Pub of the week: The New Inn, Easingwold.

A pub does not need to be open an age to become a good one; that comes with intention. At the New Inn on Long Street in Easingwold they have it in spades.

The inn only opened in June and is housed in what is one of the oldest buildings in the town. The once low, cosy property has spread in both directions, making enough room to have a restaurant area, central bar and a further large lounge.

Where many pubs in this part of Yorkshire have sidelined the drinker for the diner, the New Inn is making room for both. The restaurant offers a familiar and approachable menu. A few twists and turns alleviate any chance of boredom for the kitchen, while providing plenty of old favourites more suited to a good pint than a fine wine.

There are also three changing guest ales alongside the regular beer and ciders, so lessening any chance of tedium for the drinker and there is more than an ample choice of wines.

What sets the New Inn apart, and what drew me in for a second visit, is the welcome emanating from behind the bar and among the staff buzzing around the place. The food is more than acceptable, the beers well kept and enjoyable, but the welcome and warmth found here is a bit of a rare beast these days, yet is so simple to achieve. The New Inn is certainly one to watch.

– Elaine Lemm

The New Inn, 66 Long Street, Easingwold, near York, YO61 3HT. 01347 824007, www.thenewinnateasingwold.co.uk