Wombwell Arms

We love a lovely country pub that does lovely food – so we just love the Wombwell Arms, in the hamlet of Wass. Plus it's just five minutes' up the road from the romantic ruins of Byland Abbey, and close to Coxwold, so you've got somewhere to go before or after. The contemporary bistro menu is Yorkshire-sourced as much as possible, and doesn't promise anything it can't deliver, so balances gourmet bangers and mash, locally reared steaks and homemade pies with things like prawn paella and smoked haddock risotto. If you're looking for a twist, then South-African chef-and-owner Eunice smokes chicken with Rooisbos tea for her chicken-and-chorizo skewers and prepares both a meat and veggie version of the South African fruit-and-mince curry classic, bobotie. Smaller portions of several dishes are available, and there's lots that's gluten-free, though not the fantastic chips. At lunch, meanwhile, there are ciabatta sandwiches, and things like Yorkshire-cheese ploughmans or smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. The pub looks the part too – scrubbed up and nicely refurbished, but still with a proper flagstoned-floor main bar and a roaring fire and real ales. There are also three B&B rooms, but if you're coming just to eat it's best to book for dinner.