York pub launches squirrel pie

A York pub has added squirrel pie to its menu.

Andy Cross, who runs The Black Swan with wife Stephanie, told The Press that the dish is extremely popular with diners.

He explained that the idea for the pie came from his wife, adding: "She read something about it and then unearthed some recipes.

"Basically, I think it tastes like a strong rabbit, it's just a more meaty taste. People were ringing up specially to see if we had the pies on."

He added that each £7.95 pie is made from one-and-a-half animals because "there's not a great deal of meat on a squirrel".

The skinned squirrels are braised for three hours and are combined with a pint of Hobgoblin ale, onions, leeks, cabbage and potatoes. They are served in a pastry crust featuring pine nuts with vegetables and mash.