In answer to your Q I would suggest Helmsley as a first choice. I wasn't too impressed the last time I went to Stamford Bridge and had a rubbish pub lunch there.
Oh Bless you Mrs O, thank you. I got the map out a bit earlier and looked at Helmsley and I think I've been their when I went to Easingwold and Harome. Does that sound about right? Trouble is I can't remember it clearly at all, except I liked it. I'm sure there will be somewhere nice for lunch, not posh as we will have a few dogs with us. Maybe a pub garden would suit. And is there a good place for letting the dogs off? Ooh and what's Kirkbymoorside like please?
I stopped for a drink in Pickering once many many years ago. I'm torn between Helmsley and Hutton-le-Hole but tending towards HlH as I've never been there. I've got to phone my friends later so I'll see what they think.
DT that pub looks smashing. I'll check first about the dogs if we decide to go there but I've just had a look at the menu and it's a definite maybe. Thank you.