THE PLOUGH INN, ALLERTHORPE

There’s been a game of musical chairs since I last visited The Plough Inn in the little village of Allerthorpe, near Pock. Mine hosts Dan and Harriet have moved to The Gait at Millington (because Stuart and Helen retired), so Jake and Kirsty have taken the reins at The Plough, having moved from The Black Swan at Asselby. I don’t know who’s now at The Black Swan. I can’t know everything.

As a side note, apparently The Gait no longer does the legendary steak pie. It seems Helen offered the recipe so the pie could live on but it was refused and has retired with her. I know that, for those of you familiar with the greatest pie on earth, this may be distressing news. It certainly was for me.

Back in Allerthorpe, there have been other changes. A lick of paint, new tables and chairs, ‘‘dining pods’’ (sheds, basically) in the beer garden and a menu now consisting of some notable new options. Honey mustard pigs in blankets with cranberry sauce and buffalo coated cauliflower fritters with blue cheese dip immediately grab the attention and satisfy the palate.

And the pork and stuffing sandwich (to be found on the specials) is well worth 20 minutes of your time.

There was nothing wrong with the menu before, of course. Nor with the furniture or walls, as I recall. But new management means new ways and Jake and Kirsty seem more than able, so good luck to them. The pub is still dog friendly and opens six days a week from midday.

■ The Plough Inn, Main Street, Allerthorpe, York, YO42 4RW. Tel: 01759 302349.