A flavour-packed feast at The Crown at Roecliffe

Tucked away in the idyllic village of Roecliffe, near Boroughbridge, The Crown Inn is a picture-perfect country pub that blends rustic charm with exceptional cuisine.

A longstanding local favourite, this independently owned gem is run by Karl and Amanda, who also own the much-loved Tickled Trout in Bilton-in-Ainsty. Their flair for hospitality and passion for seasonal, flavour-driven food shines through in every detail.

We visited on a lovely spring evening and were greeted with a lovely surprise to start: homemade bread served with marmite butter. The bread was warm and fluffy, and even for those unsure about marmite, set the tone for the night: bold flavours with a thoughtful twist.

To begin, my partner chose the crisp fried belly pork (£12.95), tossed in sweet soy, fresh lime and Asian vegetables.

The contrast between the crunchy exterior and tender interior of the pork was spot on, with the tangy lime cutting through the richness beautifully. Alongside this, I indulged in the giant seafood vol au vent (£13.95), generously filled with monkfish, scallops, king prawns and mussels in a luxurious saffron sauce; decadent yet perfectly balanced.

For the main event, my partner couldn’t resist the show-stopping fresh seafood platter (£29.95). This bountiful board featured Queenie scallops, tempura prawns, oysters, soft shell crab, prawn cocktail, smoked salmon, haddock goujons, fries and salad. It was not only visually stunning but each element was fresh and full of flavour. A dish ideal for sharing, especially if you’re looking to sample a variety of seafood favourites.

I opted for the Tasting of Yorkshire Dales Beef (£32.95), which was a real highlight. The plate offered a medley of aged beef fillet, crispy beef shortrib, a miniature cottage pie, ‘beef quavers’ and heritage carrots, all brought together with rich, reduced pan juices. A standout dish for meat lovers. Though comfortably full, dessert was too tempting to pass up. We shared the toffee banoffee and banana (£8.95), which featured a biscuit base, luscious banoffee sauce, caramelised banana, cream and a sprinkle of chocolate crumb. It was indulgent without being overly sweet, the perfect ending to a flawless meal.

The service throughout was warm, erudite and genuinely enthusiastic. It’s clear the team takes great pride in what they do, from the front of house to the kitchen. With the launch of four new en-suite bedrooms just around the corner in June/July 2025, The Crown is set to become not only a destination for exceptional dining but a complete countryside escape. Each room has been thoughtfully designed to blend comfort with character, ideal for overnight guests wanting to enjoy Roecliffe’s peaceful charm and the pub’s outstanding menu at leisure.

Whether you’re there for a casual lunch, a celebratory dinner, or planning an overnight stay in the Yorkshire countryside, this charming inn continues to impress. It remains one of Excelle Magazine’s most highly recommended dining destinations.

Contact us

The Crown Inn at Roecliffe

Main Street, Roecliffe, YO51 9LY

Tel. 01423 322 300

www.thecrowninroecliffe.co.uk