The Abbey Inn, Byland

We had been looking forward to our visit and were disappointed that the experience did not meet our expectations. Given your excellent reputation and premium pricing, we arrived with high expectations. There were certainly aspects of the meal that we enjoyed. We started with the buffalo chicken starter and the pork pie starter, both of which were excellent and very enjoyable. For our mains, we both chose the lasagne. The flavour was delicious; however, we were disappointed by both the presentation and portion size. Visually, the dish looked quite unappetising, and the serving size was no larger than the starters we had enjoyed beforehand. Considering the price point, we expected a more substantial and better-presented main course. In fact, despite ordering a starter, main course and dessert each, we both left still feeling hungry, which is not what we would expect after spending a significant amount on a meal at a restaurant of this calibre. Unfortunately, dessert was also underwhelming. We both ordered the Guinness sundae, which lacked flavour, and the brownie pieces tasted almost stale. The service from some of the younger waiting staff fell below the standard we would expect from an establishment of your reputation. There appeared to be a lack of training and attention to detail. When a 12.5% service charge is automatically added to the bill, customers naturally expect the service to be exceptional. We are fortunate to have many excellent pubs in the area that consistently serve outstanding food at a much lower price point. For that reason, we left feeling disappointed, as the overall experience did not reflect the reputation or cost of dining at the Abbey Inn.

Absolutely fantastic food. Art on a plate that tastes as good as it looks. Lovely environment and perfect garden area to enjoy the views and relax in. Great service, great food and great location. What more could you want. Recommended.

Visited here on the recommended of a friend. Little disappointed unfortunately. The food was nice enought but didn't reflect the cost. A steak at £38 might be an average price but would have expected more than rocket and raw beetroot salad that appeared to be from a salad bag. The chicken dish at £32 was a better choice, nice flavour and tender and sauce were really nice but with vegetables as an extra £6, this was an expensive dish. The room was quite nice, if a little cool but the chairs need attention! The staff however, were very pleasant. Left feeling disappointed at paying nearly £100 (including a 12.5%) service charge for two meals and two drinks which were underwhelming.

We were excited to come for Sunday lunch but left feeling disappointed. The location is as stunning as ever and the staff were friendly and attentive. It was the food that disappointed. The beef wasn’t tasty and the horseradish sauce was very bland. The vegetables were carrot and swede mash and cabbage, perfectly nice but underwhelming for a meal at this price. The roast potatoes were very good. Interestingly the gravy was the same whatever the meat - perhaps not great in a restaurant of this standard. I had the blackcurrant sundae for dessert which was delicious - just could have done to have had a plate under the dish as it was spilling out. This was my first Tommy Banks experience and I’m sorry to say that it didn’t live up to my expectations.

Popped in for a quick glass of wine in the beer garden mid-day through a walk. Looks fantastic inside and the menu looked interesting. I think we will have to schedule a proper visit