A perfect country pub for lunch in the land of Yorkshire’s food heroes

On the hunt for a perfect country pub?  You’ll find some of Britain’s best in a small corner of north Yorkshire, which is home to top food and drink heroes such as Michelin-star restaurateurs Tommy Banks and Andrew Pern.

Hidden away in a patchwork quilt land of farm, moor, wood and wold, sandwiched between York and the Yorkshire Coast, Ryedale’s country pubs pack a punch when it comes to a perfect pub lunch, receiving national plaudits for their delicious home-cooked menus featuring locally-sourced produce (pre-booking is recommended).

Great favourites include:

• Regularly ranked amongst the UK’s top restaurants and boasting a Michelin-star and 4 AA Rosettes, The Black Swan at Oldstead is the Restaurant with Rooms of celebrity chef Tommy Banks, twice-winner of BBCTV’s Great British Menu and record-breaker, the youngest chef to have earned a Michelin Star.
• Just a few miles away is another restaurant regularly voted amongst the UK’s top eateries: the Michelin-starred Star Inn at Harome is the ‘rustic gourmet bolthole’ of legendary local food hero, Andrew Pern. The 14^th-century thatched Inn with Rooms has been enhanced by a sister luxury hotel, with individually-designed rooms that even include a piano or snooker table…
• The Stone Trough Inn near Kirkham Priory: Nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty, overlooking Kirkham Abbey this pub has kept its original charm with its open fireplaces and exposed stone walls.  It is known for delivering freshly cooked, locally sourced food, alongside a superb range of Yorkshire beers and ales, all with a warm welcome.  Children and dogs are more than welcome as long as they are accompanied by equally well-behaved adults!
• The Crown & Cushion in Welburn: true to their ethos of food provenance, the menus are crafted using only the freshest of seasonal ingredients.  Locally sourced, with much grown in their own kitchen garden, dishes are created to ooze flavour and tempt the taste buds.
• The Fox & Hounds at Sinnington: a romantic 18^th century coaching Inn with rooms, and delicious food served in the cosy restaurant or traditional lounge bar complete with an open fire and a double-sided log burner affectionately called “Big Bertha”; perfect for the colder days to warm up your cockles! We always use and support our local suppliers for all our meat, vegetables and fish which are supplied daily.
• The Worsley Arms (2AA rosette), in Hovingham: perfectly positioned in the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a simple lunch or an evening of fine dining while exploring the beautiful attractions of Ryedale and the North York Moors National Park.
• The Hovingham Inn, in Hovingham: newly refurbished and owned by the award-winning Johns family, this fabulous pub is already getting 5-star reviews – including being mentioned amongst The Times Top 30 Places for a Perfect Pub Lunch, and Estrella’s Top 50 Gastropubs!
• The Fairfax Arms in Gilling East: here the emphasis is on excellent quality to create simple but tasty dishes, perfect for those wanting to pop in for a quick supper as well as some top quality gourmet dishes for those wanting to visit for a more special occasion.
• The Fox & Rabbit at Lockton: a traditional country pub located in the North York Moors National Park on the edge of Dalby Forest on the A169 Whitby to Pickering road. An idyllic destination for a relaxing stop off drink or meal and owned by brothers Charles and Toby Wood since July 2004.  Patrons are welcome to enjoy anything from a pint of ale to a three-course meal while they appreciate the panoramic views across the North York Moors

Did You Know: In Rome, according to tradition, Gnocchi were the typical dish of Thursday. In the South, on the other hand, especially in Campania, they were prepared on Sundays.