August 17th, 2008
With the family staying over, Dusty and I fancied taking them out somewhere local for a bite to eat that didn’t involve driving. The Cross Keys is a local public house (Pub) in Dunnington near York, so I gave them a call at around 6pm to ask if they were serving food this evening. The lady on the other end wasn’t exactly warm and having asked how many would be eating, said we would need to get there before 7pm as they were fully booked after that.
Rounding up the family and kids, we arrived at the Cross Keys just before 7pm. A couple of smokers were sat on the benches outside and momentarily we wondered whether we should be taking our family with kids in to this place. Once again though, the old research gene fired us on into action; so we entered. This is quite an old fashioned village pub with the bar just in front of you as you enter. To your left a couple of elderly people were playing domino’s sat just in front of the dart board. I suggested to the family that they head straight to the restaurant area while I waited to be acknowledged at the bar. I waited. I waited and then I waited a little longer. Not a glance, how’s you father, nothing. Eventually a young guy came out of the restaurant and asked us to sit in the bar where we could order. He would then show us to our table when the food was ready. The drinks served up were good. Traditional Black Sheep for the brother-in-law, various soft drinks for the kids and a couple of nicely chilled lagers for Dusty and my Sister. My glass of wine, served up on draught (that took me back a few years) was actually drinkable to my surprise.
The young waiter signalled we should now take our seats and at the same time, the food was quickly served. My Garlic Mushroom starter £4.75 was very good and the brother in law dish of mushrooms with Stilton cheese was OK as well. The salad on the side was a little flat though and could have been more imaginative. As Jamie Oliver says, a salad made up of Iceberg lettuce and a slice of cucumber, just doesn’t do these days. One nice touch with the starters was individual freshly baked ‘Hovis’ bread served up on the side. Very nice.
The main quickly followed and while they were being laid I noticed the other tables were slowly starting to fill. The pub itself is a bit on the dark side and could do with a bit of a freshen up. Anyway back to the food. An assortment of vegetables were served up with our various mains (£6.75 – £14.95) of Steak Pie, Roast Chicken and Scampi. The vegetables were very well cooked. Not overdone, just right. The Steak Pie was excellent and I think the kids liked the Scampi, however my roast chicken was small and dry.
We ordered up a couple of deserts (£3.25) for the kids to try and these were OK, but nothing special. Probably from Brake Brothers in my view.
Compared to the Windmill Pub though (read review) that is also in the village, the Cross Keys food was much much better and we will certainly be back to the Cross Keys for a good value and well cooked meal.
Rating. 3 Stars.
Posted in Food and Drink