Golden Lion in Settle: Delicious food and an Alpine village

Originally a 17th-century coaching inn, it is ideally located for a weekend getaway, especially for those who love a wholesome walking trip or exploring charming stone-built villages.

A stay in Settle, which boasts local artisan shops to several delightful pubs and cafés, gives you access to the Yorkshire Dales, the Forest of Bowland and the southern Lakes.

Settle is less than an hour away from Blackburn, 35 minutes away from Clitheroe and 40 minutes away from Colne.

Here's what we thought of our overnight stay during the festive period.

After a very miserable and wet journey up from Manchester, I pulled into the car park of the Settle Con Club not long after 7pm.

The Golden Lion doesn't have its own car park, which is a little inconvenient when the weather is grim, but there are plenty of options to choose from nearby.

After a very short walk I spotted the pub's stone exterior and made a beeline for the front door - when I walked in I was greeted by a roaring fire and a giant Christmas tree inside a traditional-looking country pub.

I headed up to the bar and was immediately served and my check-in sorted, with the manager personally taking me upstairs to room six, one of the "Character" bedrooms.

Interior of room six at The Golden Lion in Settle (Image: Supplied)I was pleasantly surprised by how spacious it was; it was beautifully decorated and came with the usual trappings of a Daniel Thwaites hotel room - fluffy white robes and towels, a selection of snacks, complimentary hot drinks and, of course, a huge, very comfortable bed.

As I'd arrived late due to the bad traffic I quickly unpacked and headed downstairs so I could sample the culinary delights on offer.

I was greeted by a very friendly waitress who showed me to my corner table. I opted for the "festive" menu ('tis the season after all), choosing smoked salmon and horseradish roulade to start and pulled beef wellington for the main course.

The starter and the main course (Image: Newsquest)

The starter was served promptly and chilled - it was incredibly sumptuous and very rich, so a perfect Christmas starter.

Then came the main; the pastry on the pulled beef Wellington was very buttery and the meat was tender and piping hot. But the real showstopper? The dauphinoise potatoes were divine.

The only negative of the meal was they served the last cheese board to another guest just before I sat down, so I opted for sticky toffee pudding (a real hardship).

The pudding was so tasty I was halfway through before realising I'd forgotten to take a picture - so make of that what you will.

Sticky toffee pudding and vanilla ice cream (Image: Newsquest)With the weather outside being frightful, I decided to head back to my room and climb into the giant bed and watch TV before calling it a night.

I woke up the next day feeling very rested - I didn't hear a peep from inside the hotel or outside all night. Also, given how Baltic it's been recently, I cannot fault how toasty the room was.

Before heading for breakfast I decided to grab a shower. The only downside of the room is that the bathroom could maybe have benefited from a little TLC, as it wasn't in as immaculate condition as the bedroom.

But the most important thing was, the water was hot, the pressure strong and there were complimentary White Company products to use.

Breakfast of champions (Image: Newsquest)

When I arrived downstairs I was greeted by another friendly waitress who showed me to my seat and invited me to help myself to the continental breakfast before ordering a hot one - of course, I went for my favourite eggs Benedict and a pot of tea.

It was served quickly and was delicious, with the only criticism I can make being I prefer my muffins slightly more toasted.

After that, I headed back upstairs to crack on with some work before my pre-arranged late checkout. But rather than heading straight back home, I decided to treat myself to afternoon tea in The Golden Lion's very own "Alpine" village at the exterior.

The pub has an outdoor area where you can wrap yourself up in faux fur throws, surrounded by Christmas décor and enjoy food and drink - which is exactly what I did.

One of the outdoor cabins (Image: Newsquest)Sat in a little chalet with my laptop to one side and my lap covered in a rug, I enjoyed a decadent festive afternoon tea, which featured a pork pie, Christmas sandwich, mini fish and chips, a bowl of soup, a selection of cakes, and, of course, a scone with jam and clotted cream.

There was so much food to be had that I had to accept defeat that I couldn't get through it all, but the waitress very kindly prepared a doggy bag for me to take home. Then it really was sadly time to go home.

I would highly recommend The Golden Lion; decadent food, comfy rooms and lovely staff - what's not to like? 

How to contact The Golden Lion and information for guests

Address: Duke Street, Settle, BD24 9DU

Phone: 01729 822203

Email: relax@goldenlionsettle.co.uk

Check-in: 3pm

Check-out: 10.30am (late check-out available until 2pm)

The Golden Lion doesn't have a car park but there are three pay and display car parks close by, the nearest being Ashfields car park. Guests can pull into the gated area to unload their belongings.

Four-legged friends are also welcome in the bar area and are welcome to stay for an additional £15 per night.