Tel (01751) 417320  Fax (01751) 417717

HISTORY     DIRECTIONS     TICKETS     ACCOMMODATION     FOOD     CONTACT US


"The Lion Inn is one of those places you can't quite believe exists.." Here Magazine

The Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge (AD1553)

1325 feet above sea level and arguably the remotest music venue in England
B&B accommodation and Camping available - Food served all day until 10pm

"A great night out" Hot Licks Magazine     "An amazing place - top of the world..." Evening Gazette

"The Lion may be one of the remotest pubs in the country, but it's also one of the most atmospheric..." Sounds

"A cross between Ronnie Scotts and the Cavern Club" Cultural Foundation

"A moving experience, what a great night!" Keep it Live Magazine

"I wish I could live here!" Chris Helme - The Seahorses & The Yards

" I must mention the enthusiasm for live music at The Lion Inn, Blakey. There is a real desire for the music scene to
thrive in this very remote, but alluring venue, it's not seen as a money-spinning opportunity. The Lion Inn has a rich
musical past, it's history is full of achievements and glories, the present organizers have a real desire to take The Lion Inn
to greater and dizzier heights, and there maybe a few more surprises in store!" Keep it Live Magazine

"I love the place, I think it's an incredible pub, probably one of the best pubs in the world, really. I don't say that lightly. It would be
hard to beat it, to try and find a pub that was better. I defy anybody to do that. It's a wonderful situation. The first time I came across it...
my Dad was on about it years ago... I was about twenty I think. He said "There's a fantastic pub in the middle of nowhere, you want to
go out and find it," and we came out looking for it. It took us ages to find it actually. Once we did find it, that was it, we were sold on it.
We've had millions of fantastic times up here. The vibe of the place is incredible, there's magic here, definitely. That's why the place
is always busy ... That's why it's in the middle of nowhere and it's always full of people. It's run by a set of people who
really care for it, and it shows. It's well run. The food's great and the ale's great."   Bryan Josh - Mostly Autumn

"Our favourite pub and venue. It is indeed the remotest venue in the UK 
and always an amazing experience to play and be at."   Four Day Hombre

"I've just done a gig at Blakey Ridge (the Lion Inn) which if you ever get the chance to go to, you MUST go!
It's a magical place in the middle of the North Yorkshire Moors where time stops and the outside world can't get you.
The views up there on a clear day are awe-inspiring. Hayley Hutchinson

"Years of songwriting isolation and hidden solo outings at North Yorkshire's famous rock recluse Blakey Ridge
have done wonders for ex-Seahorse frontman Chris Helme." Leeds Music Scene January 2004

History of Blakey Music

Blakey Ridge is the rocky spinal cord of the North Yorkshire Moors. It's only haven for humans is the ancient Lion Inn, snowed in for weeks in winter, soaked in spring, scorched in summer - and soothed only in autumn. Dating back to 1553, when the inn was inhabited by monks transporting coffins across the Moors to Whitby Abbey, the earlier history remains a mystery. Like stonehenge The Lion Inn is built on a crossing of the ley lines - to say the place is atmospheric is an immense understatement and over the years it has been an inspiration to many songwriters.

During the 1970s The Lion was the unlikely home of legendary jazz blues trio "Back Door". So respected and original were this sax, bass and drums outfit that their gigs at Blakey were regularly packed out - people travelling from all over the North to see them. They released an album in 1972 on the "Blakey Records'" label which had NME & Melody Maker journalists fighting over who could print the first review.

Back Door were later signed by Warner Brothers and The Lion Inn became a cult name amongst Soho's Wardour Street session musicians. Famed artists from diverse disciplines became regular visitors: John McCloughlin, Chris Rea, Slade, Sandie Shaw, David Coverdale, Gene Pitney, Neil Sedaka, Helen Shapiro and, over one winter, Sting travelled every week from Newcastle to perform at the pub with his band "Last Exit". According to Brian Jones, landlord in the 70's, Sting was so keen to play at this venue he offered to do part-time work in the kitchen!

In December 1999 Paul Crossland, manager of The Lion Inn and enthusiastic music fan, re-established the venue and turned back the clock to those golden years. Blakey Music continues to flourish and is regarded by many as one of the best small gigs in the country...

The successful policy of Blakey Music is to present a diverse range of musical styles - performed by the best artists available.The unique atmosphere created within the ancient stone walls hangs in the air long after the last song.

The Road to Blakey

From the North - Travel along the A171 from Guisborough towards Whitby. After approx 4 miles turn right towards Castleton. At Castleton cross the small hump-back bridge and up the hill into the village. At the T-junction turn right up the High Street. Follow this road out of the village for 6 miles over open moorland. The Lion Inn is the next building on this same road.

From the South (Leeds/York A64) - Leave the A64 York to Scarborough Road at Malton, joining the A169 towards Pickering. At Pickering turn left at the roundabout and follow the A170 towards Kirkbymoorside. After approx 6 miles (1 mile before Kirkbymoorside) turn right at Keldholme , towards Hutton-le-Hole and Castleton. Drive straight through Hutton-le-Hole and stay on this road for a further 6 miles across open moorland. The Lion Inn is the next building you come to, on the highest point of the North Yorkshire Moors.

From the South (M1/A1) - Leave Northbound A1 at Junction 49 and join the A168 towards Thirsk. DO NOT take the first turning to Thirsk (B1448). Follow signs to Thirsk & A170 Scarborough. When entering Thirsk go straight-on at 1st roundabout (signposted A170). Turn right at 2nd roundabout (A170). Travel approx 10 miles through Sutton-Under-Whitestonecliffe, up Sutton Bank (steep hill) to Helmsley. At Helmsley turn right at small roundabout in the Market Place. Travel approx 5 miles to Kirkbymoorside. At Kirkbymoorside go straight-on at roundabout. Travel approx 2 miles and turn left at signpost for Keldholme / Hutton-le-Hole / Castleton. After 2 miles travel straight through Hutton-le-Hole without turning off this road. Follow this road over open moorland for 6 miles, The Lion Inn is the next building you get to.

We don't need to worry about disturbing the neighbours at Blakey!
(photo by Sqn Ldr S Black Feb 1988)

Tickets

Most of our events are "pay on the door", our homepage will state if advance tickets are available. To purchase tickets either call in person at The Lion Inn, tel 01751-417320 or email blakey.music@virgin.net. Tickets will be posted free of charge within the UK.

Accommodation

The Lion Inn has 10 letting rooms, Bed & Breakfast prices range from £18 to £34 per person. Camping is also available at a cost of £2.50 per person. For further details visit The Lion Inn's website at www.lionblakey.co.uk or email us.

Food

The Lion Inn serves food all-day until 10pm. Our extensive Bar Meal and A'la Carte Menus are online at www.lionblakey.co.uk together with special Party Menus, Sunday Lunch, Christmas Menus etc. etc.

Contact us.....

Blakey Music events are organized and promoted by Paul Crossland, for enquiries please email.

We welcome any comments, suggestions or questions on our Message Board.