The Cross Keys, Dunnington — Restaurant in England

Been several times since the new management took over and have been left with mixed feelings each time. On one occasion we went for Sunday dinner, the food was ok, not very hot but other than that can’t grumble. The atmosphere wasn’t fitting of a Sunday afternoon though, there was a live musician sat right in the middle of the floor amongst people, playing loudly and trying to chat to people who were eating. Couldn’t hear each other talk across the table. When you’ve met up with friends or family to have dinner you want to be able to just chat to each other not have to shout. Lighting is always dark, they have cool white bulbs in the fittings which make it feel a bit clinical too. Not much on the tables always very bare so it just feels a bit off and not like a warm cosy village pub, atmosphere is more like a drinkers pub not a foody pub. It feels like it’s unfinished. Other occasions we have been and sat outside with the kids, bouncy castle is brilliant but there’s some children affiliated with the pub (walking in and out of the house next door which I believe is the landlords and in and out of the rear door to the pub kitchen so I can only assume they are affiliated) who kept asking my 6 year old to get off the bouncy castle and were generally being mean to her. There’s a couple of frenchie dogs roaming around freely so although it’s a ‘dog friendly’ pub, if your dog is nervous of other dogs then I wouldn’t bring them. I was there last night and one of the frenchies got into a scrap with a larger dog who was sat at their table on lead, minding it’s own business. No apology given to the larger dog owners when the lady eventually came to pick up the frenchie, in fact she appeared to be miffed at them. People walking in and out of the back kitchen door who clearly aren’t working, ladies with long hair swishing around, one lad walked out of the rear pub doors with his hands down his pants and straight into the rear kitchen doors for a chat with whoever was in there. Nice. All in all feels like there is potential, really glad to see some life being breathed into the place but I think the new management need to decide what kind of pub it is as it feels a bit all over the place. And also stop friends/family treating it like an extension of their...

Your pub is in a whole long list of fine old pubs on a reviews page to go in decour looks great and still remains the same with old charm with a barman who I will add too a long list of very friendly barmen in many other drinking establishments.

I do feel and have said this too the man I was with that night that it is a shame that Dunnington only has one pub to go to but saying that well your pub will be the first pub all of the local Dunnington people will go to and no nipping up too Stamford Bridge into York City centre for a Pint or a half a pint elsewhere.

Love too add this and mention this picture of England football team it was really worth supporting England Football team back then in 1966 and can only Boo them for loosing in June 2022. keep that picture up and chin up and they will be great at...

Food was 10/10. Barman service was a 10/10. He checked on me & my wife to ensure we were enjoying our meals. Always a nice touch in restaurants. Barman was also very happy to substitute items in our meal. Chef was very skilled in cooking - food was extremely delicious & lovely presentation on the plate. Seating area was well laid out & comfy seats. Noticed there was also a pool table in a seperate large area right next to the bar, far enough away from those dining which is perfect. Very good value for money as well. Paid £45 including tip for 2 meals & 2 drinks, one of which meals was a Sirloin steak. So very good price. Only disappointment was the gents toilets. I’m sure the light in the cubicle was not working. Other than that minor inconvenience. Great restaurant, and would definitely return when...