Reviewed by Bill Norrie

A friendly country pub in the small village of Downholme near Richmond North Yorkshire. The pub is actually owned by the MoD since it and the village are located on MoD land.

There is a wide ranging and interesting menu, posted on a large blackboard in the cosy bar. Meal orders are taken in the bar and when starters are ready, you are called to the quiet and comfortable dining room, which adjoins the rear of the pub.

The service throughout the meal was efficient and the young girl waitresses were pleasant and 'chatty'. Despite being quite busy in the dining room, waiting time was minimal.

For my starter, I had baked garlic mushrooms in a creamy sauce, which exceeded all my expectations and the dish was almost a meal in itself ! (Good job I was really hungry!!) I followed with a fillet steak - this was steak to die for - cooked to perfection and so very tender and tasty. Two sauces were available for the steak - pepper and garlic.

The vegetables served were carrots, broccoli and mange tout, which were crisp and again, cooked to perfection. I opted for the sauté potatoes, which were served in an attractive 'Cube' format and complimented the rest of the vegetables, very well.

For dessert, I chose the raspberry trifle and again, no disappointment here. The meal was rounded off with as much coffee as I could drink.

The bill for my meal - just over £26 - not the cheapest, but I can't remember when I had better.

I would recommend that the D&S Times reviewers pay a visit to this little gem and give their taste buds a treat.