The Crown, York

Very much a dining or even a gastro pub, a low ceilinged 16th century building in a small village west of the A1M most easily reached from the Boroughbridge by-pass. A very long building, the pub/restaurant part consists of three rooms, the main room with bar counter is stone floored and has a raised area with an open fire. Beyond that is another dining area with a vaguely Scottish style of decoration. At the rear is a large dining room. The main bar has a selection of candle powered tables and chairs and also a butchers block and a chest of drawers. There is some space here for the occasional casual drinker. Its red walls are decorated with food related prints and golfing pictures, there are some good sculptures and a number of fairly cute stuffed animals and birds. Beers are dispensed from a bank of four handpumps, Theakstons, Black Sheep and Fullers on my visit. The beer is excellently kept and is served in elegant mugs rather than standard nonics or dimples. Kegs include Leffe and Hoegaarden as well as more well known UK brands, and of course there is an extensive wine list and the pub's own brand of mineral water. The staff operate in a restaurant style but are friendly and efficient. The pub offers a loyalty card scheme where points gained can be redeemed for food and drink. Other interesting points are a lack of urinals in the gents, although there are tasteful pictures of young ladies and some comic annuals; and the two hardy but immobile customers who perpetually sit outside, their drinks untouched.