August 2025 by Liz Cammack
We took part in the garden tour experience, including dinner, bed and breakfast in one of the garden rooms. It was our second visit to The Black Swan and another amazing experience.
August 2025 by Susan Todd
I have just had the most wonderful meal at the Black Swan. The Dexter Beef will live long in my memory! The service was faultless. Each course is explained by friendly staff. It was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday and retirement.
July 2025 by Dean Moult
6 stars for service
July 2025 by Alexander
The Black Swan at Oldstead: A Taste of Yorkshire Magic.
Tucked away in the serene North York Moors, near Thirsk, The Black Swan at Oldstead is a Michelin-starred gem that feels wonderfully like home. Head Chef Alice Power leads a team delivering an undeniably delightful experience in this tucked away yet easily accessible spot. It's quiet, intimate, and perfect for savouring every moment.
A Symphony of the Seasons: The tasting menu is a true celebration of hyper-local produce from their own farm and foraged ingredients. All dishes are absolute pearls of flavour and ingenuity.
More Than Just Food: An Unforgettable Ambiance. Beyond the delicious food, The Black Swan shines with its impeccable, warm service and genuinely welcoming atmosphere. It perfectly blends sophisticated dining with a homely feel, making you instantly at ease. Every element, from the rustic charm to the refined dining room, contributes to a comfortable and luxurious experience. This isn't just a meal; it's a sensory journey that leaves you utterly delighted.
Thank you to Alice and the team.
June 2025 by Mike
Don't let the Michelin star fool you, guys. This is a 3 Michelin star restaurant. Every step of the way.
First visit here was over 5 years ago and since then we've been to all the big places. Heston, Gordon, Alain et al .. and we felt this was the best. So we returned to find out if Tommy still had it, and boy does he have it.
Service was exceptional, perfectly attentive staff knew every detail of our party, and every detail of the produce and restaurant.
Wine pairing was the best I've had anywhere.
The food was so original, vibrant, fresh and satisfying and brought me close to tears at times. Highlights being the opener, a Venison tartar tartlette, and the closer, a green strawberry and hay ice cream delight. I'll admit the Sturon onion dish felt under developed and not ready, but I can't mark it down for one dish.
June 2025 by Nina M
I?ve heard about The Black Swan for ages so was so excited to stay the night and try the gorgeous set menu. The kitchen (at time of writing about 50-50 male-female which is so rare in fine dining!) knows what they?re doing.
Most of the produce is grown or sourced locally so it is a true testament to the freshness and variety of Yorkshire?s best.
I love the creativity - everything from the ?fried? langoustine with hollandaise to the scallops with pancetta crisped up to add a delightful crunchy texture. Even the palette cleanser of yoghurt and blackcurrant with spruce was refreshing and creative.
The service was incredible - shout out Charlotte (who was part of the Banks brothers? apprenticeship programme training up locals into fine dining hospitality- LOVE) and Niamh who took excellent care of us.
Wine pairings were delightful - I?m not partial to Chardonnay and there was only one pairing I didn?t love but it did go perfectly with the dish.
I highly recommend staying the night too if you can! The rooms are lovely and the beds so comfy. I?ll definitely be back if I?m so lucky!
April 2025 by James Shapland
Fantastic experience, every bit as good as the hype. The food was unique and delicious, matched by the impeccable service throughout. We enjoyed the soft drink pairing, which was carefully thought through and matched well with the food. Breakfast was superb and the room was cosy and comfortable.
My one very minor comment would be that an additional charge for the scallop dish felt slightly unnecessary when guests are paying what they are for dinner. I think that it should either be included as part of the tasting menu or removed as an option (I should say that it is perfectly reasonable and expected to have the cheese course as an optional add-on). That said, I would highly recommend the restaurant and rooms to anyone and I'm sure we will be back.
April 2025 by T La
We didn?t stay at the hotel - just had dinner at the restaurant. The amuse bouche were really delicious but nothing else was really memorable. Really disappointing considering the price.
April 2025 by Charlie Oldnal
Honestly unbelievable
April 2025 by Alex Jones
Absolutely lives up to the hype. A fantastic restaurant with phenomenal food. The staff were all great and incredibly informative. It's great to learn about the food and wines as you go. The restaurant is jna great location with lovely walks surrounding it for the morning after. Rooms and breakfast are lovely, making the Black Swan a brilliant weekend away
April 2025 by Stewart
The food was simply stunning, beautiful combinations of flavours and the wine flight worked perfectly. Faultless.
The staff were absolutely professional in every way and are a tremendous credit to the business. They made our visit a very special one, and we have truly great memories to take away with us.
Accommodation was excellent too. Staying in the hamlet made for a very special trip.
March 2025 by David Atherton
Yorkshire cooking at its finest. Thoroughly professional, welcoming, friendly. I would go every day if I could.
March 2025 by John McWhirk
We had a scallop dish.....off the scale
March 2025 by Mark Gregory
Unparalleled food and service. First visit to a Michelin starred restaurant and fully met all expectations. Tasting menu and matched drinks absolutely spot on, and all served by a friendly, attentive and knowledgeable team. Quiet rural setting adds to the singular experience.
March 2025 by Nathalia Chalmers
Phenomenal meal and phenomenal service.
