The Abbey Inn at Byland, headed by local award-winning chef Tommy Banks, was named by The Times, highlighted for menu dishes including the fried haddock baguette and “delicious” locally sourced breakfast.
The publisher commented on its latest seasonal guide: “The evenings are drawing in and the air has a definite nip in it.
“There’s no better time to book a micro-break at a cosy pub where you’ll find roaring open fires, candlelit dining rooms and the best, locally sourced food (sometimes even cooked by a Michelin-starred chef).
“Whether you are after a romantic getaway in a chic room with a rolltop bath in Cheshire or an outdoorsy weekend with a cold water swim and a bracing walk across the hills in Wales, there is something for everyone.”
Take a look at all of the UK’s cosiest pubs this autumn on The Times’ website.
What did The Times say about The Abbey Inn at Byland? UK’s cosiest pub
The travel and foodie experts revealed: “With the chef Tommy Banks at the helm, the food here is pretty special. The menu at the Abbey Inn, which is in the Michelin Guide, is less formal than at Banks’s Michelin-starred restaurant Black Swan in nearby Oldstead, but is no less delicious.
“Dishes might include a sharing platter of Oldstead charcuterie and pickles (£14) followed by a fried haddock baguette served with minted peas, tartar sauce and pork-fat fries (£25), finished off with apple crumble tart with clotted cream ice cream (£12.50).
“There are three bedrooms here — some with four-poster beds, some with views of the historic neighbouring abbey, all with a freestanding bath — and a delicious breakfast of locally sourced eggs, homemade jams, freshly baked sourdough bread and spruce-cured smoked salmon is delivered to your door.”
The Michelin Guide shares that there is a “simple, homely feel” to this pub overlooking the ruins of Byland Abbey, “courtesy of its flagstone floor, colourful throws and blazing fires in the winter”.
It continues: “The comforting British cooking matches the seasons well, while providing crowd-pleasing menu mainstays like their signature ‘Byland Burger’.”
The Abbey Inn currently has more than 100 “excellent” rated reviews on Tripadvisor.
Fancy a glass of wine or pint of beer next to a roaring pub fire?(Image: Tripadvisor)
Someone who recently dined at the pub for an autumnal Sunday roast commented: “The location is breathtaking. The abbey itself is huge and definitely worth exploring before or after your meal.
“The pub is beautiful inside. Staff were so friendly and helpful. We both had the roast pork which was delicious. Amazing roast potatoes, and a delicious Yorkshire pudding filled with pulled pork. We ordered an extra side of cauliflower with cheese with truffle. We don’t normally like truffles but it was really good. All in all an incredible experience.”
A second visitor posted: “Second time visiting this place for Sunday lunch. Views, food, drinks and service were excellent. We had the roast pork and beef which were cooked to perfection. I would definitely recommend and we will definitely be returning. Thank you!”
Will you be visiting one of the UK’s cosiest pubs, The Abbey Inn, this autumn? Let us know in the comments below.
