The Longboat, Blossom Street, York (From York Press)

The Longboat, Blossom Street, York

11:22am Saturday 26th June 2010 in Food & Drink By Graeme Robertson

WE HAD to look twice at the advert outside the Premier Inn. Did it really mean two main courses for £10? If so would the choice be limited and the portions small?

There is a comprehensive menu itemising baguettes (£5 - £5.25), sandwiches (£4), jacket potatoes, burgers, fish and pasta. For an extra £1, a bowl of chunky chips or soup can be added.

As for the special menu, there was plenty of choice including scampi or Wiltshire cured ham and eggs with chunky chips. For vegetarians, there is Quorn chilli, basmati rice, sour cream with nachos or spinach and ricotta ravioli with tiger bread.

We ordered and paid at the bar and waited about ten minutes before our selection appeared, obviously cooked to order.

Ann was presented with a large bowl of grilled chicken and Caesar salad. Although there were just too many leaves for her she complimented the excellent chicken, cheese and croutons. I was equally delighted with the three pork, leek and bacon sausages with mashed potato, garden peas, onion marmalade and delicious gravy.

So that was it for £10 – with very adequate helpings. However, Ann spotted a tasting plate (£4.99) on the sweet menu. This was too good an opportunity to miss. We had no regrets in choosing profiteroles, Eton mess and lemon tart for our trio ignoring the vanilla cheesecake, Belgian waffles and chocolate tart.

We were delighted with the quality and value not forgetting surroundings. On Sunday, there is a one-course roast lunch of pork, beef or turkey for £7.99. A second course adds £2 and a three course meal costs £11.99. We may be there tomorrow.