Since I first saw that Grantley Hall was opening its own country pub in Ripon, North Yorkshire in early 2025 it was added to my list to try. I’d heard that Grantley Hall is fabulous, if a bit on the expensive side, so knew the food would be good. It took me until December 2025 to visit, but I did so one Sunday on my way to York. If you’re looking for a proper country pub Sunday lunch in North Yorkshire, the Grantley Arms needs to be firmly on your radar.

Sitting right in the village of Grantley, just down the lane from the five-star Grantley Hall, this is the more relaxed, cosy sibling to the grand estate hotel. A cosy looking stone cottage style building, with cute little windows, roaring fires, low beams, and a buzzing Sunday atmosphere that you could feel from the moment you got there.

I visited on a wintery Sunday without a booking which was risky, but I’d read that they do accept walk ins so I chanced it as there was just me and Arthur, and I was passing anyway. I came away thinking it might be one of the best Sunday lunches I’ve had in a long time – I almost said it was better than the Broad Chare, my favourite in Newcastle. Almost.

Walk-In At The Grantley Arms

We arrived knowing Sundays here are busy, and they really are. There is a small car park out the back which was full, but I got a street space just outside. The Grantley Arms isn’t huge, there’s a front bar area, and a small space towards the back, but that’s about it. There is outside space which will be gorgeous in summer, but mid December and everyone was cosied up inside.

On arriving at first I was told there were no walk-ins as they were fully booked. Basically they dont have tables in case of walk ins, if they’re booked up they’re booked up. With a constant flow of people through the door I didn’t think I’d get in, but the staff asked me to have a drink at the bar and they’d see what they could do. I hadn’t even ordered before they came back and offered me a table for an hour.

My response was if you can feed me a Sunday lunch in an hour, I can eat it. So we sat down on the cosy cottage window seat, candle flickering on the table, Arthur at my feet, feeling pretty smug.

The Grantley Arms Sunday Lunch: Genuinely Outstanding

The menu was lovely with a very tempting selection of starters including Smoked haddock and leek arancini, King prawn cocktail, Roast King scallops in white wine, and roast lamb ribs with mint cumichurri – to name a couple of mouthwatering options. I thought I better not risk the timings, and decided to skip a starter and just go for the main seen as they’d been good enough to squeeze me in.

The roast choices were Beef Ribeye, Pork loin with crackling and sage and onion stuffing, Roast chicken with stuffing, a nut roast – and due to the time of year the special was a turkey crown with all the trimmings. I went for my go to, the beef. All Sunday roasts are served with Yorkshire puddings, mash and seasonal veg.

If you don’t fancy a roast they did have a couple of other main options, including Yorkshire coast fish and chips, Halibut and crab, and Butternut squash risotto. I spotted the dripping cooked chips on a nearby table and they looked delicious.

I ordered the beef and a glass of red, both arrived quickly and it was delicious. I enjoyed every bite. It was one of those Sunday lunches where everything on the plate felt considered, generous, and cooked properly – rather than just piled on. Nothing wrong with that of course, but this was definitely a posh pub, restaurant level roast. It was rich without being heavy, indulgent without being fussy, and just an all round tasty dinner.

I don’t say it lightly, but it is on par with The Broad Chare (and anyone who knows me knows that’s a bold statement) and Middleton Lodge in Richmond – both of which are standout Sunday roasts for me.

The Country Pub Atmosphere

Inside, the Grantley Arms feels beautifully restored but not at all showy, it was so traditional. Original beams, crackling fires, cosy corners and those tiny windows. It’s warm, and at the time very festive, and exactly what you want from a North Yorkshire country pub. It did give me Downton vibes, especially with the staff in their livery style uniform.

At the table next to me, a couple had been driven down from Grantley Hall because of the rain. When they finished their lunch, the staff quietly arranged a driver to escort them back up the lane. That pretty much sums it up: relaxed luxury discreetly done.

If you’re staying at Grantley Hall, I’d definitely be booking this for the Sunday.

Specials, Seasonal Menus & Summer Plans

On the day I visited, the specials included a baked Camembert to share and a turkey crown from the festive menu, both very tempting. The menus change seasonally, and it’s clear a lot of care goes into keeping things local and well-sourced. I imagine the lamb in spring would be sensational.

I’d absolutely love to come back in summer. Sitting outside with a drink, countryside views, slow afternoons, it feels like one of those places that shines year-round regardless of the weather.

Dog-Friendly

Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the bar area at the Grantley Arms, and Arthur was made very welcome with treats from the off. That said, it is a cosy space, so I’d only recommend bringing your dog if you know they can settle quietly or it could get a bit uncomfortable. A couple of larger dogs came in while we were there and were impeccably behaved so it can be done.

If you’re looking for dog-friendly pubs near Ripon, this is a lovely option.

Staff & Service

The staff were genuinely lovely, friendly and chatty. Yorkshire hospitality really does shine through – but maybe I’m bias as I have family from there. One member of staff was chatting about studying in Newcastle, another making a fuss of Arthur.

Practical Information: What You Need to Know

The Grantley Arms is in Grantley village, North Yorkshire near Ripon, and was about an hour and a half drive from Newcastle. If you fancy a stay in Ripon I’d really recommend Kirkgate Cottage, right by the cathedral. It isn’t dog friendly though. Another alternative if you enjoy luxury glamping would be Yurtshire, and they do have dog friendly options.

Food Service at Grantley Hall is during the following times:

• Wednesday: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
• Thursday–Saturday: 12pm–2:30pm & 5:30pm–8:30pm
• Sunday: 12pm–6pm

Drinks: Served daily during opening hours (no booking needed for drinks)

Dogs: Welcome in the bar, terrace and garden (well-behaved dogs only)

Families: Family-friendly and relaxed

Booking: Walk-ins are welcome, but if you’re travelling I really wouldn’t risk it again and would book ahead especially for Sunday lunch.

View my Instagram reel of Grantley Arms here.

Final Thoughts on The Grantley Arms

One for your list – and pretty high up it too! The Grantley Arms delivers exactly what you want from a high-end country pub without tipping into anything too formal. The food is excellent, the atmosphere is cosy and welcoming, and the connection to Grantley Hall adds a certain level of service without overshadowing the pub’s character.

I’d happily make a day trip of it to go again and enjoy the towns nearby, call on the way elsewhere, or as part of a visit to the region. I’ll 100% be back, next time with more time to enjoy a starter and dessert too, and hopefully better weather.

See the full menu, info and bookings on the Grantley Arms website here.