The Dog and Gun, nr Thirsk

Nov 25 2007 Sunday Sun

EVERY now and again, Mrs Eats hankers after sitting in a traditional pub in picture postcard surroundings.

So — knowing better than to ever accuse her of being fussy — I decided to indulge her, pointing the Eatsmobile in the direction of picturesque Thirsk in North Yorkshire.

Our scenic journey led us to the quaint village of Carlton Miniott, where the idea of sampling the Dog and Gun’s carvery had Mrs Eats licking her lips in anticipation, and I was looking forward to trying their real ales.

The pub — converted from three terrace houses and nestled along the main road — would have been easy to miss as we drove through the village had the ever eagle-eyed Mrs E not spotted the tight turning into the car park.

And, as we entered the pub, we were instantly hit by the delicious smell of the Sunday carvery.

The pub — which was taken over by new management in early summer — has a separate dining area in a large conservatory which must be booked.

The carvery, however, located in the spacious bar area, is available anytime between 12pm and 2pm.

Happy in the knowledge she was not driving, Mrs Eats settled for a glass of the house red, while I plumped for a pint of Bombardier . . . one of the three cask ales on offer.

Judging by the rate at which Mrs E guzzled down her wine — and the appreciative noises that came with it — I guessed that it must have been a pretty good vintage.

Four starters were on offer, including Mrs E’s choice of cream of cauliflower soup, along with pate, melon and mandarin, and the traditional Yorkshire pudding.

She-Who-Must-Be-Fed reported that her soup had a delicious texture, while I found my generous helping of pate with crusty bread very tasty.

After a short break, we plunged headlong into the carvery . . . Mrs E opting for succulent lamb while I went for a generous helping of beef.

The missus was positively gleeful when I timidly suggested she had landed the better bargain by choosing the lamb as my beef was tasty, but a little on the dry side.

And, in typical style, her eyes were bigger than her stomach after heaping crisp roasties onto her plate along with melt-in-the-mouth boiled new potatoes, and creamy leek and carrots.

Although the staff were friendly and attentive, they were a little on the hasty side in removing our plates while I was still contemplating finishing off Mrs Eats’ leftovers!

However, we were more than impressed at the value for money of our £12.95 three-course meal. A two-course lunch costs £9.25, with the carvery on its own costing £6.95.

For dessert, She-Who-Must-Be-Fed chose cranachan . . . a traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, whisky, fresh raspberries and topped with toasted oatmeal.

I, on the other hand, kept it nice and simple and chose the apple sponge. Both desserts were delicious.

V The Dog and Gun is located on the A61 Carlton Road in the village of Carlton Miniott, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire. Carlton Miniott is on the main route to Thirsk. From the A19 follow signs for the A61 to Ripon.