The Lister Arms

Lovely hotel, really nice welcome. Was shocked to pay so much for a hot chocolate. But was well worth it. There was an open fire which was beautiful. Looked at the rooms. They look amazing. Malham head is just a short walk away. Spoke to a local. Who obviously sat outside the village hall to chat to visitors.

We returned to the Lister Arms to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary in August, having stayed at the pub for our seventh anniversary in 2021. It’s just everything a great pub should be. Lovely staff, cosy and clean accommodation, and a great selection of drinks and fantastic food. That’s not to mention the location, which is one of the most idyllic in the UK, let alone the Yorkshire Dales. We couldn’t fault anything during our stay.

We really enjoyed eating at the Lister Arms eight years ago and we were looking forward to visiting again. However, we were dissapointed firstly at the choice, quality and quantity of the food eg: a desertspoonful of mushy peas served with a pie!! Secondly, the service was almost non-existent as after the waitress presented us with our food, we had to get up and go in search of cutlery, napkins and salt and pepper which was in packets. By the time we returned to our table outside our food was nearly cold!! It must be very difficult for elderly people with poor mobility to do this. We don't expect things to remain the same over the years but in our opinion, standards have dropped considerably.

We didn’t stay at the hotel, but two friends and I ate here at lunch time today. Excellent food with an extensive range of menus and prices. The service was very good, and Jeanette in particular was friendly, informative and helpful in equal measure. She helped make this a very enjoyable visit. Graham.

Positives. Great central location for walks and exploring the area. The rooms are spacious, tastefully furnished and spotlessly clean. Hiccups with a few things on arrival (presented with a double when we requested twin bed ) no bath towels or coffee pods, however these were swifty rectified with apologies without question so no issue at all. Negatives Despite checking in on line at 12pm we were dismissively greeted when we first arrived (wet through) with our cases. We were advised that checking in on-line is "just to let us know you're here, not because your room is ready and wont be until 3pm." Very unhelpful and not an expected welcome... so we had little option other than to return to the car with our cases in the abysmal rain. Main issue was the food.. We had pre-booked a table in the restaurant ( both of us choosing roast beef Sunday lunch). The meat was remarkably poor (uncuttable, unchewable and inedible), bearing no resemblance to brisket whatsoever, as given on the menu. Feedback given, after which we ordered a cheeseboard to share which was equally poor and barely adequate for one never mind two! Such a shame, as this really brings down the calibre of an establishment who boast an award winning pub status. Overall though, a pleasant stay and location in a beautiful part of The Dales ... breakfast was much better the following morning however- with notably more friendly and attentive staff.

Big decline in quality of food since my last visits ( some time ago) cheap. It’s, poorly presented and tasteless- a disappointment. It was a Sunday at 4.30 though this would Ms change the poor Sunday roast. Place itself clean and dog friendly with nice fire.

Lovely old world pub. Great location. Food excellent. What a shame about the scruffy looking rude waiter. Going to the bar to order food I was greeted by an impatient nod of the head and a very unfriendly “yes” I took that for asking what we would like to order! Went to pay I had my change purse in hand to tip for the excellent food was again met with a very rude “yes” so no tip for you. Bun on his head looking very unkept not a look and not the attitude for us to return again.

The pub and accommodation is set at the heart of Malham village, perfect for exploring the Cove and Gordale Scar. I've been many times for drinks and food previously, this was the first time stopping over in their accommodation. It’s a typical country pub, open fires, quirky character and full of life. It has accommodation above and to the rear of the pub, and also a short distance away in the converted barn accommodation. We were quite disappointed by the room to the rear of the pub. It was located on the ground floor with the bedroom door directly off the beer garden (no lobby), the layout was cramped rather than ‘cosy’ with little to no natural daylight, a ‘view’ of about 2 metres on to a grey breeze block wall and a utility tank. The bathroom was not a size that it could only be used by one, with the wash hand basis literally behind the door. The accommodation was simply not up to standard for the price charged. We did raise this with the management who did eventually arrange a change of room having initially shown us a little 'attitude'. The range of bar food is drinks is good, if a little on the expensive side for what you get. Breakfasts were good although sausages could have done with a few more minutes and the filter coffee was extremely weak. A few little changes would make all the difference to the feel of the place: a large stack of children's high chairs at the side of the log burning stove in the bar, having to navigate Henry the Hoover in the main entrance to the accommodation etc. I stay in a lot of hotels and it’s things like this that stand out. Overall, the problem with the room took the edge off the visit for us. Would we stay again, not sure, the location is great, that’s what makes it popular. For the price charged there are lots of alternatives around. TRAVELLERS TIP - ROOM 10 IS TO BE AVOIDED (Cosy Room) - request another at the time of making your booking.

Absolutely wonderful place. Warm and friendly with welcoming, helpful and attentive staff. We stayed for one night and had dinner and breakfast and the food was amazing! The room was beautifully decorated and stylish and clean. Absolutely perfect. Can't recommend this place enough! Loved it! Thank you to all the staff.