Black Swan, The

'Charming' is just one of the epithets you would use to describe The Black Swan at Oldstead, a delightful gastropub in York with an AA Rosette. Located not too far from historic Byland Abbey, the simple and understated décor with oak floors, Persian rugs, and candles emitting a soft glow from atop their perch in brass holders adds favourably to the ambience.

The menu features traditional as well as modern British fare, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients, with meat brought in from neighbouring farms. For starters, you could try the platter of smoked salmon with sorrel, chunky vegetable tartare and mustard vinaigrette and then move on to the copper dragon beer braised beef en croute with creamed mash and buttered spring greens. Finish indulgently with the iced vanilla parfait. The bar is warm and welcoming with an open log fire when needs must; just the place to relax with a beer over a game or two of dominos with your friends.