The General Tarleton is a 250 year old coaching inn with fourteen bedrooms, owned and run by John and Claire Topham. For some eighteen years John was head chef at The Angel Inn at Hetton near Skipton, where he played a major part in winning its national fame and many awards. Now he and Claire have brought their expertise and experience to bear on the General Tarleton, applying the same high standards there and achieving considerable recognition, especially from the major food guides.

The kitchen team led by John offer food that wherever possible has been sourced locally, and is in tune with the seasons. The menu has plenty of charm and variety on the grand scale, the sort of menu you look at and wonder if you dare order a bit of everything. Start with the homemade soup of the day or little moneybags, a treasure of seafood in a crispy pastry bag with lobster sauce. Whitby is not far away so some pretty fine seafood finds its way to headquarters, including prawns and scallops. There is also a roast sirloin of Angus beef, and slowly braised shoulder of Yorkshire Dales lamb.

History does not record the General's attitude to wine - presumably as long as it was red it was okay - but there is no doubting John Topham's affinity to the subject. Using careful buying and a modest mark-up they are able to offer striking bargains on a list that has character and breadth.