The Black Swan at Oldstead
Guest blogger Ione Matthews has lunch at the Black Swan in Oldstead
Nestled in a remote corner of the Hambleton Hills, just on the edge of the North York Moors, sits a perfect idyll for whiling away a Sunday lunch and afternoon. When Alec, Rose and I arrived at The Black Swan pub in Oldstead, believe it or not with the weather being so bad lately, it was a hot and sunny day. Even more magical, it was the first Sunday of our Yorkshire staycation.
The view over the Hambleton Hills
Alec has wanted to eat at this pub for ages. Indeed, he visited it with Rose and his parents last year for a drink during a walk. However, this time we meant business and, having settled Rose off to sleep, we arrived for an unadulterated peaceful lunch.
We sat outside under a tree in the dappled sunshine drinking up the atmosphere of the surroundings. Alec had a pint of Guinness and me a crisp, refreshing Pouilly-Fumé by the glass, chosen from an extensive and impressive by-the-glass menu. It was pure relaxation.
The food, we had heard from friends, was supposed to be amazing. And it didn’t let us down. As ever, so neither of us had food envy, we decided to go Dutch on the mains. I ordered a seasonal broad bean risotto with truffles and Alec couldn’t resist his favourite, roast beef with all the trimmings.
Both meals were delicious and thank goodness we shared. My risotto was cooked to perfection and luckily for me I bumped into the chef on my way out and persuaded him to give me the recipe. The beef arrived, as it should, pink and tender accompanied by a mini cauliflower cheese in a small copper pot along with roast potatoes and a selection of green veggies.
We stayed for teas and coffees, with homemade petit fours, which negated the need for a dessert. Although the choice was tempting, with a selection such a Dark Chocolate Brownie with Peanut Butter Ice-cream and Valrhona Chocolate Mousse, Black Swan Apple Crumble & Custard or a cheeseboard.
This pub certainly lived up to its reputation for being a foodies pub. Better still, if you have the cash and a special occasion to celebrate, it has four bedrooms which have been recently renovated to a high standard. On the pub’s website these rooms promise views of beautiful rolling countryside. However, on inspection this was not apparent.
We have put this pub in our top 10 favourite places to have lunch in Yorkshire… so we’ll be back. But prices are relatively expensive, with mains starting at £15 and going up to £19 and starters and puddings at £6 to £8. We had better get saving.
http://blackswanoldstead.co.uk
