The Yorkshire pub with local links
Hutton le Hole takes some beating on the prettiness front, but Lastingham - less than two miles up the road - gives it a good run for its money. Designated a Conservation Area for its special architectural and historical significance, the houses in this moorland village are beautiful, with neat gardens, a burbling beck running between them, and with a star attraction, St Mary’s Church, famous for its 11th century crypt.
Opposite the church is the handsome 17th century pub, still recognisable as a row of cottages – spruced up but still showing its age with low beams hung with pewter tankards, and in the cosy bar a fabulous working York range surrounded by gleaming copper pans. There are four rooms to eat, including a snug and two dining rooms, a private space for up to six diners and a charming, sheltered garden at the back with a pizza oven and live music in the summer months.
Chef-owner and local lad Alistair Moran was born and raised down the road in Hartoft and, after taking the reins in 2021, has maintained the strong links with local producers that his predecessor established; Belted Galloway beef from the Strickland family in Hutton le Hole, game from nearby shoots – even the gin is from Raisthorpe Manor in the Yorkshire Wolds.
The menu bristles with the likes of belly pork, duck breast and a pheasant & thyme ballotine, and the oft-changing specials board might have whipped Rosedale goat cheese, partridge and parmesan goujons and a rabbit samosa. But it’s not all game: there’s a cracking steak & ale pie, fish & chips and a ‘Horny Cow’ burger to keep the traditionalists happy. Puddings are hearty, so you might need another walk to settle the dish of apple and strawberry oat crumble and custard, or frangipane with blackberry ice cream.
Beer drinkers won’t be disappointed; the Blacksmiths prides itself on a wide choice of cask ales (including Theakston’s Old Peculiar and Saltaire Blonde) and a changing guest cider – in fact they’ve twice won York CAMRA Country Pub of the Season.
There’s a deeply comfortable, relaxing vibe to this outstanding pub – and it’s good to see farmers and walkers propping up the bar enjoying a pint or two, and where the only background sound is the fire crackling and the hum of folk enjoying their food. If you want to make a night of it, there are three rather glamorous bedrooms over the shop, with gorgeous linen, fat mattresses and a hearty breakfast to look forward to.