The Crown Inn at Roecliffe, a beloved fixture of the Yorkshire countryside, has always been a gem. But with the return of Karl and Amanda Mainey, who also own The Tickled Trout in Bilton in Ainsty, it feels as though the heart of the Crown is beating stronger than ever.
We were welcomed by the general manager, Marius, whose friendly and attentive manner set the tone for a delightful evening. We started with the Tempura calamari and whitebait, accompanied by a saffron aioli and a wedge of lemon (£9.95). This sharing dish was a perfect prelude to what was to come. The calamari was wonderfully crisp, with just the right amount of crunch. The whitebait, equally crispy, was seasoned to perfection. The saffron aioli was a luxurious touch and a squeeze of lemon added the final bright note, making for a refreshing start.
For starters, I chose the Little Fish Tacos (£13.95), a dish that showcased a trio of crispy king prawn, cured salmon, and soft shell crab. The tacos were a vibrant mix of textures and flavours, with each component bringing something unique to the plate. The king prawn was crispy and succulent, the cured salmon was silky and rich, and the soft-shell crab provided a delightful crunch with a sweet, tender interior. The tacos were served with just the right amount of garnish, enhancing rather than distracting from the seafood. It was a playful and satisfying dish that set a high bar for the rest of the meal.
My partner, Sharon, opted for the Fresh Queenie Scallops, baked with garlic and Gruyère (£11.95), a special from the board. The scallops were a triumph, perfectly cooked and tender, with the Gruyère adding a nutty richness that elevated the dish. The garlic was present but not overpowering, allowing the natural sweetness of the scallops to shine through. This dish was served hot and bubbling, a comforting and indulgent start that left us eager for more.
For the mains, I couldn’t resist the Summer Seafood Platter (£28.95), a bountiful selection that included tempura prawns, an oyster, soft shell crab, prawn cocktail, haddock goujons, fries, and salad. This platter was a seafood lover’s dream, offering a little bit of everything. The tempura prawns were as delightful as the calamari from earlier, while the soft-shell crab continued to impress with its delicate crunch. The oyster was fresh and briny, a perfect contrast to the rich prawn cocktail. The haddock goujons were light and crispy, and the fries and salad rounded out the platter, making it a filling and thoroughly enjoyable main course.
Sharon chose the R&J 28-day aged rib-eye steak (£31.95), served with roast cherry tomatoes, a watercress, walnut, and parmesan salad, pepper sauce, and triple-cooked chips. The steak was cooked to perfection, tender and full of flavour, with the pepper sauce adding a subtle heat that complemented the richness of the meat. The salad was a refreshing side, with the walnuts adding a nice crunch and the parmesan a salty kick. The triple-cooked chips were golden and crispy, the perfect accompaniment to a classic dish.
To finish, I indulged in the Crown Inn Sticky Toffee Pudding (£8.95), served with butterscotch sauce and vanilla pod ice cream. This dessert was everything you could want from a sticky toffee pudding - rich, moist, and utterly comforting. The butterscotch sauce was sweet and decadent, while the vanilla pod ice cream added a creamy, refreshing contrast. My partner’s Crepe Suzette (£8.95) was equally impressive, with orange fillets, French brandy, caramel, and ice cream coming together in a dish that was both light and indulgent, a perfect end to a wonderful meal.
The Crown Inn at Roecliffe is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where traditional Yorkshire hospitality meets culinary excellence. With Karl and Amanda Mainey at the helm, and Marius ensuring that every guest feels welcome and well cared for, it’s clear that the Crown is in very safe hands. Highly recommended!
Contact us
The Crown Inn at Roecliffe
Bar Lane, Roecliffe, York YO51.
Tel. 01904 463235
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