"It's a pub," the Durham Ox's owner Mike Ibbottson says firmly when I ask him how he describes his highly successful hostelry.

But it's not 'just any old pub' and both the cuisine and the accommodation are vastly superior to that of any mere pub.

Situated in the attractive village of Crayke and just 13 miles from York, the Durham Ox has just about everything going in its favour.  And never content to rest on their laurels, Mike and his wife Sasha are constantly working to make the "Ox" experience even better.

When I arrive on a sunny but chilly May afternoon, I'm greeted by Sasha, who's busy gardening.  She breaks off from planting surfinias to fetch my room key and shows me to one of the four cottage-style rooms which have been converted from former outbuildings.

My room is delightful, oh-so-pretty with a reasonable sized sitting area leading to a large, comfortable bed tucked away in an alcove.

I love the 'country chic' style of simple cream and blue decor combined with bare woods, and it's the kind of room one looks forward to curling up in.   L'Occitane toiletries in the spotless bathroom are an additional luxury treat.

The Durham Ox has plenty of outdoor seating where one can enjoy al-fresco dining or a pint, either next to the pond or alternatively on the deck under the huge canopy.

As I cross the decking, I can't help but notice the large rotisserie being installed, and I later learn this is so the Ibbottsons' can serve freshly cooked meats - chickens and suckling pig feature in Mike's plans.

Inside, the pub is cosy and inviting.  With its wood and stone flag flooring, and natural wood tables in the bar and bar-dining area there's nothing remotely pretentious about the Ox.  Even the more formal dining room, which is carpeted, has been stripped of its linen table cloths to allow the rich wood hues of the tables to shine through.  But they do put linen napkins on all the tables.

I'm eating in the bar dining room and it's a hard task to choose from the wonderful sounding dishes on the menu. And that's before I peruse the various blackboards hung around the fireplace heralding the day's specials.

The food at the Durham Ox is a glorious combination of modern and traditional British fayre. It's not dressed up as something it isn't and it hasn't been 'faffed' with.

Instead it's simply top notch food that's well prepared and served in extremely generous quantities.  And with quality this good, each dish is worth every single penny; the old adage "you get what you pay for" certainly holds true here.

By far the most extravagant dish on the menu, the Chateaubriand to be shared by two, is to die for.  As is the steak frites; a scrumptious rib-eye served with Bearnaise sauce and skinny fries that's one of the Ox's best selling dishes.  And the treacle tart with lemon curd ice cream for pud? Just heavenly.

It's certainly not rocket science to work out why the Durham Ox is so popular.  Fantastic food + wonderfully relaxed atmosphere + first class service = great time guaranteed.  Anyone who loves food should make a point of visiting this establishment tout de suite.  Please don't all go at once though, or there won't be room for me.

Practicalities

The Durham Ox
Westway,
Crayke,
York,
YO61 4TE

Telephone: 01347 821506

Yorkshire Life Traditional Pub of the Year 2008-2009
AA Pub of the Year Winner 2007-2008

Getting there:  Off the A19 via Easingwold, or take the B1363 out of York.

By public transport, there are infrequent services from the Theatre Royal Stop E, St Leonard's Place, York City Centre which call at Crayke.  Service number is 40, operator Reliance Motor Services.

Notes:  Mike and Sasha Ibbotson and The Durham Ox are proud sponsors of an annual walk in aid of the Retired Greyhound Trust, a worthy charity that re-homes former racing greyhounds which make wonderful (and extremely lazy!) pets. 

Published 21/05/08