Holidaymakers may well head to the British countryside in search of local curiosities such as independent shops and village halls, but Birch Hall Inn surely takes the crown for the title of the most unique watering hole in the UK. This pretty whitewashed pub, actually two 19th-century cottages knocked together, is legendary both for its location and its minuscule proportions – two tiny bars separated by a traditional sweet shop in the middle (think lollipops and cans of fizzy drinks) .
The ‘little bar’, just 10ft square, manages three hand pumps – Black Sheep, their own Beckwatter and a guest ale. On sunnier days, everyone inevitably ends up setting up camp on the handful of benches outside, but that is no hardship when the pub sits in a leafy glade by a branch of the scenic river Esk. The adjoining ‘big bar’ is equally charming, with an open fire and furnishings from Beck Hole station’s old waiting room which have been given a new lease of life by the Birch Hall Inn’s owners.
If you have strong opinions about the rise of gastropubs in Britain, you will be glad to know that there aren’t any hand-dived scallops or red wine emulsions to be found on Birch Hall Inn’s short and sweet menu. Food at the pub is limited to the likes of pork pies and a Beck Hole butty – a bap filled with ham, cheese, corned beef or pâté. The kitchen is also known for its homemade scones and locally famous Guinness cake.
Children are welcome and will naturally gravitate to the sweet shop where they will discover retro delights such as sherbet fountains, flying saucers, humbugs and the like. Looking to make a weekend of it? Birch Hall Inn also boasts a charming self-catering cottage found right next door to the pub.