From the new-look Angel Inn to the champagne and seafood terrace at The Devonshire Arms, foodies travelling to the county are spoilt for choice
The cool country stay
The Angel Inn at Hetton in Wharfedale has been transformed by chef patron Michael Wignal and his wife Johanna to create a very cool and desirable gourmet getaway. They promise a spectacular space, amazing landscape at the door – and of course Michelin food to die for. Their style is casual and contemporary, and the new Angel is all about great food. With a couple of Michelin stars under his belt, Michael is always going to deliver memorable food – our writer Sabrina Ghayour recently paid a visit recently an said it was the best meal she’d had in a year! Expect unique dishes full of flavour, underpinned by a contemporary, less formal approach to fine cuisine. The place has been packed to rafters since re-opening but you can book in for a Gourmet Getaway package with an overnight stay, six course tasting menu and a hearty English breakfast the following morning, from £162.50 per person.
For outdoor luxe
The new Laurent Perrier Champagne and Seafood Terrace at The Devonshire Arms wows in terms of location, space and food. A cute vintage French van is the heavenly home for bottles of Laurent Perrier fizz to accompany the terrace’s showcase seafood menu. Cleverly created with distancing in mind, the seating area is beneath a sweeping canvas roof with open side and views towards the River Wharfe with gentle pathways to Bolton Abbey. The terrace promises to come into its own on balmy autumn evenings with twinkly lights and plenty of atmosphere. There are cosy blankets to keep the breeze away while you ponder a menu full of seafood pleasures – from oysters to lobster to caviar, not to mention crab toastie or deep fried cod cheeks.
Meet the new chef
At Helmsley’s Feversham Arms, Adam Jackson had just taken over as executive chef when Covid-19 kicked in and dining as we knew it was stopped in its tracks. Now the Fev is back up and running so foodies can experience his skilled hand in the kitchen. Adam brings more than 20 years’ experience to the new venture, including a Michelin star as head chef at The Black Swan, Oldstead; three rosettes as executive chef at Sutton Park, Sutton-the-Forest and three rosettes held for five years at The Park, York. He says, ‘We’re creating an á la carte and tasting menu with vegetarian and pescatarian options as well as developing a wholesome, healthy-eating spa menu with fresh, local ingredients. The hotel has a great reputation and I’m looking forward to taking customers, old and new on an exciting food journey.’
For an Indian summer
North Yorkshire’s stylish country retreat, Middleton Lodge Estate, makes the living easy in a relaxed outdoor dining space that ticks all the distancing boxes. An all-new outdoor dining area will serve a seasonal menu devised by chef Gareth Rayner into September. With an eye on balamy evenings, stretch tent has been positioned over The Coach House courtyard, where restaurant and hotel guests can dine out in the open air for breakfast, lunch and dinner overlooking the Estate grounds. It makes a peaceful outdoor setting, with relaxed lighting and natural colour tones. The new menu is inspired by ingredients from the Estate’s everchanging kitchen garden with dishes including dishes include beetroot & horseradish cured salmon with garden flowers, Moroccan chicken & carrot salad with cous cous & coriander’, and for dessert, Bakewell tart with cherry sorbet. A summer wine and garden cocktail menu complements the dishes.
Head for the hills
We’ve learned to love solitude but it’s still nice to head for the hills and a different view. Way over near Settle in Austwick lies The Traddock, a country-house with charm, fresh air and big spaces to explore, including cycle paths and deep caves. The style is traditional with a cool twist, so some rooms are comfortingly calm, others cool and contemporary. Enjoy a pint and a game of Scrabble or relax with the papers or a good book. Downstairs, a white-washed sitting room opens onto the garden for afternoon tea, while delicious food waits in the restaurant with ambitious menus piled with seasonal and local ingredients. During September and October there’s a food lovers’ midweek break on offer. Austwick is also home to one of the best cheese shops around, The Courtyard Dairy. Fill your basket!
The restful retreat
Championing itself as ‘Yore Safe Haven (see what they did there?), staff at the charming Yorebridge House in Bainbridge, Wensleydale, have spent the late spring and summer transforming its outside space and building to ensure welcoming and safe spaces for visitors. Al fresco dining is an option thanks to new outdoor heaters, fire pits and comfy garden furniture. Food here has always been reason to stay and there’s a special five course menu running which uses trusted ingredients sourced from nearby farms, artisans and suppliers. Dishes include caramelized black fig with Yellisons goat’s cheese & hazelnuts, Gigha halibut with chervil and ratatouille and 72% chocolate with cherries & honeycomb.
The gourmet restaurant with rooms
The Hare Inn at Scawton was the winner of the Yorkshire Life Food & drink Awards in 2019. Chef Paul Jackson is highly respected in the food world and runs the restaurant with his wife Liz and their small team. The Hare is in a beautiful spot at the top of Sutton Bank so it’s definitely a destination place. Over the past few years Liz and Paul have been creating rooms for guests from outbuildings and these were due for completion just the pandemic struck. Now the yare back in business and looking forward to welcoming guests for Paul’s amazing tasting menus.
Love seafood ? check our our pick of Yorkshire’s best seafood eateries here
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