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Knaresborough pub goes viral after sheep gatecrash dinner service

Tuesday, 9 September 2025 16:55

A flock of sheep turned up at The Blue Bell Arkendale last week.

A Knaresborough pub has gone viral after an unusual set of dinner guests turned up last week – a flock of eight sheep.

Staff at The Blue Bell Country Inn in Arkendale were preparing for their evening service when the woolly visitors wandered inside.

Assistant Manager Hannah Parkin said she couldn’t quite believe her eyes:

“I looked up from my paperwork and saw them standing there looking confused but intrigued.

“I was shocked – I didn’t even hear them baa. I’m not really an animal person, so I felt quite brave shooing them out!”

The sheep didn’t stay long, but the unexpected visit was caught on camera and quickly shared online, where it has attracted hundreds of comments and shares.

Hannah laughed:

“My favourite comment was that we’ve always been a welcoming ‘baaar’.

“The door is always open if they want to come back. Maybe they’ll order a pint next time!”

The pub was fully disinfected before customers arrived for dinner, and the team say the incident has given the whole village something to smile about.

Watch the video here.

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