Room at the Inn for Pool-in- Wharfedale village pub

Wednesday, 10th April 2013

Local history has influenced the future of Pool-in-Wharfedale’s village pub, The Half Moon Inn, as it launches a bed and breakfast service following investment in a new kitchen and refurbishment of five bedrooms within the historical property located at the centre of the Domesday village. 

Affectionately known as the ‘Mini’ to locals, the inn has served its community and welcomed guests to the area for centuries with licensees having been traced back two hundred years. The building is marked on a map of 1756 and the fireplace has been dated at 1740. The Inn lies on a medieval route connecting Skipton with Tadcaster and has provided refreshment and a place to rest as a variety of establishments including a temperance hotel, a café and a public house. 

Landlord Fred Bell took charge of WharfeBank Brewery’s pub in October last year and was keen to take the inn back to its origins with the introduction of a locally sourced menu served daily at lunch and in the evening, plus opening the upstairs rooms as a bed and breakfast facility:-

“The Half Moon Inn has a fantastic inspirational history. The ‘Mini’ is like Dr Who’s Tardis, whilst it may look small from the outside, inside there is a lot on offer.

I knew instantly that I could build on the past if I reintroduced food and created a bed and breakfast service to rival the Temperance Hotel. These days we have the added advantage of holding an alcohol license and we provide WharfeBank Brewery’s award winning cask ales that are brewed in the village.

We also ensure that the ingredients for the menu are locally sourced to give our visitors a taste of the region they are in.  The guest rooms are the final push to bring back some of the traditions of an Inn for locals and those passing through looking for a place to stay.”

Like licensees before him Fred Bell has lots of ideas that he wishes to introduce in time, however, he states:

“I don’t think we will be welcoming back the local doctor’s surgery that was held in the hotel. Apparently the doctor’s waiting room was held under the stairs. 

Too many village pubs are closing each week, we hope our new venture at the Half Moon Inn can ensure its survival for another century or two. 

If you have any photographs or information relating to the history of the Half Moon Inn please do get in touch with Fred or a member of the team who would be delighted to hear from you. 

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