Oldstead Restaurant Guide

“A bucket-list place so we had high expectations… did not disappoint in any area!". Tommy Banks and his family’s out-of-the-way pub in North Yorks is one of the most commented-on destinations in our annual diners’ poll and inspires high hopes – inflamed in large part by TripAdvisor declaring it the #1 restaurant in the world some years ago – which it arguably does a surprisingly good job of living up to. New chef Callum Leslie was appointed in November 2021, and wins consistent praise for his “out-of-this-world tasting menu with outstanding wine pairings” all delivered by “very knowledgeable” staff.

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.

“Good-value, flavoursome dishes made from excellent ingredients” constitute the menu selection of quality, traditional pub classics at Rob & Gill Thompson’s well-rated whitewashed inn.

Paul & Liz Jackson are celebrating their tenth year at this ancient pub, which has overlooked the North York Moors since the twelfth century. Its decor and culinary style are fully modernised though, and its small fan club says it’s “a fabulous wee restaurant with lovely rooms”. It’s not a place to drop into though – it’s a tasting-menu-only format for which you are advised to allow 3 hours. More reports please!