At the heart of Yorkshire’s brewing centre, the rustic stone building of the Black Swan, Masham has stood since the 18th century. The interior showcases many characteristics of times gone by and boasts one of the largest collections of chamber pots, a staggering 250 in volume. Thankfully, the quaint ambience isn’t ruined as they haven’t been used for some time.
For over 60 years, the tenure of the pub has been run by the McCourt family. Surrounded by green hills and serene countryside, on a clear day, visitors have boasted views extending to York Minister, approximately forty miles away.
To start, try the chicken liver pate with a Cumberland sauce, served with malted brown toast and salad, battered cod goujons with tartar sauce and salad or even a Caesar salad sprinkled with crunchy croutons.
Embracing all the pub classics, the Black Swan offers a selection to sate many an appetite; scampi tails with hand cut chips and fresh garden peas or the steak, mushroom and black sheep ale pie. After a long cold winters walk, try the homemade beef, red wine & mushroom lasagne Verdi with garlic ciabatta and salad - to be washed down by one of their many local ales.
The pub also offers an extensive list of walks to work off your dinner. For a great insight into local history, a trek dubbed ‘the druids temple’ guides walkers along a route through old ruins that look similar to a small ‘Stone Henge’ where local stoning’s were carried out centuries ago.