It was a nice day, so togo for a walk seemed like a good idea, particularly as I was stuck on a difficult chapter. I must write a difficult chapter many times if a walk brings us as great a treat as The Kings Arms.
Yes, they could squeeze us in, walking boots and all. so there we sat at a table for two, while conversation buzzed all around. We barely looked at the menu for it would be the usual fabulouspub fare: North Yorkshire pies too large for us but how could we not finish them, and chips too delicious to be left. But no or rather yes, because there was everything from sandwiches to pub food … Oh, crikey, there was also food more commonly guzzled in rather special restaurants.
It seems that Alex Boynton and his father Raymond plus some of the family re-opened The King’s Arms in 2006 as a new venture, Both Alex and Raymond have extensive experience of hotels and restaurants, and importantly, in creating fantastic food.
Raymond after all, was in the hotel and restaurant business for more than 50 years, including owning, with his brother, a successful country inn and restaurant. This is where Alex pitched into the hospitality business, and over the years developed his individual cuisine and hospitality which is now, thank heavens, offered at The Kings Arms.
I kid you not, Alex creates quite superb meals, and thankfully his interest is in producing not airey fairy little bits of Nouvelle Cuisine, though I admit it is all beautifully presented, but his aim is to put before you simple well cooked meals from excellent locally sourced produce, (not hard in North Yorkshire). If that is his intention, then my friends, my waistline says he succeeds.
Whatever your taste, be it meat, fish or vegetarian then walk, cycle or drive – just go, feast. Gluten free, dairy free and vegan – no problem. During the winter season pheasant, venison and duck is on the menu.
Private Dining is available for 8 – 16 people, and you can create a bespoke menu if you have a special party requirement. .
I have Dick at my elbow insisting I tell you about their ales (he’s fussy like that). The Kings Arms offers brewed real ales, and excellent wines and spirits. I can vouch for the wine and now to the grist of the piece.
The question is, what did Dick and Margaret eat?
My friends, it was ambrosia, heaven on a plate. As always we ate a bit of one another’s – just to check out the opposition. All quite delicious.
I had Grassingham duck breast (cooked pink), sauteed mandarins, ginger and potato croquette, while Dick chose Slow roasted lamb shoulder, honey roasted carrots and parsnips, redcurrent reduction.
Honestly, it was superb. So carried away were we that we felt we could easily squeeze in a pud. So indeed we squeezed in white chocolate and raspberry creme brulee with homemade shortbread biscuit. There is no image, because I am a failure and was so busy scoffing I forgot. The shame. But truly it was excellent and I was assured by Alex that it contained absolutely no calories.
Needless to say we staggered home at a much slower pace, and much of the time the talk was off this absolute nugget of gold within walking distance of Thirsk. We will go again, and I promise to take a photo of the pudding.
You can find The Kings Arms (which has bedrooms too) near Thirsk, Northallerton and Ripon, York as well. In Thirsk there is the Herriot Museum, in York, the national railway museum … But enough, drive cycle walk, but just make sure you book a table – lunchtime or evening at The Kings Arms, Sandhutton.
