Food Glorious Food

 

 

The Ryedale Gourmet Guide 2026

Curated by Nunnington Cottages

Welcome to the culinary heart of North Yorkshire. From Michelin-starred tasting menus to the UK’s best Sunday roasts, Nunnington is perfectly placed for a truly indulgent getaway. Here are our personal recommendations for the finest dining in the area.

The Michelin Stars

For a truly world-class dining experience, these three destinations are within easy reach and represent the pinnacle of British cooking.

  • The Black Swan at Oldstead (Tommy Banks)
    • The Vibe: Earthy, sophisticated, and incredibly local. Almost everything on the menu is grown or foraged on their own farm.
    • Distance: 15 mins drive.
    • Pro Tip: Book months in advance; this is one of the hardest tables to get in the UK!
  • Mýse, Hovingham
    • The Vibe: Elegant, minimalist, and deeply rooted in North Yorkshire heritage. A recent Michelin star recipient who is currently the "talk of the town."
    • Distance: 10 mins drive.
  • The Star Inn, Harome
    • The Vibe: A quintessential thatched 14th-century inn with a modern, high-fashion culinary heart.
    • Distance: 15 mins drive.

The Elevated Gastropubs

If you are looking for relaxed luxury—white tablecloths but with a cosy pub atmosphere—these are our favourites.

  • The Pheasant, Harome
    • Overlooking the village pond, this is the spot for a refined, quiet lunch or a stunning seasonal dinner.
  • The Plough, Wombleton
    • A sophisticated "local" with a fantastic wine list and a menu that focuses on high-quality Yorkshire game and seafood.
  • The Abbey Inn, Byland
    • Recently named the best Sunday roast in the country. Situated right opposite the dramatic ruins of Byland Abbey.

Charming Delis & Day-Time Dining

  • Hovingham Bakery & Tea Rooms: Perfect for a post-walk pastry or a high-quality sourdough loaf to take back to the cottage.
  • The Rare Bird Distillery (Malton): While the market may be resting, you can still visit for a gin tasting or a cocktail in their stylish Mediterranean-style bar.
  • Thomas the Baker (Helmsley): For a more casual but iconic Yorkshire "Curd Tart" or a fresh deli sandwich.

The "Cook-at-Home" Farm Shop Guide

For those evenings when you want to open a bottle of wine and enjoy the peace of your cottage, Ryedale offers some of the finest raw ingredients in the country.

  • Beadlam Grange Farm Shop (near Helmsley)
    • The Speciality: Award-winning Limousin beef from their own farm. Their butchery counter is exceptional, and the deli is packed with local cheeses and handmade pies.
    • Distance: 15 mins drive.
  • Castle Howard Farm Shop
    • The Speciality: High-end local produce, from rare-breed meats to artisan crackers and preserves. It is a wonderful place to stock up on "luxury essentials" for your stay.
    • Distance: 10 mins drive.
  • Hovingham Village Market (1st Saturday of the Month)
    • The Speciality: If your stay coincides with the first Saturday of the month, this award-winning volunteer-run market is a must. It features over 50 stalls of incredibly fresh, hyper-local produce.
    • Distance: 5 mins drive.

A Toast to Yorkshire: Local Craft Ales & Spirits

The Howardian Hills and surrounding moors are home to some of the UK’s most creative independent brewers and distillers.

  • Helmsley Brewing Co.
    • Visit their brewery tap in the heart of Helmsley to try a pint of Howardian Gold or Striding Tom. You can also pick up bottled gift sets to bring back to the cottage.
  • Brass Castle Brewery (Malton)
    • An award-winning "nanobrewery" known for its vegan and gluten-free craft beers. Their taphouse is a hidden gem for beer enthusiasts.
  • Rare Bird Distillery (Malton)
    • If you prefer a G&T, this distillery produces small-batch London Dry Gin right in the centre of town. Their "Gin School" is a fantastic afternoon activity for groups.
  • Sloemotion (Barton-le-Willows)
    • Famous for their Hedgerow Gin and fruit liqueurs made from ingredients foraged from local Yorkshire hedgerows. Their Sloe Gin is the perfect accompaniment to a crisp spring walk.

Top Foodie Tips for Your Stay:

  1. Book Early: Our local restaurants are small and incredibly popular. We recommend booking your tables at the same time you book your cottage!
  2. Taxis: If you plan on enjoying the wine pairings at The Black Swan or Mýse, let us know—we can provide a list of local, reliable taxi firms.
  3. Local Produce: If you prefer to cook in our fully equipped cottage kitchens, visit the local butchers and greengrocers in Helmsley for the freshest ingredients.

 

 

"We highly recommend ordering a local hamper from Beadlam Grange to be ready for your arrival. There is nothing better than arriving at Nunnington to a fridge stocked with Yorkshire bacon, fresh eggs, and artisan butter!"