In the pouring rain and fierce winds, we debated whether or not to leave.
But I did drive past it once or twice and I went out to eat at the Old Malton pub because I liked the look of it. Given its picture-postcard frontage and row of cottages, The Royal Oak deserves further investigation.
Unfortunately, the weather wasn't the only thing against us. As I was making my way from York to Flaxton, I noticed that the road was closed to traffic.
I went back the way I had come, and when Sheriff Hutton led me to change course, I took a wrong turn and ended up going several miles in the wrong direction down an unfamiliar road with deep puddles. I don't have a sat nav as I am an extreme technophobe, but this is one of the times I admit it would have been nice to have one.
After we arrived, I was repeatedly threatened to quit for the day, but neither my husband nor I were in a good mood. However, once I stepped into this warm and inviting hostel, it didn't take long for me to forget about my trip.
I had read online that Stephen and Amanda Purcell moved from the Channel Islands last summer to take over the Town Street Inn and focus on “back-to-basics” pub food.
The couple welcomed us warmly and took our drink orders, serving Andrew a pint of Tetley (chosen from the menu provided) and me a water and lime slice.
We found a table in a small room next to a bay window next to a small wood burner, which Stephen refueled with thick logs.
The traditional English based menu had many things that appealed to both of us. To start, I chose garlic cream mushrooms on toasted bread (£5.50) and Andrew chose chicken liver pate with homemade chutney and rustic grain bread (£6).
Amanda, from Lancashire, brought them in and told us how she and Stephen had discovered North Yorkshire and enjoyed walks in Ryedale with their two dogs.
The pub itself is dog friendly. We have a room called “The Dog House” and my husband felt this name applied to him more than any dog.
The creamy consistency of the mushrooms was perfect with the crunchy bread. He said Andrew's generous and delicious patties, “delicious” chutneys and breads were exactly what he wanted to tantalize Maine's taste buds.
The Grade II listed Royal Oak (first listed as an alehouse in 1780) is a cozy, cottage-like pub. Beamed ceilings, terracotta floor tiles and vintage Old Malton prints add to the rustic charm, while Christmas trees, baubles and other decorations add a festive feel.
A second fire was kindled in the hearth on the other side of the room overlooking the large beer garden.
For the main course, I couldn't decide between the falafel and spinach burger (£9.50), the fish and chips (either £7 or £9.50 depending on portion size), or the homemade beef burger (£9.50). Having had a falafel dish the night before, I ended up choosing beef and didn't regret it.
Both burgers come with lettuce, tomato, coleslaw, cheddar or Yorkshire blue, hand-cut chips and crispy onions. I don't eat cheese, so I asked for it without. The meat was well-cooked, tender and juicy, and the bun was light and delicately wrapped with crispy fried onions, without any of the greasyness that onion rings tend to have. Again, the aid was generous.
My husband chose a large serving of creamy mushroom linguine (£7 or £9.50). Hot, rich, and served with well-cooked pasta and tarragon, it was an unmistakable flavour.
The blackboard announced that Thursday was pie night and Friday was fish. I was intrigued by a dish advertised as “Bunny Chow” which oddly did not involve rabbit. Stephen, who grew up in South Africa, described this fast food dish as a hollowed-out piece of white bread stuffed with curry. It originated among South Africans of Indian descent living in Durban.
The Royal Oak (open Tuesday to Sunday) was offering a Christmas menu, with three courses for £18.
Can you manage the pudding? We have a mouth-watering selection of classic favorites such as jam roly-poly and sticky toffee pudding. When Amanda mentioned Berry Crumble (£5) I said a resounding 'yes'.
This dish was packed with fruit, flavorful, and served with crunchy toppings. Add some custard and it was the perfect job for a harsh winter's day.
Andrew chose another popular British dish, Spotted Dick (£5). It was light and fluffy and had lots of specks inside, he said. The custard was delicious and had a hint of vanilla, he added.
Our bill was a very reasonable £43.50. I'm already planning to go again.
The Royal Oak, 47 Town Street, Old Malton YO17 7HB
Phone: 01653 696968
W:theroyaloakoldmalton.co.uk
Food: Delicious 4/5
Service: Efficient 4.5/5
Atmosphere: Cozy 4.5/5
Value: Excellent 4.5/5
Reviews are independent and meals are paid for by the press.
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