The Dawnay Arms
Newton-on-Ouse, North Yorkshire
With colourful hanging baskets around the front door, enchanting gardens stretching down to the willow-flanked river Ouse, and moorings for those who like pottering about in boats, this genteel North Yorkshire inn (circa 1779) is a dream ticket – especially when the sun is shining. Everyone feels right at home in the Dawnay’s smart but rustic interior with its hop-garlanded beams, blazing fires, church pews and scrubbed wood tables. Menus are chalked up on giant blackboards, although there’s nothing rough-hewn or pubby about chef/proprietor Martel Smith’s cooking (aside from a handful of pizzas, lunchtime sarnies and Sunday roasts). Expect classy but accessible dishes to match the surroundings, with the emphasis on big robust flavours. Come here for generous helpings of chicken, chestnut mushroom and tarragon pie, rump of Dales lamb with buttered savoy cabbage or platefuls of roast local roe deer accompanied by a venison sausage, celeriac mash and port sauce. Bookend proceedings with a twice-baked Wensleydale cheese soufflé and a dessert of cherry Bakewell tart, crème anglaise and pistachio ice cream. Yorkshire beers are kept in good order and the well-spread wine list offers sound drinking from £22.
Dining Information:
Separate bar, Wheelchair access, Parking, Family friendly, Dog friendly
Moor Lane, Newton-on-Ouse, North Yorkshire YO30 2BR
01347 848345
