The Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge

I would only describe this place as perfect. I wasn’t expecting it to be so lovely. It’s managed to strike the overbalance between being cosy, traditional and feeling like you’ve stepped back in time but with all the benefits on modern life. The service is amazing and I love the fact you have to phone to book… please never change that. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. The room was beautiful 😍 I was blown away! The pub itself is just perfect.. there’s no other why to describe it. Three roaring fires .. super cosy and amazing after a good stomp on the moors. The food is delicious and they are so helpful. We turned up 8.45 on a Sunday and they still put together a roast out of what was left and it was delicious.. huge as well! Loads of veggies. The soup was lovely and a perfect lunch by the fire. The breakfast was delicious and again served in a warm room with a roaring fires. I can’t recommend this place enough perched on top the moor you just walk out the door and you have the most breathtaking walks across the moors.

Drove out for lunch and was very disappointed! We've eaten here before (some months ago) but today's meal was mediocre (at best). We both had fish and chips .... a LOT of very hard batter (more than the fish needed) and the chips looked as if they had been cooked twice ... dark colour, lots of 'crispy' bits and not appetising to look at (didn't taste too good either). Overall a rather greasy meal. Mushy peas were good though. Won't be choosing the Lion again for a while - and probably won't have fish & chips there again, ever.

Spent years hearing good things about this place from family and friends but had never visited. Decided to make a visit when I had family visiting from down south who had been in the past. According to them, it hasn't changed at all which is great. The bar area is cosy and dog friendly, with real fireplaces and lots of traditional decor. It's a bit of a trek from Stockton on Tees but well worth a visit. We ordered a steak and ale pie, bbq and bacon Parmo and a portion of scampi and chips. The food was all fantastic, hot and fresh. We all said we'd have to come back to try each other's orders so I'm sure we'll be back at some point. We meant to take a picture of the steak pie but it was the last plate to arrive and we got too excited to start eating 😂 We didn't use the rooms so I can't give an accurate rating. If they're anything like the restaurant, they'll be great so I've given them 5 stars as I can't mark them down.