The Black Swan Inn

After losing our much loved dog, my wife and I needed to get away for a few days. The Black Swan gave us a peaceful, quiet place to stay, with comfortable surroundings that helped us a lot. We didn’t tell anyone at the hotel about our loss, but Jill, the owner, seemed to sense that something was wrong. She gave us the safe space we needed to begin making sense of our emotions. Thank you, Jill.

The food was top quality, delicious, and beautifully presented, with lovely flavours and textures. Portions were just right. We shared halloumi chips and honey sausages to start, then had steak, fish cakes, and sausage and mash with buttered greens between us. For dessert we tried sticky toffee pudding and a selection of ice cream. The staff were thoughtful and friendly. We’ve already started looking forward to coming back.

The owners and team were incredibly helpful, and the service really felt like hospitality at its best. The location is great, the rooms are lovely, and the food and dining room are gorgeous. There are a lot of stairs, which could be an issue for some, but the owners offered to move me to a room that was easier to access and helped with my luggage. I had an exceptionally good stay.

We had dinner here one night, choosing the sea bass and vegetarian curry. Both were excellent, and it was one of the best meals I’ve had. Breakfast was delicious too, with plenty of choice and generous portions. Since the dining area is small and breakfast gets busy, arrivals are staggered every ten minutes. If you need an early slot for an activity, I’d email ahead, as the first times were busiest when we stayed. Our twin room was roomy and cosy, with an ensuite shower and a handy minibar where the water was free. The heating and hot water worked really well, and it was easy to set the temperature just how we wanted it. The automatic bathroom lights took a little getting used to. They didn’t detect movement in the shower, so if you took too long, all the lights went out, probably telling me to get out! The Black Swan is a fantastic place to stay in Pickering. It’s right in the middle of the high street, with most local attractions within walking distance. The staff were very friendly and the service was great.