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Pub
4 star

The General Tarleton

Ferrensby, 3 miles from Knaresborough · Inn

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Photo: Angus Matheson

An 18th-century coaching inn near Ferrensby with eight luxury rooms and an award-winning restaurant under chef-owner Tommy Banks.

Photos

Photos via Google

About The General Tarleton

The General Tarleton occupies a restored 18th-century coaching inn in the village of Ferrensby, a few miles from Knaresborough on the road toward Boroughbridge. Run under Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks's Jeopardy Hospitality group, it has built a strong reputation for elevated, ingredient-led pub cooking rather than formal fine dining.

The eight bedrooms are finished to a high standard, with super-king beds, walk-in showers and thoughtful details throughout, giving the inn a boutique feel that sits comfortably alongside its working pub atmosphere. A beer garden regarded as one of the best in the area adds an outdoor option in warmer months.

Executive chef Aled Williams, formerly of Michelin-starred Northcote, leads a kitchen that has been praised by the Telegraph, the Times and the Yorkshire Post alike, making dinner as much a reason to book as the rooms themselves. It's a strong choice for visitors who want a quieter village base with genuinely good food on the doorstep, a short drive from Knaresborough's castle and riverside.

Reception hours

Monday
5:30 – 10:30 PM
Tuesday
5:30 – 10:30 PM
Wednesday
12:00 – 10:30 PM
Thursday
12:00 – 10:30 PM
Friday
12:00 – 11:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 – 7:30 PM

Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.

What guests say

Neale Harrison

We had a lovely meal when we visited earlier this week. We had booked for when they opened which gave us access to the 2 courses for £30 menu. The staff were very welcoming and knowledgeable about the food so that was great. We sat next to the window so had good view of the dining area and outside too. We thought the pub had a simple but elegant decor. The menu isn’t long and the options for the £30 deal are even shorter but we quickly decided on the smoked mackerel pate to start and the cheeseburger. The pate was really tasty and the toasted sourdough was fantastic. The cheeseburger was basic with just cheese and gherkins on top but you could tell the meat in the burger pate was good quality giving it a great taste. It’s a difficult one to rate - the place is lovely and the food great but I think it’s overpriced if you don’t get the special deal. I can’t ever remember paying over £20 for a burger and it’s £25 here. So we would come back as the food is so good but not as regularly as we would if it was a little cheaper.

a month ago · via Google

jacob woodrow

We visited The General Tarleton to celebrate our 4-year anniversary, and it exceeded all expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel special with a thoughtful anniversary card signed by the staff. The food was outstanding—easily some of the best Yorkshire has to offer—and the atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and full of charm. The combination of exceptional food, attentive and friendly staff, and the beautiful, quaint setting made for a truly memorable evening. A fantastic experience from start to finish. We couldn't have chosen a better place to celebrate. Highly recommended!

2 months ago · via Google

Hazel Butler

Very comfortable bed, great bathroom. Outlook not nice, garage and back yard. But....you cannot drink the water in the bedroom. Apparently it comes from a tank. Staff are proactive in providing jugs of fresh water, but inconvenient and worrying. It only takes a germ to enter your system whilst brushing your teeth. The room was very warm. Despite altering the temperature it did not cool down. We had to have a fan on all night, which was noisy and dried the air. I wondered whether the matress topper was making me too hot also. Breakfast needs an uplift. Poached eggs solid. Dining room staff flustered. Reception staff very pleasant but closed at 6.30 pm. We arrived on a Sunday, the restaurant was closed for evening meal and drinks not available.

2 weeks ago · via Google

Terry Cain

I frequently dine alone, which in some restaurants can feel a little conspicuous. Not here! The staff were brilliant, attentive yet not overbearing. Service excellent, plenty of time given to make choices, perfect explanation of dishes and drinks. The food (Sunday lunch) exceptional, one of the best I've had. Thanks to the whole team, I'll definitely return.

2 months ago · via Google

See all reviews on Google →

Diners like this pub's delicious and beautifully presented food, with many highlighting the exceptional Sunday lunch, scotch egg, and steak pie. They also mention the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable staff. Guests appreciate the comfortable rooms and the overall excellent service.

Summary via Google

At a glance

Address
Boroughbridge Road, Knaresborough, HG5 0PZ Get directions
Property type
Inn
Location
Ferrensby, 3 miles from Knaresborough
Star rating
4 star
Guest score
9.0 / 10 (620 reviews)
Prices from
£165 per night
Good for children
Yes
Good for groups
Yes
Booking required
Yes
Destination
Knaresborough