The Bingley Arms in Bardsey - Hearty Grub and Hooky History!

First a bit of history or myth busting about the pub and then a review of the food after a pleasant recent visit with friends…

The Bingley Arms in Bardsey claims to be the oldest surviving pub in England, on their website they state - “The Bingley Arms is no ordinary pub. It’s the original English pub – officially the oldest in Britain – dating back over 1000 years to a time when Vikings were conquering parts of the country and before England had its first King.” They also claim the pub was mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086.

There is nothing left of any original structure but it is believed there was a previous pub on this site before the present one. The current building only dates to the 1700’s, being named after Lord Bingley who took over ownership of the Inn at the time. Many other pubs in England also make the claim to be the oldest pub so how does The Bingley Arms claim stack up.

The Bingley Arms was originally known as The Priest’s Inn. The pub claims a history dating back to 953 AD. From 1000 AD they suggest the location also acted as a courthouse with offenders taken to The Pillory across the road – (think a sort of standing up version of the stocks).

The pub supposedly was also a place where travelling monks would stop for liquid refreshment on their travels between Kirkstall Abbey and St.Mary’s Abbey in York, picture Friar Tuck grabbing a quick flagon of foaming ale!

The pub is also believed to have been a safehouse for Catholic priests during the 1500’s and probably is where the Priest’s Inn name came from. The existing pub has a sign informing visitors that it contains two Priest Holes. These were important hiding places for Catholic priests who were persecuted under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. At the time, if they were caught taking Catholic mass they would be punished by being hung drawn and quartered – not a very nice ending!. The Priest holes served a purpose of being where priests might hide at times of danger during searches by protestant soldiers.

There is also claimed to have been a tunnel leading between the pub and the local church (which is well worth a visit too with its Norman arch).

But there are a number of doubters as to the age of the Bingley Arms with a plenty of articles having been published disputing many of the pubs claims. It appears there is very little historical evidence to back up these claims.

A few reasons why the claims are questioned include the fact that NO pubs are mentioned anywhere in the Doomsday Book. There is NO evidence of any structural integrity in the property of the earlier pub and finally, most Priest Holes were built in properties dating to the 1500’s and not in the newly built buildings of the 1700’s (there is a datestone on the pub dating the whole building to 1738).

There is a feeling amongst historians, that the story and claims of The Bingley Arm's heritage has been made so often by past owners of the pub, that it has become widely believed and often repeated. It is possible that at some point in the past that the age of the local All Hallows Church Tower may have been mixed up with the pubs age and origin.

Whilst I would love to write a blog all about the pubs amazing 1000 year history, there sadly is just no evidence to back up any of the claims. It is a homely, traditional, cosy, “olde” looking pub, but I sense the claims are more to benefit the pubs marketing than anything historically substantial!

But lets forget the historical debate and get onto the food. I met up with a few friends from my old rugby club and their wives for tea recently.

The Bingley Arms is located in the quiet, but beautiful village of Bardsey in North Leeds. We arrived at 7pm and headed inside into what was a friendly characterful old pub, with dark wood furniture, exposed beams and large fireplaces.

There was a good choice of wines including a popular Chardonnay which went down well with the wives and wasn’t too oaky. The beer choice was Timothy Taylors Landlord as well as a couple of Ossett Brewery beers - a Blonde and one called White Rat. A difficult choice, so over the course of the evening I had no option but to try one of each!

The interior decor of the pub was interesting and played on their heritage claims. Suits of armour in fireplaces and other period pieces giving the pub character, but obviously bought in to dress the pub.

The staff were great. Really helpful, friendly and nothing was too much trouble including adding two extra place settings for an extra couple.

I’d been wanting to eat at the pub for a long time after the pub won the Pub Restaurant of the Year award in the Yorkshire Post in 2022.

The menu was great -  although it did say 953 on the menu!). Proper pub grub, with a wide range of dishes – the choice was tough. There was a good grill section with steaks and burgers (and even some salad bowls!).

There was a varied list of starters.

I went for the Maple glazed ham hock. This was served with a potato cake, a bit of carrot crisp and a mustard dressing. Very tasty.

The Gambas pil pil went down well with those who chose that dish with large succulent prawns in garlic and chilli oil.

One of the party went for a Ham hock terrine from the specials which was huge and served with gerkins, salad and bread.

The mains choice was fairly simple – the pies came highly recommended and most people went for the Steak and ale option. Served with chips and vegetables. Large chunks of tender steak and extra gravy served in separate gravy boats.

I went for the Chicken and ham pie. The pie wasn’t served in a ramekin with a puff pastry top as you get in some pubs. It was proper short crust pastry with bottom and lid. This was a hearty plate of food, and as one of my friends commented "you get a right good square meal here".

One of the ladies went for the Sea Bass. She really enjoyed this and it was a very generous portion.

Whilst I didn’t need it, there was Apple crumble on the dessert menu and my greed took over. When I couldn’t decide between custard or ice cream my waitress very kindly said I could have both! Two other pals not wanting to miss out went for the same option.

The only other desert was taken by Big Mike who went for the cheesecake. A big thumbs up too.

In summary, whilst I have serious doubts about the pubs claims to be the oldest pub in England, I had a great night with good beers and hearty food. Service and value for money was great. And I have decided to forgive the hooky history after having such a magnificent crumble with both custard and ice cream!! The meal got a universal seal of approval from all my friends - we will be back.