The ancient pub has origins which date back to the 15th century and was almost certainly a drovers' inn. Most of the inn that we see today was added later in the early 18th century serving the farming communities around Hetton and Rylstone. Some local village residents can still remember when it was a traditional farmhouse pub in the 1950s.

In 1983 Denis and Juliet Watkins bought the then struggling Angel Inn, causing a cultural revolution in the Dales and helped change the face of pub food throughout Britain when, in 1985, they did away with chips and served mangetout and fresh new potatoes with every dish going out into the bar. This marked a pivotal turning point in which Denis would fulfil his dream of people being able to find 'good food and great value for money' and a move away from chicken in a basket, scampi and chips and other cooked from frozen wares.

In 1998 Denis was awarded a "Catey" award, the equivalent of an Oscar in the catering industry, for the best Pub Operator in the country. Sadly Denis died in July of 2004 - a great loss to the industry, customers, his staff and most of all his family.

Juliet continues to drive the Angel forward in the spirit of his legacy and their continued success is testimony to Denis' vision; to provide top quality local food at sensible prices, high quality wines at proportionally low prices, and 'Value added Service' at no extra cost to the customer!

Food:
Executive Chef Director, Bruce Elsworth and Head Chef, Mark Taft create tasty well presented food using the freshest and finest seasonal produce from around the region. Meat and game from the Yorkshire Dales and Lancashire, fresh fish from the East and West coasts, legumes and soft fruit from the local farms and everything baked, cooked and produced in our own kitchens to offer you an exciting choice of classical and contemporary dishes. Front of House Manager, Simon Farrimond can help you choose between the relaxed Bar Brasserie or slightly more formal Restaurant.

Rooms:
Opposite The Angel Inn is an exciting barn conversion with a choice of five unique bedrooms - 2 studio bedrooms and 3 suites, one of which is on two floors. The stylish designs have incorporated the charm and features of a Dales barn yet the comfort and facilities to match those of a luxury hotel.