This weekend my adventures took me to the North Yorkshire village of Helperby, where we were greeted by a red brick, double fronted pub called the Oak Tree Inn. For a country pub it had ample parking and, if you fancied a stroll to build up an appetite, I believe there are some nice walks nearby. Feeling a little chilly ourselves after visiting Herb Fed, a local Turkey Farm, we were over the moon to feel the warmth of the open wood burning fires. Warm and friendly, the pub had a mix of locals and day trippers; it’s always a good sign to have locals using the pub.
A warm welcome
We were greeted by Ryan, the General Manger. He sat us in the bar, took our drinks order and gave us the menu to review. I started on a soft drink of Fentimans Rose lemonade; so delicious and thirst quenchingly good – I applaud Fentimans for making such a good drink!
Traditional pub food
The menu had a good choice of traditional pub dishes, along with some British classics. We were given some crusty French bread as an appetiser, this came with creamy butter and paprika salt – I’d never see this paprika salt before and was a great combination with the bread and butter. Ryan told me about the specials and one in particular caught my eye; I just had to try their Montgomery Cheddar and Spinach Soufflé (£5.95). You could taste the rich nutty flavour of the cheese which paired well with the salad and fresh baby tomatoes. Niki chose the Black Pudding and Chorizo Croquettes with chilli and apple jam (£6.00) – a great combination of flavours.
A Sunday Roast
As it was Sunday we had to have a roast. Niki opted for the Half Roast Chicken with bread sauce (£14.00). He did find the chicken a little dry but the portion size was fantastic as he eats a lot!
I had the Grand Reserve Sirloin of Beef (£14.00) and I have to say it was cooked perfectly. The thickly sliced beef was perfectly pink in the middle and served with delicious gravy. Both roasts came with a big Yorkshire Pudding, roasted potatoes and root vegetables, seasonal greens and cauliflower cheese. To accompany my beef I glugged down a Sicilian wine called Nero d’Avola; the inn has an extensive wine list including seasonal favourites.
I’d indefinably say The Oak Tree Inn Sunday roasts are good value for money; the right amount of meat, fresh veg and the all important Yorkshire pudding!
A sweet tooth
Feeling very full but not beaten we ordered a Bitter Chocolate Torte (£6.95) served with a roasted fig, hazelnut brittle and a cassis jus. I loved the combinations of this dessert apart from the fig. We both agreed it was a little odd to have a warm fig yet everything else was cold. We also ordered the Sticky Toffee Pudding (£5.00) which was surrounded by a scrumptious butterscotch sauce and creamy vanilla ice cream. I loved this dessert, very simple but such a classic very well done.
Overall it is a great pub to visit. Owned by the same people who run The West Park it will certainly always be of a good standard.
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P.S. Thank you to the Oak Tree Inn for looking after us so well and the scrummy food.
