Pub Of The Week: The Orchard, Husthwaite

Sad is the country village without a cosy pub. Everyone needs a local and those living in remote rural outposts need it more than most.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Feb 2012, 00:07 BST

The village of Husthwaite was without a pub for a while, so the reopening of The Balmoral in late 2010 came as welcome relief. Since then, though, it’s become much more.

The residents of Husthwaite are undertaking a remarkable project; they are re-populating the village’s depleted stock of apple trees. When Alison Turner bought The Balmoral, she asked if the pub’s orchard could likewise be re-planted. To mark the event she renamed the pub The Orchard. Within a year, the village got its pub back, its apple trees back and, under the banner or Orchards of Husthwaite, a co-operative of villagers are now producing cider from the fruit. The pub is the co-operative’s most enthusiastic client and proudly sells village-produced cider in bottles and barrels.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Cider aside, the pub holds a regular stock of three Yorkshire cask ales and buys as many of its food ingredients as locally as possible. The pub has been converted to attract diners, with a rugged front bar; a comfortable lounge and a rear conservatory extension where more dedicated diners can enjoy a prolonged gustation from the classic pub menu. As Alison does all the cooking herself the menu is kept manageably small but you’d have to be particularly picky to not find something to enjoy. Prices are fair too, £7-£9 for a solid portion.

Please note: The long-term closure of a road into the village means that The Orchard has been forced to stop trading during the day and is closed all of Monday.Dave Lee

THE VERDICT

Welcome***

Drinks selection****

Atmosphere***

Food****

Prices****