The appetite for food-led pubs has never been stronger. Diners are no longer just seeking a pint in the countryside — they want a full experience, with quality dining at its heart. For buyers looking to enter or expand within the pub market, this trend presents an exciting opportunity.
Right now, three country pubs for sale — the Cleveland Tontine, the Black Swan at Kirkbymoorside, and the Golden Lion at Helperby — stand out for their potential to be transformed into thriving destination dining spots. With their locations, heritage and facilities, each is well suited to capitalising on the growing demand for gastro-led hospitality.
The Cleveland Tontine, North Yorkshire
The Cleveland Tontine is already a landmark in the region, positioned on the A19 between Teesside and Northallerton. Highly visible to passing traffic, it offers a rare chance to acquire a property that is both well known and full of potential.

Inside, the pub provides multiple dining rooms, a traditional bar, and seven letting bedrooms — all of which make it ideal for relaunch as a food-focused destination with rooms. The Tontine has previously enjoyed a reputation for quality, and with the right operator, it could reclaim its place as one of Yorkshire’s most talked-about dining venues.
The Black Swan, Kirkbymoorside
Set in the charming market town of Kirkbymoorside, the Black Swan is perfectly placed for visitors to the North York Moors. Tourism in the region is strong, with walkers, cyclists, and day-trippers all seeking out good food and characterful pubs.

This pub for sale comes with bar and dining areas plus letting accommodation, giving it all the elements needed to attract both local trade and visiting diners. With its classic frontage and enviable location, the Black Swan represents an exciting opportunity for a new owner to establish a destination pub at the edge of the Moors.
The Golden Lion, Helperby
The Golden Lion, located in the village of Helperby near Boroughbridge, is a striking building with huge potential for food-led success. Its handsome exterior and spacious interior mean it is well suited for a gastro-style relaunch.

Helperby benefits from a strong local catchment while also being within easy reach of York and Harrogate, making it accessible to city visitors looking for a countryside dining escape. The Golden Lion’s mix of trading space, bar areas, and upstairs accommodation makes it an appealing prospect for buyers who want to create a pub-restaurant with staying power.
An Exciting Market for Food-Led Pubs
These three pubs are more than properties; they are opportunities to create destination dining experiences at a time when the market for food-led pubs is thriving. Each one offers character, location, and the facilities to attract both local and tourist trade.
For buyers with vision, the Cleveland Tontine, the Black Swan, and the Golden Lion represent a unique chance to step into the growing gastro pub market.
For more information on these pubs for sale, please contact:
James Boshier
📞 0113 450 8558
📧 james@everardcole.co.uk