Search the Good Food Guide - Site Settings site

Location

Establishment Type

Cuisine

Price

Clear
Best Sunday Roast
  View all 7 photos
  /7
X

The Abbey Inn

North Yorkshire, Byland - Modern British - Pub with Rooms - £££

Seriously appealing modern pub food in a dreamy setting

Overall Rating: Very Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Very Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Very Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Very Good

With forested hills sloping onto fields of grazing sheep and the Gothic remains of Byland Abbey towering over the entrance, this pub with rooms is a dream ticket – no wonder it was snapped up by chef Tommy Banks (the Black Swan at Oldstead is nearby). Inside, there’s a little bar with a snug for those wanting a drink, but the main action takes place in the three dining rooms, one of which is the former piggery – an expansive room with beams, giant flagstones and a double-facing log-burning stove, all illuminated by a conservatory-style skylight. The mood is relaxed and staff stay on top of their tasks, while cute details in the handsome finishes speak of Tommy Banks’ pedigree. The food also makes a connection to the Banks family farm (without labouring the point), and chef Charlie Smith serves up a procession of seriously appealing, modern pub-style dishes – an incredibly original Dexter steak tartare, perhaps, cut into uniform nuggets resembling transluc...

With forested hills sloping onto fields of grazing sheep and the Gothic remains of Byland Abbey towering over the entrance, this pub with rooms is a dream ticket – no wonder it was snapped up by chef Tommy Banks (the Black Swan at Oldstead is nearby). Inside, there’s a little bar with a snug for those wanting a drink, but the main action takes place in the three dining rooms, one of which is the former piggery – an expansive room with beams, giant flagstones and a double-facing log-burning stove, all illuminated by a conservatory-style skylight. The mood is relaxed and staff stay on top of their tasks, while cute details in the handsome finishes speak of Tommy Banks’ pedigree.

The food also makes a connection to the Banks family farm (without labouring the point), and chef Charlie Smith serves up a procession of seriously appealing, modern pub-style dishes – an incredibly original Dexter steak tartare, perhaps, cut into uniform nuggets resembling translucent rubies decorated with grated wild horseradish, fermented peppers and smoked bone marrow. Elsewhere, there might be a light, elegant plate of smoked Pablo beetroot with ewe’s curd, preserved Yorkshire rhubarb and linseed crackers for texture. Some of the meaty main courses such as a pork rib chop with fermented mushroom béarnaise could do with a little finessing, although fish dishes hit the spot – judging by a pitch-perfect serving of cod with a splendid mussel cream sauce and purple-red potatoes on the side.

Everything is executed with flair, professionalism and a deep respect for local ingredients – and that extends to the dazzling roasts served for Sunday lunch (check out the rare-breed Berkshire pork and Herdwick lamb from the family farm, just two miles away). If you're looking for real value, however, order the mighty Dexter cheeseburger with fries, plus a pint of Yorkshire-brewed ale and a shared dessert – say a soft-serve sundae topped with Douglas fir, blackcurrant and white chocolate. Aside from real ale, drinks include seasonal cocktails, homemade libations and a short but decent selection of wines with plenty by the glass.

Read full reviewSee less

G Abbey

7 October 2024

Unbelievable roast. I cannot fault anything on the plate when we’ve been. The beef is just unreal, perfectly cooked every time. The roasties are crispy and fluffy on the inside. Veg isn’t too hard or too soft. The gravy is divine. A really lovely pub with a great atmosphere, it’s definitely worth the money. My top place for a roast. 10/10 every time

N Jones Pounder

3 October 2024

Outstanding food and service in a beautiful pub. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly just what we wanted on a late Sunday afternoon. The added bonus was that the children’s menu was exceptional and fantastic value for money.

A Nunwick

24 September 2024

It’s the combination of the traditional with the twist that only Tommy Banks can give it, and it’s all sustainable & local. I’m sorry, but what more do you want from your great Sunday roast when your mum doesn’t make it?!

VENUE DETAILS

Byland
North Yorkshire
YO61 4BDGB

View opening times

Make a reservation

OTHER INFORMATION

Accommodation, Separate bar, Wheelchair access, Parking, Family friendly, Dog friendly

More like this

    •  

       

       

    •  

       

       

    •  

       

       

    Latest articles