Host & Stay - Willow Cottage

All the hallmarks of a characterful country pub can be found here: exposed beams, flagged floors and even an open fire. The cooking is driven by produce from their farm, such as superb Herdwick lamb presented in two servings. The chefs work in total harmony with the gardeners, and an array of preservation techniques are used to ensure their ingredients last. The resulting dishes boast bold yet harmonious contrasts and plenty of depth. The entire team has wholeheartedly bought into the restaurant's vision and their enthusiasm is infectious. The antique-furnished bedrooms have private patios.

In a pretty little village on the edge of the North York Moors lies this former pub with stripped-back décor – expect flagstoned floors, whitewashed beams and exposed stone walls. The tasting menu features prime produce enhanced by a range of techniques, both traditional and modern, as with the showstopping Thirkelby duck in three servings, glazed with homemade walnut wine. Consider the excellent non-alcoholic drinks pairing, which really enhances the food, and a stay overnight in one of the cosy, simply decorated bedrooms.

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.

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.

The team from Pignut in Helmsley moved a few miles down the road to take over The Hare, a long-standing pub which they’ve smartly refurbished with a Nordic-esque touch while retaining its rustic character. The ambitious tasting menu employs a range of creative techniques resulting in attractive, hyper-local dishes – beginning with the ‘wastage’ broth using leftover vegetables and ending with stand-out desserts such as a signature combination of mushroom, coffee and caramel. Bedrooms are available if you’d rather stay the night than drive back down the narrow lanes after dinner.

There is a simple, homely feel to this pub overlooking the ruins of Byland Abbey, courtesy of its flagstone floor, colourful throws and blazing fires in the winter. The comforting British cooking matches the seasons well, while providing crowd-pleasing menu mainstays like their signature 'Byland Burger'. The owners, who also run The Black Swan in nearby Oldstead, provide much of the superb produce from their own farm. Traditional bedrooms sit upstairs and, in the summer, the garden terrace makes a great spot for a pint.

The team from the former Bantam in Helmsley are behind this characterful rural pub, which benefits from an enviable location perched above a pretty valley in the North York Moors National Park. A former drover’s inn dating back to the 19th century, there’s a vintage style to the décor and a lovely, welcoming vibe thanks to the friendly team. Hearty, unfussy and downright tasty dishes are the order of the day, with old favourites like devilled kidneys and toad in the hole sure to satisfy. Bedrooms are available for those looking to explore the surroundings in more detail.