Black Swan – Oldstead, Yorkshire

Simply put, the Black Swan is a charming pub and restaurant serving great value food in a stunning location on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. It is one of only five restaurants in Yorkshire to currently hold a Michelin star.

What Michelin say:

 ‘Owned by a family who've lived and farmed here for generations. Top-rate bar meals are served in the characterful beamed bar and more ambitious dishes in the upstairs restaurant. Cooking is modern and highly skilled but satisfyingly unpretentious.’

What I ate: 6 course tasting menu for a bargain £35.

Smoked Eel with Apple, Beetroot & Horseradish – a simple dish of well balanced flavours (especially the horseradish crème fraiche and smoke which did not overpower as is their wont).

Chicken Terrine with Jerusalem Artichoke & Girolles – a delightful terrine dish enhanced by scattering of crisp dinky croutons and a heady truffle brioche.

Brill with Gnocchi, Paris Brown, Cobnut & Broccoli – the gnocchi was a little light for my preference but the other components came together well. The fish lived up to its name and the cobnuts offered good textural contrast.

Ox Cheek with Cauliflower, Macaroni & Pecorino – a refined version of a hearty American hunk of meat with a mac ‘n’ cheese fixing. 

Pavlova with Strawberry & Tonka Bean – a lovely dessert with a clever fresh cream sorbet and a mildly spiced and fruity Tonka bean ice cream.

Plum with Honey & Almond –the sharp Victoria plums made this my favourite of the two desserts. 

Verdict (Would I return?): It’s great value and also offers rooms; I’d definitely consider returning and staying next time I am in the area.

The nearby Byland Abbey, old-fashioned cars and piglets roaming the grass verges also made the trip worthwhile. 

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