The Black Swan at Oldstead

We went to the Black Swan for a surprise 40th birthday for my partner, also deciding to stay over in one of the beautiful garden rooms.
Overall it was a wonderful culinary experience, and the room was fabulous. We opted for the basic wine pairing which complimented each dish perfectly. Each dish was full of flavour and cooked to perfection, a superb dining experience.
The waiting staff were superb, exceptional attention to detail, and courteous and friendly throughout the evening.

My one issue was the supplement they charged for one of the courses, this was an optional choice that we agreed to; however, charging £28 each for the lobster ravioli, given the cost of the tasting menu, seemed at tad inappropriate. We have eaten at other Michelin starred restaurants and I don’t recall supplement charges being added to the tasting menus. I would suggest that Tommy Banks reviews this element of their menu.

Regardless of this, we still had a fantastic time and this minor issue did not detract from the exceptional dining experience we had.

Absolutely lovely food, staff are very friendly and competent.
Had an amazing meal and wine pairing, cannot fault it.

Location is a pig to get to, but once you are there and especially if you are staying in one of their rooms, it’s a lovely village.

My expectations were as high as could be so to have the entire experience go massively above these was a absolute bonus. The entire team made the evening so special and really deliverd a once in a life time experience. Not to mention the food was by far the best food I have tried anywhere in the world.

Visit: 9 Dec 23

Menu.
Simply the best of Yorkshire. The Banks Family have created a wonderful culinary experience at Oldstead featuring the very best of locally sourced ingredients cooked with a care and passion which is impossible to overlook. Well deserving of their 2023 Michelin Star Award.

Service.
Impeccable. Warm, friendly and attentive. Nothing pretentious about the experience, the staff really make you feel at home whilst maintaining smooth & seemingly effortless service.

Rooms.
Excellent. Warm, clean & functional, complete with roll-top bath, walk-in shower and reasonably priced mini-bar. Perfect for a short getaway in the Yorkshire countryside.

Rec: 5 Star – Rebooking ASAP

Stayed at the Abbey Inn on a 2 night break and was not disappointed. The tasting menu at the Black Swan was superb, the chocolate and mushroom dessert was just glorious and Micheal who guided us through the wine flight was a joy he was just brilliant. The meal at the Abbey Inn was fantastic, our room and views of the ruins superb. What a wonderful break with the food and staff cannot wait to return. Thank you.