Tommy Banks has quite the reputation in these parts, with a reputation that shows no sign of losing momentum any time soon. Way back in 2016 he made a starring appearance on Great British Menu, leading me to book into The Black Swan at Oldstead in the middle of an episode before the waiting list…
(ad – pr) Sandburn Hall is one of those institutions near York that’s remained very much on the periphery of my experience over my years in the city, my contact being limited to picking people up from work nights out. That being the case, I’d never set foot in the place, so when the offer…
A village pub should be many things, all of which should embed it in the local community. Social hub, place of refuge, venue for community groups, destination for visitors, provider of employment and (most pertinently here) somewhere to eat and drink. The Tiger Inn Coneythorpe has had a turbulent few years – an extended closure…
It’s hard work opening a hospitality business at the best of times, let alone downstream of a global pandemic, Brexit, worrying levels of inflation and “global political uncertainty” (wasn’t sure how to best phrase that without profanity). Still though people persist, for which I’m enormously grateful as should the rest of York be as the…
It’s been a little while since I was tempted enough by anywhere to make the journey to Leeds but when I heard Bobby Geetha had a new opening to take a look at, it didn’t take me long to start looking for a slot in my diary. With appearances on Great British Menu and Masterchef:…
(ad – pr) Sunday Roast is such an institution in this country that visitors from other nations sometimes struggle to believe we, as a nation, are so dedicated to it. On a weekly basis I feed Yorkshire Puddings to guests on my food tours and explain their background, history and current place in our cuisine.…
(ad – pr) Don’t you hate it when you get beaten to the punch? I’ve been flat out for a few months and have been struggling to find time for writing here. Way back in August I was kindly invited to sample Tharavadu Leeds, which has been on my radar for years, so I arranged…
(ad – pr) York has plenty of landmark buildings to mark your way round the city, many of which are gradually being repurposed away from the intended purpose toward more modern applications. Most recent amongst these is the former post office building on Lendal which has been sadly out of use for a good few…
(ad – pr) Another week, another country estate to familiarise myself with… life certainly has its moments! This time it’s Swinton Park up the A1 near Masham and Ripon with its formidable reputation to check out. My main prior knowledge of this place comes from a friend who assisted Rosemary Schrager in running the cookery…
(ad – pr) I have a surprisingly small range of favourite places to eat in London. For a city so blessed with restaurants, markets and street food I seldom have the opportunity to indulge in a meal. If I’m there for judging with The Great Taste Awards then a large meal is generally furthest from…