the beautiful garden overlooking the...

Stopped for a drink after an afternoon walking the local Fells. It was quiet and friendly during my visit. Sat in the beer garden with the drink and a book, enjoying the beck flowing by.

Fantastic Pub in beautiful surroundings. Grabbed a quick, lunch time, meal after a walk to the local waterfall. Landlord really knows his trade and has created a traditional pub with bells on! Quick service and quality food at a keen price sealed the deal. The restaurant is separated from the bar which benefits both diners and drinkers.

We were out for a drive today and were in need of somewhere to ear and after googling, we found this pub just off the track we were on. I must say we are really we did as the food and service was lovely! As...

What a lovely , friendly pub. The hosts are great, rooms brilliant. Will definitely return. The locals make you feel that you are part of their community. Love ❤ it.

Really good atmosphere, very welcoming.

Friendly village pub with good selection of beers. Beer garden by the river

Went here with three friends to do pen-y-Ghent on the weekend, was an beautiful hotel with a pub and friendly staff, they left a note at a door with a crate of food for us for breakfast which was a lovely surprise, I’ll definitely be going back next time we do one of the peaks!

Decent pint in a One Pub village.

Popped in for a quick pint on 2 occasions over the New Year and ended up staying for several more drinks and a bite to eat. Great selection of beers and Gins Really friendly and professional staff, made to feel really welcome. The landlord even...

Lovely drink here on Christmas day everyone was very friendly

Went for the 80s night brilliant night landlord great entertainer will be back soon great pub good beer and food

Apparently the customer is not always right. Visited as 2 families for a festive drink together. 2 pints of Thwaites gold were ordered of which I've had tasted many times before in the Settle pubs over the years. Both myself and my friend tasted the...

We visited the pub on Sat the 27th of November 2021 we had a brilliant time the staff were very friendly and welcoming the food was excellent will definately be visiting again

A group of 8 dined at the Craven Heifer this weekend and we could not fault the staff, food and value for money. The staff could not have been more helpful, even offering to help dry our rain soaked clothes after a morning walk. The...

Have been a few times before a lovely country pub,but it seems to have new owners and it's a shame went on a Sunday lunch time when I thought it would be busy but empty apart from a couple of walkers and no atmosphere.Sunday roasts but no vegatarian options such a shame.

Lovely food and beer and great friendly people

50 min wait, not busy, food was awful, stewed Sunday lunch, had what was edible mash and Yorkshire puds, no service to ask us. Won’t be returning.

Very Pretty Pub in a Very Pretty Village. Called in with the family for Sunday lunch after a long walk. All made to feel very welcome. Food was excellent and staff were lovely. Thanks for a lovely afternoon. We will be back to try the...

50 min wait, not very busy, dreadful food, no service to ask us. Left after eating what was edible, mash and Yorkshire pudding. We’ll not be returning

A great pub to wind down in after a long walk. Mark the landlord was very accommodating as we arrived just as the kitchen was closing. Made us feel very welcome. A good selection of Ales on offer, the staff were very friendly & helpful...

Great place , amazing food and great banter with Mark the landlord. Bar staff so friendly and helpful with local knowledge. Oh and Mark wasn't too bad.

Friendly staff, great selection of drinks, fantastic atmosphere and good food - even offer gluten free options. Definitely recommend stopping off here if you're passing! Photo of our takeaway fish & chips attached!

We had a family (2 adults, 2 teenagers) meal here whilst on hols and a fine experience it was too. Starting with the important things, the bar offered a fine range of drinks, with friendly service. Both the IPA and the Wainwright slipped down very...

Amazing staff welcomed us in with a friendly vibe so we got drink and then proceeded to tell them we were lost and perhaps needed a taxi the owners son ended up giving us a lift back to our van. Food and drink very good...

Very friendly watering hole. Also serves beer.

Ate here one weekend in August 2021 while staying at the campsite nearby. Fun, very cosy, relaxed, local feel inside; regulars friendly and good fun. Food was well cooked and very generous portions although a bit slow. Beer excellent and wine list varied and good...

We went for tea while camping nearby and couldn't believe our luck. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming and the food was amazing. Would highly recommend, and we'll be back.

Excellent food, good selection of beers

Excellent original "Local" friendly Landlord :)

Stopped during a VERY Wet walk. The staff made us a hot meal even though they weren't serving at that time. It was delicious and a godsend! Thank you. We will be back.

This for me, is absolutely why pubs like this closing daily is nothing short of national scandal. Proper landlord behind the bar, very friendly. His wife cooking simple pub food. Not trying to be anything else than what it is. If Americans are reading this,...

Bad misunderstanding about due to lack of info on web site due to be updated.very quick to rectify mix up please ring before booking lovely pub mark happy to accommodate I'm sure he will

This very morn I alighted from my hansom cab, a weary traveller requiring but a little sustenance and good cheer. However, I found both lacking at the Craven Heifer. I was served a beef puck so unremittingly grey it seemed to be suffering from a cravenness befitting the establishment’s name, as if the very colour had fled in terror. Soon, my delicate ears were assailed by an infernal clamour from the sound-speakers mounted overhead, the sound obliterating the bucolic babble of the nearby brook. In my troubled state I stumbled to the bar, only to overhear members of the local yeomanry scoffing at precautions against the dreadful Pox that presently afflicts our globe. Weeping, I returned quickly to the road, vowing to never again return to such a benighted establishment.

Just had the beef and onion sandwich with chips really good staff and landlord first class staying at Langcliffe Park would definitely have a walk this way again love the pub with the river running beside the beer garden 5star

Lovely little beer garden and dog friendly too!

Could not fault this pub, the food and service was a 10/10. Will definitely be returning

Arrived to eat. The pub was completely empty. Had two dogs with us and were told we could only eat outside which we were not expecting as we understood the pub was dog friendly. It was a cold damp day so we did not stay....

Lovely place food excellent everybody friendly

Fun friendly atmosphere, locals make tourists feel very welcome. Great selection of quality food and drink at reasonable prices

We visited this pub as we were staying at the Knights Stainforth campsite... it’s less than a ten minute walk away and so glad we booked! After our 12 mile walk the beers on the terrace in the sunshine were perfect... we ate in the bar area, good choice of food and drinks... really friendly staff and a hearty meal enjoyed by all. Would certainly recommend!!

Nice location and most the staff were really friendly... Ordered a pimms but it seemed to be mostly lemonade which wasn't too bad on a hot day but not to everyone's taste. I put my mask on to go and pay inside but one of the male staff seemed to get quite irate that I had a mask on as he couldn't hear what I initially asked when I was on my way in and questioned why I was wearing one. I understand that the masks can make it more difficult, particularly for those who are hard of hearing, but he seemed quite rude and annoyed which seemed unnecessary as he heard the second time.

Lunches served til 4pm. Steak pie to die for. We had mis-understood & ordered from the dinner menu, not the lunch menu. But it didn'tnt matter, nothing seemed to be too much trouble. The pie had just been cooked & was straight out of the oven! Big chunks of tender steak, separate jug of gravey. Mmmmm Lovely! Parking outside, cask ales, warm welcome from the hosts.

Updated my review in May 2021 as it has changed hands since I left the last one. Under new management I feel it's a better place. We only sat outside due to restrictions but staff were friendly and the ale well kept. Haven't eaten or anything so can't comment.

A beautiful country pub. Made us feel really welcome. new Fantastic grill house menu the food was beautiful. We would highly recommend this pub we will definitely be back again very soon. Xxx Georgia&lee

My friends and I went to for a drink in our last holiday evening and we had such a great time! The landlord and landlady were incredibly friendly and we felt very welcomed and looked after! Due to Covid we had sit outside, but there...

We visited this lovely village pub on our last night of the holiday and was greeted by a very friendly barman. The barman and his wife made us feel very welcome and comfortable outside and had a good choice of alcohol to choose from. We...

Fantastic pub, great beer, great atmosphere, great staff, great food

Please note that the land lord does a great job of looking after his ale. Would highly recommend the best bitter ... what a treat

Welcoming, warm and great ale 😊

A great pub - excellent Sunday lunch, well kept Thwaites beers, friendly staff and very welcoming landlord and landlady. Hope to be back next time when in the Dales. Cheers

Called in for a well earned drink on a soggy day after a long walk celebrating my birthday. Mark the new landlord couldn’t have been more welcoming, what a gem hidden in the beautiful countryside.Will be back.

We discovered this great pub whilst out walking and received such a warm welcome from Mark. The weather was quite miserable so we ended up spending all afternoon sampling 3 different Thwaites beers - the IPA, Original and Gold which were all excellent. We would...

Excellent service. We visited 28th Sept around 2pm. We had the pleasure to speak to the bartender and she was very friendly and helpful with you hiking routes and provided us with a great scenic alternative to our orginal planned stops after the Stainforth Foss.

There are a number of tables outside to the rear and side of the Craven Heifer near the beck . Under the present circumstances we chose to sit at one of these tables , pleasant place . We both ordered the roast beef which came...

We called in looking just for a coffee and cake. The lady behind the bar and the lady who went into the kitchen were so friendly and welcoming. The pub was spotless but as it was a nice day we sat out on a lovely...

after a long arduous walk over the fells we found the perfect finish in the The Craven Heiffer. Mark welcomed us muddy boots and all and his Thwaites Original was right on point. A warm and friendly atmosphere and a garden right on the river Ribble where salmon and sea trout can been watched in their long upstream journey. Can't wait to return to the area to revisit.