Harden's says
Opposite the ruins of Byland Abbey, the latest venue from esteemed Yorkshire chef Tommy Banks maintains the hyper-local focus he has perfected up the road at the Black Swan in Oldstead, with much of the menu grown on the Banks family farm nearby – including the signature Byland burger, which uses Oldstead Dexter beef.
Harden's survey result
Not enough people have commented yet
Our reviews are based on an annual survey of ordinary diners which runs in Spring each year. But this establishment has not yet gathered enough feedback for our editors to write it up.
Do you think it deserves to be better known?
Write a quick review now using our restaurant diary service. That way it might catch our attention. Next survey, you can transfer your diary entry into our survey system. Everyone who contributes 5 or more reviews in our survey will qualify for a free guide.
For 32 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Abbey Inn?
Restaurant details
Abbey Inn Restaurant Diner Reviews
"The shrinking portion illness has begun already. Six weeks ago, the same dishes were all more substantial. Food quality excellent, but not enough of it. Very disappointing."
"After a slightly dissapointing first visit we gave Mr Banks' new venture another shot and went for a Sunday lunch on a miserable day. We couldn't have a pleasant walk (which the pub is ideally situated for). But the dining experience was a huge improvement. The waitress for our table was also a major step up, friendly, knowledgable and very efficient. The Sunday Roast was very good - the addition of tasty pulled beef in the Yorkshire Pudding (or pulled pork for my partner) was a great idea. If this improvement continues Tommy Banks will have another storming success on his hands. "
"In terms of food and value, it is reminiscent of the early days of Roots in York. Hope it stays that way! Delightful beetroot dish, superb halibut and chocolate fondue to die for."
"Being huge fans of Tommy Banks other restuarants we were very eager to try out this latest venture. The location is amazing, right next to the ruined abbey in this little bywater below the white horse. The Inn itself is also very atmospheric. It has only just opened, but the staff do need a bit more bedding in (our waitress insisted on calling the samphire on the starter saffron). Eager to please, but a bit more control is needed. The food also needs a bit of attention - my pork chop had obviously sat under the warmer for a while. My partners food was rated as "nice", where she usually goes into raptures at Roots. It was fine for a Above average restaurant, but Tommy has proved that he can do far better than that. We were expecting to blown away, but ended up regretting the hour and a quarter drive. "
"Did you know - banks brothers stellar hospitality career started @The Abbey inn superb re-opening of the Abbey Inn. we secured a soft launch table - a TB Restaurant with rooms is a pub setting - great sunday lunch - top notch starter - superb roast lunch - would have been 5 excellent is the veg were fully cooked rather than al dente al-dente "
Byland Abbey, YO61 4BD
Opening hours
lunch noon - 2 pm, dinner 6.30 pm - 9 pm
Last orders: 9.30 pm
Best British, Modern restaurants nearby
British, Modern restaurant in Wass
British, Modern restaurant in Oldstead
British, Modern restaurant in Scawton
