Comprehensively knocked through, stripped back & smartly refurbished, the Carpenters Arms is one of three pubs acquired by the owners of the venerable Durham Ox at Crayke. Blood-red walls, open fires, polished tables & jugs of flowers set the scene for sturdy dishes of ham hock & homemade piccalilli or a deliciously retro clam shell filled with queen scallops, garlic, parsley & melted Gruyère. Nobody leaves hungry after clearing a platter of spicy, sticky pork ribs served with coleslaw, skinny fries & a pan of homemade spicy beans or even sea bass with hollandaise sauce & new potatoes. For something more restrained, try a salad of beetroot & goats’ cheese in a terrific honey & mint dressing – made with ingredients from the glorious Mount St John Estate up the road. Lovely puds & a full veggie menu suggest this newcomer means business.