TWO of North Yorkshire’s Black Swans have been adorned with rosettes from the AA.

The Black Swan Hotel in Helmsley and The Black Swan in Oldstead are among just 18 eateries across the country to be awarded three AA Rosettes in the latest prize-giving from the national restaurant and hotel guide.

Simon Numphud, manager at AA Hotel Services, said: “Restaurants serving food of a three Rosette standard are worthy of recognition from well beyond their local area.”

The AA judges describe Helmsley’s Black Swan as “looking rather dapper both outside and in”.

The hotel’s chef Paul Peters is described as “a chef who cooks with a high level of skill and a good deal of creative flair, sourcing the finest Yorkshire ingredients and turning them into dishes that wow with their clearly defined flavours and beautiful presentation”.

Speaking about the restaurant in Oldstead, the judges ask: “What isn’t there to like about The Black Swan?”.

The guide states: “It’s a real family affair, with Tom and Anne Banks working in the bar and restaurant, son James managing front of house and his brother Tom heading up the kitchen.

“It’s no wonder the place has such a homely, friendly feel, further enhanced by the charming period features of the house and the cleverly designed interiors which lend a real sense of luxury to a visit here.”