Think Yorkshire and food, and what springs to mind? Puddings, obviously. Wensleydale cheese. Forced rhubarb, at a pinch. Liquorice, maybe. Parkin. But overall, one conjures up images of hearty, homely cooking. Roasts. Pies. Jam roly-poly. Yorkshire, and the Yorkshire Dales, are not synonymous with haute cuisine or fine dining.
But they really should be. There are beacons of brilliant ‘cheffery’ dotted all over the region – by no means least, the Wensleydale Heifer, owned by chef-patron David Moss and his father Lewis, a local businessman.
Located in the heart of the Dales and mentioned in the 2014 Michelin Guide, this 17th-Century former coaching inn and ‘AA Sea Fish Pub of the Year’ is home to a smart modern seafood restaurant offering two different dining experiences. The Fish Bar is less formal, with its seagrass flooring, wooden tables and rattan chairs, while the restaurant has a much more contemporary and ‘casually formal’ atmosphere. Which might sound like an oxymoron, but that’s how it describes itself. Smart – but not too smart.
The kitchen reveals its pedigree via a bill of fare replete with the fruits of the sea and locally sourced quality meats, all handled with the expertise and attention to detail that can only be achieved by award-winning chefs.
If you have an important birthday or anniversary coming up, or you would just like somewhere special to eat, the Wensleydale Heifer provides a wonderful dining treat. It features an extensive wine list with a difference (take a look!) and prides itself on its range of dishes using simple, delicious, good quality food. This is a lovely restaurant in which to enjoy a leisurely lunch or evening meal. It has a lovely warm atmosphere and nothing is too much trouble for the very helpful staff.
Take a look at what they have to offer on their website, or their number is: 01969 622322.
The Wensleydale Heifer is eight miles to the west of Askrigg and Lodge Yard, via the A684.
