Crown and Cushion, Welburn

The newest addition to the Provenance Inn chain is the Crown & Cushion at Welburn, near Castle Howard.  More proof, if proof needed, that if you get the formula right there’s a real market and healthy future for village pubs with good food in an agreeable modern setting.

A warren of small rooms have been scrubbed up and given the Provenance treatment with a mix of old and new giving it a fresh new look but without looking too spanking new and polished.

The bar has a tiled floor, a smattering of horse brasserie and a roaring fire while the dining room has exposed brick and a touch more formality. As in all their inns,  they’ve created a cracking private dining room and made the outside appealing too, with attractive planting and good seating.

The menu follows much the same lines as the others in the chain, which is a  bit of a pity, I’m ready for a surprise or two, but hell I’m not going to complain too much about my pea and mint tartlet or toad in the hole made with Taste Tradition sausages and I’ll be back for their rotisserie porchetta and their charcoal grilled steak, for their 7 dishes at £7.95, the specials board and their £24.95 three course Sunday lunch. It’s cracking value and a very pleasant pub in a pretty village. Just the job for refuelling after a walk.