The Black Swan

The Black Swan

Overview

Set in the tiny hamlet of Oldstead, North Yorkshire, The Black Swan is a celebrated destination where food-centric stays take top billing. This family-run inn, with a Michelin star and Green Star, bridges the charm of a rustic, whitewashed country pub and the innovation of boundary-pushing modern British cuisine. It's ideal for couples or small groups seeking a refined weekend break combining comfort, culinary excitement and the North York Moors’ wild beauty.

Eat

Dining at The Black Swan is a singular experience, defined by the vision of chef Tommy Banks and his family. The tasting menu is the only offering at dinner, showcasing a deeply seasonal approach: ingredients foraged, grown and reared on their own land or hyper-locally sourced. Dishes are imaginative but never faddish—think heritage vegetables, rare breed meats and house-preserved elements. Service is polished yet informal, and the kitchen team’s creativity shines through plates such as garden-fresh herbs with local lamb, or sweet strawberrry and woodruff desserts. With both a Michelin star and a Green Star for sustainability, the restaurant champions flavour led by the rhythms of the soil and seasons. The dining room’s relaxed, wood-accented ambience complements the food, making for an intimate but unstuffy treat.

Sleep

The Black Swan offers a small selection of well-appointed, stylish rooms upstairs and in converted outbuildings. Expect organic materials, soothing tones, thoughtful comforts and plenty of contemporary touches—cosy throws, statement lamps, local artwork. En-suite bathrooms, farm views and little luxury extras make each stay feel personal. This is a haven for food lovers who want the full experience, and the setting makes it easy to unplug. Some rooms are dog-friendly, and breakfast is as carefully considered as dinner.

Retreat

A stay here is really about unwinding between memorable meals and connecting with the landscape. Guests can wander the on-site kitchen gardens or arrange a guided tour to learn about the inn’s innovative growing methods. Beyond Oldstead, miles of North York Moors walking trails, Rievaulx Abbey, and the pretty market town of Helmsley (around 6 miles, about 15 minutes’ drive) are on the doorstep. Parking is on-site, and the nearest mainline rail stations are Thirsk or York, both within 40 minutes by car. After a day’s ramble, return for drinks by the fire or another parade of inventive, season-led flavours that have put The Black Swan and Oldstead on every modern foodie’s map.