The Stapylton Arms

Lunch Dining - My birthday lunch with friends. Having dined on many occasions at the Stapylton Arms which has always been excellent when previous owners had it. Now under new ownership. Menus on website still old menus, at reasonable prices. On arrival menus different and gone up in price. Sweet course disappointing cold and not as described.

Arrived at the hotel to quite a welcoming person on the desk who arranged a couple of drinks and a sandwich, all good so far. However having been shown our room which was I think squirrel room I found it rather tired & very cold. I walked down to reception to enquire about the heating and was told the boost had been put on so should be ok. It wasn’t still ice cold radiator so complained again, no response. As I was sick of going up & down stairs I rang the hotel from my room and eventually was brought a plug In electric oil heater. As it turned out ours wasn’t the only room to suffer this problem at least we had a blind at the window which another couple didn’t! The food in the restaurant wasn’t much better, an overpriced prawn cocktail & scampi ( signature dish! ) which was like eating cotton wool, terrible. Not an experience I will be repeating & the so called owners never made an appearance throughout the whole stay but left it with a poor manageress who was rushed off her feet. I understand it’s recently changed hands, well not for the better

How I wish we had known this pub has changed hands. We went today with friends as we have done in the past particularly for the Scampi that James Martin said a few years ago was the best. It was , but not now. Soggy batter small prawns nothing like the beautiful tempura batter of old so a great disappointment. Starters were good and staff very pleasant but if you are wise avoid the Scampi. Such a shame as it is a venue a good journey away for us but it is highly likely we will not be returning.

Stayed for 3 nights. Weather was wonderful, which I am sure added to the whole stay. The room (room 1, Badger) was compact yet comfortable. Well stocked with tea, coffee & water. Bathroom small but functional. This wasnt one of the refurbished rooms, so it was a little tired. Bed sloped up to feet due to floor. The room was directly above the bar, and the soundproofing was very poor ....however.. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The evening meals sublime. The breakfast were truly excellent. Both Breakfast and evening meals were VERY generous portions. No traffic noise. Short walk to Byland Abbey. Short drive to Helmsley

Found this little place after a recommendation from Chef James Martin! Really warm welcome. Rooms are immaculate and comfortable. However the food is just the best. Reasonably priced and with exceptional service from great staff. A lot of people come here just for the notorious scampi but we have been here several times now and have never been disappointed in any of our food choices and the freshly cooked breakfasts are just the best. We will definitely be back very soon.

The whole menu is delicious but the scampi is wonderful. The staff are cheery and polite and are definitely an asset to the hotel. We ate twice here, once at night and once at lunchtime before returning home. Both times were excellent. Highly recommend if you are in the area