THE BLACK Swan in Oldstead has been awarded four Rosettes in the AA’s January restaurant guide announced this week.

Head Chef Tommy Banks, also Britain’s youngest holder of a Michelin-star, has developed a unique style at Oldstead and is committed to local sourcing ingredients predominantly provided by the extensive kitchen garden or foraged close by.

The AA Guide said: “The Black Swan has become a coveted destination restaurant in the region, a remarkable achievement for having been brought about without TV appearances or even a book.”

Simon Numphud, Head of AA Hotel Services, added “The four rosettes restaurants can now classify themselves as among the top restaurants in the country where cooking demands national recognition.”

Having recently undergone an extensive refurbishment, introducing a new kitchen front of house which enables diners to observe first-hand the skills of the wider team, the restaurant aims to combines age-old techniques with dynamic modern innovation.

Tommy said he was supported by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic team, both in the kitchen and front of house.

"Gaining four rosettes is great recognition for how much we have achieved, particularly over the last year," he added.

Last November The Black Swan was ranked 28th in The Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants list.

As a result of this latest accolade, The Black Swan is now the only restaurant in Yorkshire and the North East to hold the highly sought combination of four AA Rosettes and a Michelin Star.