stat counter
The Cross Keys Inn Barnetby Menu

So, you’ve rolled into Barnetby, a village so small it makes a postage stamp look spacious. Your stomach is growling, and your GPS is having a minor existential crisis. Fear not, traveler, because you’ve landed at the Cross Keys Inn, a pub so old it probably has a beard. This place isn’t just a menu; it’s a culinary performance.

The Mythical "Gastro Pub" Status

First, let’s address the elephant in the room: the Cross Keys Inn calls itself a "gastro pub." That’s fancy chef-speak for "we don’t serve grey meat or chips that have been chewed by a badger." They actually care about what lands on your plate. I half-expected to see a tiny, beret-wearing chef curtsying as my steak arrived—and I was almost disappointed when that didn’t happen.

The Great British Roast War

Their Sunday Roast is the real headliner here. It’s served with a Yorkshire pudding the size of a welly boot, and the gravy is so dark and rich, it looks like liquid ambition. You can get beef, pork, or lamb, and each comes with a battalion of roasted veggies. One bite, and you’ll understand why the cows in the nearby fields look nervous on Saturday nights.

And here’s a surprising fact: they roast their potatoes in beef dripping. That’s not just cooking; that’s a declaration of war on your arteries. But your taste buds will be waving a white flag and singing your arteries' praises.

The "I Can’t Believe It’s Not Fast Food" Section

Moving on to the starters, they have something called "Sticky Chicken Wings." These aren’t just sticky; they’re adhesive. You’ll need a hazmat team to get the sauce off your fingers, but it’s worth it. The seasoning has clearly been smuggled in from a secret spice warlock’s lair.

If you’re feeling posh, try the scallops. They come on a black pudding "crisp," which sounds like a science experiment gone right. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel sophisticated while you secretly lick the plate when no one’s looking.

Menu at Cross Keys Inn pub & bar, Sherburn in Elmet, Hillam LnMenu at Cross Keys Inn pub & bar, Sherburn in Elmet, Hillam Ln

The Main Event: Steaks and Burgers

Their steak selection is a masterpiece of meaty tyranny. You can get a 10oz sirloin that is aged for 28 days. That’s right—this beef has had more time to think about its life than you have. It’s served with a peppercorn sauce that will make you weep tears of joy, and maybe a little bit of regret for not ordering two.

The burgers are similarly dramatic. They offer a "Smokey BBQ" version that is stacked so high, you’ll need to dislocate your jaw like a snake to take a bite. I’m pretty sure they use a construction level to ensure it’s structurally sound.

Vegetarians? We See You (Barely)

Now, for the herbivores in the room, the menu offers one token veggie option: a wild mushroom and truffle risotto. It sounds fancy, but let’s be honest—it’s their way of saying, "We respect your choices, but please let your beef-eating friends have a taste of yours." Still, it’s creamy, earthy, and surprisingly good. You won’t starve, but you might glare at the next table eating steak.

The Cross Keys Inn in Grasby - Restaurant menu and reviewsThe Cross Keys Inn in Grasby - Restaurant menu and reviews

Desserts: The Final Frontier

Oh, the puddings! There’s a sticky toffee pudding that comes with a lake of custard. It’s so decadent, it should be illegal in nine countries. Or a chocolate brownie that’s so dense, you could use it as a doorstop in a hurricane.

My advice? Order the cheeseboard. It comes with a selection of cheeses that have probably been smuggled from a monastery in the Alps. And they serve it with a pot of homemade chutney that tastes like a thousand fruity angels having a party on your tongue.

Final Verdict

So, is the Cross Keys Inn Barnetby menu worth the pilgrimage? Yes. It’s a place where the food is ridiculously good, the portions are generous enough to feed a small village, and the atmosphere is so cozy you’ll consider moving in. Just remember to bring a stretchy pair of trousers. Your waistband will thank you later.