'The Fox & Hounds is the stuff of dreams,' enthused one reviewer in The Guardian – and it's easy to understand what he meant. The pub is hidden away down a country lane not far from the seaside razzmatazz of Whitby, and it enjoys breezy views across the moors towards the North Sea. Inside, it comprises a couple of uncompromisingly traditional rooms with beers on tap and blackboards listing the food and most of the wines on offer.

Jason Davies cooked at top-name London addresses such as The Ivy before heading up country, and his arrival has caused something of a sensation in the wild fringes of North Yorkshire. He keeps things simple, buys from local suppliers, organic growers and the Whitby fish merchants, and delivers food that really hits the button.

Dishes change from day to day, but you might kick off with roast langoustines with fennel, chilli and lemon or ham hock terrine before moving on to seared halibut on a bed of porcini with spinach and salsa verde or char-grilled chump of lamb with chick peas and root vegetables. To finish, there's generally just one dessert – perhaps bitter chocolate and almond torte; alternatively, you might prefer cheese. Wines are fairly priced, whether you fancy something from France or the New World.

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Gastro pub / Modern European

Jason Davies

Dinner: 6.30 – 9.00pm Wed-Sat

Visa, Master Card

• Alfresco dining