Jamies Cragg Holiday Park

Andrew Pern’s 14C thatched inn oozes charm and character, with its low ceilings, Robert ‘Mouseman’ features and some charred beams left in situ in a nod to its life story. Head Chef Steve Smith’s cooking has a classical base with modern overtones, and Yorkshire leads the way in rich, gutsy, flavour-driven dishes, with fish coming from Whitby, game from the Moors and vegetables plucked from the kitchen garden. Relax on the terrace, then stay over in one of the individually styled bedrooms; one boasts a snooker table, another, a piano.

Sitting within the hotel of the same name, this elegant restaurant has a country house feel that combines classical and contemporary design touches. Diners are split between the inside dining room and a less formal conservatory, while a lovely terrace overlooks the village duck pond. The appealing menus take a seasonal approach, with classically based dishes providing plenty of flavour thanks to well-sourced ingredients and strong technique. An all-day set-up means you can pop in for anything from breakfast to a nightcap, via afternoon tea and, on Sundays, a roast lunch.

For over 300 years this charming pub has stood in a sleepy Yorkshire hamlet. It's a loveable, eclectically decorated place with a thoroughly welcoming feel that extends to the cosy bedrooms. As at any good inn, the fire is roaring in the winter and a lovely courtyard is available for warmer days. The cooking echoes the surroundings in its comforting heartiness, with full-flavoured and uncomplicated dishes spread across an extensive menu and plenty of seasonal specials. Steak and seafood platters are ideal for celebrations.

Richard and Lindsey Johns are experience operators in this part of the world. For their latest project, they’ve taken on this attractive 16th-century inn situated between the Howardian Hills and the North York Moors. There’s plenty of character to the place, from the beamed ceiling to the roaring fire for winter and beer garden for summer. Chef Richard offers hearty dishes that are classically and wholly enjoyable, like a generous pork chop cooked with evident skill. Lindsey looks after every table with a genuine warmth and personal touch.

On the edge of York’s buzzing centre, you’ll find this brick-built former coaching house. Inside, there's a Mediterranean feel to the white-and-blue décor, while an enclosed terrace is ideal for the summer. The cooking gets off to a great start with stand-out bread from their bakery, Little Arras, before dishes that are guided by the seasons and feature inventive touches and combinations. Cheese lovers should save room for the excellent British selection presented on a handmade oak trolley, while wine enthusiasts will be delighted by a well-curated list – including a strong English showing.

Tucked away by the Minster and bordered by the historic city walls, this beautiful Jacobean house with luxurious bedrooms and a peaceful garden is something of a hidden gem. Enjoy an aperitif in the characterful wood-panelled gallery, then head through to the more modern restaurant with its large bow window. Seasonality, purity and freshness underpin dishes that often use ingredients from their own garden – look out for the poached Yorkshire rhubarb dessert when available. The service team have an affable, natural charm.

The name is a clue as to this intimate restaurant’s focus, as well as to its sustainable ethos. Tucked down a narrow cobbled-street in York's pretty city centre, not far from the famous Shambles, its menu focuses on fish from small boats, meats reared putting husbandry first and game from local shoots. All parts of the ingredients are used too, so that the constantly evolving blackboard menu produces little waste. The self-taught chef's cooking has an ambitious edge, with dishes proving to be fresh and vibrant. The friendly team add to the appeal.