Following the change in ownership, I visited The Cottage Inn pub in Haxby.
I used to frequently visit this establishment under the previous owners and was saddened to hear of the change, but with new owners comes new ideas so was excited to visit.
The pub had a strong reputation in the community for its diverse menu, it’s Sunday roast and warm, homely atmosphere.
However, after my most recent visit, I regret to say that I will not be returning and do not recommend it to others.
What Is The Cottage Inn, Haxby?
Situated in the charming village of Haxby, York, the Cottage Inn is under the ownership of the Chameleon Pub Group.
This large traditional pub features a spacious outdoor seating area at both the front and back with a modern but historical decor.
Renowned for its delicious Sunday roast, this British pub has recently undergone a change in management.
Food at Cottage Inn, Habxy
My partner and I opted for two starters and two main courses.
We chose the Chicken Goujons with BBQ sauce and Halloumi Fries with sweet chilli for our starters.
Regrettably, my partner found the chicken strips to be lacking in flavor, while my experience with the halloumi was disappointing as it tasted like dirty fryer oil, and the texture was hard and dry.
The main courses we ordered was a southern fried chicken burger with chips and extra cheese, and a hunters chicken Parma with chips for myself.
To our dismay, the quality of the mains was appalling too.
The so-called southern fried chicken burger turned out to be 5 chicken strips smothered in cheese, attempting to disguise the fact that it was not a burger.
Additionally, the onion rings were blackened, clearly forgotten about when cooking but still served up.
As for my hunters chicken, it looked appealing at first glance, but the reality was quite different.
The breaded chicken was tough and tasted like you guessed it dirty oil, while the béchamel sauce coating was cold.
The half-hearted garnish seemed like a random assortment of leftovers thrown onto the plate. I was left puzzled by the inclusion of a slice of orange with a hunters Parma.
I wouldn’t have minded if the food had been affordable and convenient, but it was far from.
It was evident that the new kitchen and menu lacked any experience in the industry.
My Drinks at Cottage Inn, Haxby
Upon entering the pub, i ordered a round of drinks at the bar.
I requested a pint of cola and a pint of dark fruits.
The barman inquired about adding ice to the cola but neglected to offer any fruit. Unfortunately, the dark fruits had just run out, so he had to change the barrel.
When poured my pint lacked liveliness, I refrained from complaining as the barman was already having a hard time with the till system.
My Service at Cottage Inn, Haxby
From the moment we stepped into the Cottage Inn, we didn’t feel welcomed. While waiting at the bar, there was no greeting or hello, just a vacant stare.
After ordering our drinks, it was apparent that both the new manager and bar staff were still adjusting to the new till system.
When I requested menus to order food, they were not offered or on tables.
I approached the bar again to ask where they were to be handed a grubby paper menu with scribbles all over it, something more fitting for a corner street cafe than a branded pub.
Although the food was promptly served, we were not checked on, and our plates were left uncleared.
It’s clear that the staff need proper training, and the new management should have taken the time to ensure that the staff were thoroughly trained before rushing the reopening.
The Ambiance at The cottage Inn, Haxby
The ambiance is tranquil and inviting, making it an ideal gathering place for friends and families to reconnect, with traditional pub elements adding to its charm.
The decor beautifully reflects the village’s history, offering a glimpse into the community’s evolution over the years, creating a warm and homely atmosphere within the pub.
Subtle background music enhances the pub’s atmosphere, allowing for easy conversation and an enjoyable dining experience throughout the establishment.
Where To Park?
The Cottage Inn provides ample parking space that is under surveillance.
Signs throughout the pub serve as reminders to register your car, with the registration tablet conveniently located at the bar.
In the event of forgetting to register, a fine may be issued.
However, if you can provide evidence of being at the pub during the specified time, the pub has the ability to cancel the fine.
New Menu at The cottage Inn, Haxby
Starters
| Dish 🍽️ | Price |
|---|---|
| SOUP OF THE DAY (With a warm crusty roll) | £5.50 |
| CRISPY CHICKEN GOUJONS (With a BBQ dip) | £6.50 |
| PRAWN COCKTAIL (With Marie Rose sauce, brown bread) | £6.50 |
| GARLIC MUSHROOMS (With a warm ciabatta) | £6.50 |
| HALLOUMI FRIES (With a sweet chili dip) | £5.50 |
Main Courses
| Dish 🍽️ | Price |
|---|---|
| LASAGNE (Served with salad & garlic bread) | £11.95 |
| PIE OF THE DAY (Served with chips, peas & gravy) | £14.95 |
| HUNTERS CHICKEN (Served salad & chips) | £13.95 |
| SCAMPI (Served with salad, chips & peas) | £12.95 |
| FISH & CHIPS (Served with mushy or garden peas) | £13.95 |
| COTTAGE PIE (Served with seasonal vegetables & gravy) | £13.95 |
| CHILLI CON CARNE (Served with rice & cream) | £11.95 |
| MEATBALLS (Served with pasta & garlic bread) | £11.95 |
Cottage Curries
All served with Naan bread, rice, poppadom’s & mango chutney.
| Item 🍽️ | Price |
|---|---|
| CHICKEN/LAMB KORMA | £12.95 |
| CHICKEN/LAMB TIKKA | £12.95 |
| CHICKEN/LAMB MADRAS | £12.95 |
| CHICKEN/LAMB JALFREZI | £12.95 |
From The Grill
| Dish 🍽️ | Price |
|---|---|
| 10oz SIRLION STEAK | £18.95 |
| 12oz RIB EYE STEAK | £19.95 |
| SURF & TURF | £19.95 |
| MIXED GRILL | £24.95 |
| 12oz GAMMON STEAK (Topped with egg or pineapple) | £13.95 |
| THICK CUT PORK CHOPS | £15.95 |
Cottage Parmos
The dish features a prime chicken breast coated in breadcrumbs, deep-fried, and then topped with bechamel sauce and cheese before being grilled. It is accompanied by a side of triple-cooked chips, salad, and garlic mayonnaise.
| Dish 🍽️ | Price |
|---|---|
| TRADITIONAL PARMO | £12.95 |
| HOT SHOT PARMO | £14.95 |
| HUNTERS PARMO | £14.95 |
| CHICKEN KIEV PARMO | £14.95 |
The Cottage Sunday Roast
| Served every Sunday |
| Choice of 3 meats 🍽️ |
| Served with mash potatoes, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, cauliflower cheese, home made Yorkshire pudding, stuffing and tasty meat juice gravy. |
| Regular £12.95, Large £14.95, Mixed £15.95, Childs £7.95, Senior £7.95 |
| Served Sunday ONLY |
Kids Meals
| Kids Meals 🍽️ | Price |
|---|---|
| KIDS MINI PIZZA | £6.00 |
| CHICKEN NUGGETS | £6.00 |
| SAUSAGE | £6.00 |
| FISH FINGERS | £6.00 |
Vegetarian
| Item 🍽️ | Price |
|---|---|
| VEG LASAGNE | £13.95 |
| VEG CURRY | £13.95 |
| VEG CHILLI | £12.95 |
| VEG BURGER | £12.95 |
| HALLOUMI BURGER | £12.95 |
Cottage Burgers
| Cottage Burgers 🍽️ | Price |
|---|---|
| CLASSIC BEEF BURGER (Plain & simple) | £11.95 |
| COTTAGE BURGER (Burger with cheese & bacon) | £12.95 |
| ULTIMATE BURGER (Cheese, bacon, hashbrown, onion rings, egg) | £14.50 |
| CLASSIC CHICKEN BURGER (Plain & simple) | £12.95 |
| SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN BURGER | £12.95 |
| SPICY CHICKEN BURGER | £13.45 |
Paninis & Sandwiches
| Dish🥪 | Price |
|---|---|
| CHEESE & TOMATO PANINI | £8.95 |
| CHICKEN & ONION PANINI | £8.95 |
| BBQ CHICKEN PANINI | £8.95 |
| SWEET CHILLI CHICKEN PANINI | £8.95 |
| CHEESE & PICKLE SANDWICH | £8.95 |
| CHEESE & ONION SANDWICH | £8.95 |
| TUNA MAYO SANDWICH | £8.95 |
| SALMON & CUCUMBER SANDWICH | £8.95 |
| HAM SALAD SANDWICH | £8.95 |
| CHICKEN MAYO & BACON SANDWICH | £8.95 |
What You Need To Know
Opening times:
| Days | Opening Times |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 12–11 pm |
| Thursday | 12–11 pm |
| Friday | 12–11 pm |
| Saturday | 12–11 pm |
| Sunday | 12–10:30 pm |
- Address: 115 The Village, York YO32 2ZB
- Contact number: 07523 243327
- Email: Thecottage@wjs-group.com
FAQ
Is The Cottage Inn Haxby Dog Friendly?
Yes, The Cottage Inn is dog friendly inside and out. They also have free dog treats on the end of the bar.
Does The Cottage Inn Haxby Have Disable Access?
Yes, there is disable access into the pub at the front and back. They also have disable parking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite the historical charm and potential of the Cottage Inn, the overall experience fell short of expectations. From the disappointing quality of the food and service to the lack of attention to detail, it’s regrettable to say that I won’t be returning in the future.
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