The Duke of York

Exceptional Service & Dog-Friendly Delight

Stepping into The Duke of York is like entering a buzzing hive of delectable aromas and animated chatter. On a particularly damp Sunday afternoon, the place was nearly bursting at the seams—an eyeful of families with prams, dog lovers basking in their canine-friendly surroundings, and some lone souls tucked away in cozy corners. Gleaming from every corner was an attentive, almost stupendously busy staff who, despite the chaos, welcomed us warmly and swiftly marched us to a lovely spot near the bar. While it might have been easy to get lost in the hum, the staff kept a masterful grip on proceedings, ensuring drinks appeared as if by magic and meals weren't far behind.

The primary allure here is undoubtedly the food. A comforting Sunday roast with flavour-rich meats and generous helpings kept us lock-tight in our dining chairs for much longer than we planned. Though the roast potatoes were indecisively chewy on occasion, any grievances were swiftly allayed with a celestial sticky toffee pudding that demanded applause. As the evening unwound, even the packed frenzy didn’t deny us excellent service with idle gestures like conjuring up custard on request. Even when small hiccups arose, reminiscent of mismatched sides, it was served alongside plenty of smiles, laughter, and an unwavering fondness for the quirky charm only a beloved local pub can offer. In essence, The Duke of York feels like a heartening slice of old-timey boisterousness—where the eats are hearty, mistakes minor, and geniality an ever-present garnish. — Milo Tastemaker