Byland Abbey Inn

The staff were very pleasant, and the room was nice enough, though a little cool. The chairs could use some attention. Food-wise, the chicken was the better choice: it was tender and tasty, and the sauce was really nice. But vegetables cost an extra £6 on top of the £32 dish. The £38 steak felt like an average price, but I expected more than rocket and raw beetroot that seemed to come from a salad bag. The food was nice enough, but didn't match the cost. We left disappointed after paying nearly £100 for two meals and two drinks, including the 12.5% service charge.

The setting is stunning, as always, and the staff were friendly and attentive. I loved the blackcurrant sundae, though it was spilling out and could have done with a plate underneath. The roast potatoes were very good too. We came expecting a lovely Sunday lunch, but the food left us disappointed. The beef wasn't tasty, and the horseradish sauce was very bland. The carrot and swede mash and cabbage were perfectly nice, but underwhelming for the price. The gravy was the same with every meat, which didn't seem right for a restaurant of this standard. This was my first Tommy Banks experience, and sadly it didn't live up to what I'd expected.

If you have time, Byland Abbey is just across the road. It's free to enter and open during daylight hours. There are dog-friendly tables at the restaurant, though check availability when you book. The food and service were exceptional, making it one of the best restaurants we've eaten at in a long time. Well worth making a special trip, and definitely somewhere we'll return to.

Our last evening, we got a table by the window facing the Abbey. I'd say it's the best table in the house. The Abbey looks especially stunning lit up at night, and the food was delicious, with cosy interiors in both the pub and rooms and excellent service. After I discovered 'Made in Oldstead' through a hamper delivered to a colleague, we stayed for a few days at the end of November. I reordered a hamper for myself and was so grateful to receive 4 complementary pies as a treat. I've already booked a summer trip and can't wait to experience the Abbey Inn in July.