Mithril

Head into Richmond and you'll find Mithril, a brewery that takes itself seriously without tipping into pretension. The setup is straightforward - a working brewery where you can actually watch beer being made, which beats staring at sterile tanks behind glass.

The real draw is tasting what comes out the other end. Their range shifts seasonally, so you're never quite sure what you'll find on the bar, and that's genuinely refreshing. The space itself is unpretentious, the kind of place where locals pop in after work and travellers don't feel out of place nursing a pint. Staff know their stuff and will talk you through what's on without being annoying about it.

Walkers and serious beer enthusiasts will get the most from a visit - you're not paying for theatrics, just honest craft work. Families with older kids who don't mind a brewery visit will find it low-key enough. Give yourself an hour if you're stopping by casually, longer if you want to sit with a couple of pints and watch the light change.

It works brilliantly as a stop-off if you're based at Hewn Yorkshire or exploring Richmond itself. The town's got plenty of walks nearby, and calling into the brewery breaks up the day nicely. Worth checking ahead on opening times before you visit - phone them if the website's unclear - but if you're in North Yorkshire and like proper beer made on-site, this is worth the stop.