The Bay Horse Kirk Deighton: I tried the pub in a picturesque village near Leeds that's known for its quiz

Just across the border into North Yorkshire, but near enough to Wetherby enough to have an LS postcode, is the Bay Horse, a modern village pub for those who enjoy a slower pace away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Located on the main street running from Wetherby and through the town, it very much marks the centre of Kirk Deighton, and seems to me to be the place where most of the village ends up meeting - whether it’s for a coffee or for the quiz nights, which the pub prides itself on still having on paper.

Approaching the Bay Horse, there are a number of benches scattered between the road and the building - not quite a beer garden but still a nice enough place for enjoying a pint in the sun.

Here is also a red telephone box that the local council has proudly campaigned to have turned into a library, as evident by a number of flyers on the pub door.

Inside, the classic pub remains clutter-free as it keeps a modern, clean and welcoming décor. There is plenty of seating around tables of all sizes.

The bar itself also keeps it simple. There is a range of wines and spirits as well as standard beers and ciders on draught including Birra Moretti, Guinness, Inch’s Cider as well as a number of real ales.

I have to say that sometimes, it’s really nice to only have a few standard selections instead of 84 different craft beers from 18 different breweries along with guest beers and collaborations, which can make it impossible to choose.

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The food menu, which the pub itself describes as “a gastronomic delight, whether you’re looking for an intimate meal for two or a gathering with friends”, includes starters such as Ham Hock Terrine, Bubble & Squeak, mussels, salmon pate and soup of the day.

For mains, choose from pub classics like burgers, pies and fish and chips while the chefs specials includes steak, lasagne and Birria de Res.

What sets pubs like the Bay Horse apart from those in Leeds or even in Wetherby is its more intimate feeling. The pub hosts a pen and paper quiz night, but as far as I could work out, only every now and then and not every week.

I really do see the appeal of smaller village pubs - and this one is a little gem.

Factfile

• Address: Main St, Kirk Deighton, Wetherby LS22 4DZ
• Telephone: 01937 290163
• Opening hours: Mon-Sun Noon-11pm
• Website: https://thebayhorsekirkdeighton.com/

Scores

• Drinks: 7/10
• Value: 6/10
• Atmosphere: 6/10
• Service: 7/10