The Durham Ox

Yorkshire villages don’t get much cuter than hilltop Crayke, & pub food doesn’t get much more satisfying than the big-hearted dishes served at the Ox. Settle in among the wood panelling, log fires, flickering candles & oak tables for a retro dish of queen scallops with garlic & parsley butter topped with Gruyère or a plate of big-flavoured venison & root vegetable casserole. There’s chateaubriand for two, as well as burgers & a host of daily fish specials, plus sticky ginger pudding with toffee sauce & vanilla ice cream to finish. Private dining & smart guest rooms are part of the package, but the Ox is still a village pub at heart; there are no bookings at the bar, where all you need is a pint of prime Yorkshire bitter to feel right at home.