Sunday Lunch (Hayride)

We'd promised to treat my brother to lunch on completion of the Beverley 10k but hadn't booked anywhere as we weren't sure what his finishing time would be. After a great race, in which he posted a respectable time just over the hour mark, we set off for the Toby Carvery in Willerby. We were confident of getting a table as it was after 2pm but couldn't even get in the car park. We also tried the Millhouse at Skidby on the way back but again, it looked enormously busy. Instead, we headed to the Hayride in Grange Way, Beverley, which we thought was another Toby Carvery. It's actually part of the Fayre and Square chain but as there was room to park and a table for four to be had, we decided to give it a try. Already starving, we didn't spend much time on the menu, swiftly ordering a roast beef dinner for Kasper and me, a large chicken dinner for James and a burger for my brother. I was really impressed with the decor and ambience while we waited, there is a large double-height ceiling at one end of the pub, flagstone flooring and designer lighting. Everything was also spotlessly clean, noticeably the menus themselves - there is nothing more off putting than picking up a scruffy, sticky and stained bit of card to choose your meal from - but there was none of that here. It was also busy - another good sign - and the plates being served to other tables looked good enough. When our meals arrived we weren't disappointed either - plenty of vegetables and gravy served with tasty meat for those of us having a roast and a decent burger and chips at the other side of the table.

A decent meal and at under £30 for all four of us, including drinks, it delivered far more on quality than the price might suggest. Keen to try more, I ordered the profiteroles for afters - just £2.59 - and an ice cream sundae for Kasper (£1.29).

This added to the bill but meant the entire meal still came in at well under £35 - partly because of the all day, every day two for £10 deal which applies to most mains - no booking or vouchers required. Oh, and the staff and service were excellent too. I would certainly go back - if only to try the amazing sounding cookie dough pizza dessert.