Dining Out: The New Inn, Thornton-le-Dale

In the picturesque village of Thornton-le-Dale, I headed to one of the pubs to indulge in some classic pub grub.

The New Inn is a classic and traditional pub with wooden beams proudly on show and the warm colours added to the snug and intimate feel.

Despite it being a Monday, there was a couple of other tables dining when we arrived and the pub was surprisingly busy. At a glance it seemed to be at the heart of the community, with old friends chatting away to the staff behind the bar.

The tables and chairs were strong wooden structures but were dressed up with red napkins delicately placed in glasses and the careful and precise positioning of the cutlery added a touch of class.

We all decided to start with a pick from the ‘nibbles’ section. I made this choice thinking I was picking a big main and I always want a dessert.

I went for the pigs in blankets – a delicious dish which is only reserved for Christmas in my house so I decided to treat myself.

I was greeted with a large bowl of the meaty treats, which diminished my hopes of a small starter.

They were probably some of the best pigs in blankets I have ever tasted, I’d quite happily have them on every Christmas dinner for many years to come.

My aunt went for the black pudding fritters with a sweet chilly dip which she said she thoroughly enjoyed.

For mains I had a tough choice picking which dish to go for. I am a rather fussy eater which often makes looking at the menu easy as I can normally rule out at least half the options.

Other than the fish dishes, everything else on the menu sounded like something I’d 
really enjoy.

After a serious deliberation between the steak and the chicken wrapped in bacon with mushroom sauce, I decided to go for the classic 8oz rump steak with homemade chips, mushrooms, tomato and beer battered onion rings.

I couldn’t find fault with it. The rump was well flavoured and cooked just how I like it (medium rare). The chips were a good, substantial size and the onion rings were crisp; the beer batter gave it that something extra.

I ordered some peppercorn sauce to go with it. I’m not sure if it was too overpowering but it tasted different, and it wasn’t a good different. That is, however, my only negative of our entire dining experience.

My cousin went for the spinach, butternut squash and mozzarella tart with chips and salad, and my aunt went for the beef and real ale stew with herb scones, garden peas and chips. Both were really impressed with their dishes and cleared the full plate.

For dessert I indulged in the classic, and my favourite dessert, a sticky toffee pudding.

My expectations of this dish are always extremely high and I was not let down. The butterscotch sauce was nothing short of scrumptious and thankfully there was plenty of it.

The sponge was superb and there was just the right amount of ice cream. I was thoroughly impressed.

I’d certainly recommend the New Inn and I will be returning.

Score: 8 out of 10