As part of my role as writer and editor for Aspire Magazine, I have the very lovely task of reviewing restaurants from time to time and my most recent is in the current (February) issue.
Just before Christmas, I went to one of my favourite restaurants, just a few miles from the centre of Skipton. It is used for weddings, conferences, has a brand new spa and offers clay pigeon shooting, falconry and other country pursuits. It is widely acknowledged to be one of the very best in the area.
If you’re looking for somewhere to dine or stay which is but a stone’s throw from the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park, this comes with my full recommendation for every aspect.
The Huntsman’s Lodge is situated in The Coniston
Hotel which sits in 1400 acres of beautiful Yorkshire Dales countryside in
Coniston Cold just a ten minute drive from the centre of Skipton. A large roaring
open fire, is a stunning visual centerpiece and is the focal point of the large,
airy and exquisitely decorated restaurant. A full glass wall leads to a large
terrace which overlooks the large lake.
My friend Sally and I dined in the
Huntsman’s Lodge on a Wednesday evening just before Christmas. We received a
lovely warm welcome and were seated close to the fire at our request. We were
in a celebratory mood so ordered a glass of Prosecco each to start
our evening while we perused the menu which is extensive and varied.
Categories
include Field Food, which is a selection of small dishes and nibbles alongside starters
and salads, main courses and vegetarian specialities with daily specials of
soup, casserole and catch of the day.
We both opted for a seafood starter. Sally
had prawn and crayfish risotto, which after trying a forkful was able to agree
completely when she described it as creamy and full of flavor with a light, almost
melt in mouth texture.
I had baked Queenie scallops with garlic and gruyere cheese, artistically presented in a scallop shell. It was a delicious combination of flavours and a dish I would not hesitate in ordering again.
I
chose the casserole of the day for my main course which was grouse. Served in a
lidded dish and accompanied by chips and seasonal vegetables, it was tasty and
warming and the game was very tender.
One of Sally’s favourite dishes is liver
so she ordered pan seared calves liver, served in a red wine jus with grain
mustard and bacon mash. She said it was faultless and we both commented that it
would be hard to find food to better our main courses.
We shared a bottle of Chilean Rio Rica Sauvignon Blanc, which was fresh and zesty and soon finished.
Neither Sally nor I are known for having a small appetite, so it was without question or hesitation that we ordered dessert. Sally’s traditional sherry trifle and my cappuccino crème brulee with Baileys ice cream and a shortbread biscuit were the perfect finish to a perfect meal.
The service, ambience and quality of the
food were unbeatable and we enjoyed every moment at this beautiful restaurant.
Love Lizzy x
Open from 10am until 9.30pm every day, the
Huntsman’s Lodge offers a wide range of drinks and food to suit all tastes.
Morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea, evening snacks.
The Coniston Hotel, Country Estate and Spa
Coniston Cold
Skipton
BD23 4EA
01756 748080
1 comment
We are definitely going to give the restaurant a try Liz! I love the outfit too. I have a very similar skirt from Monsoon – must be about 8 years ago now – and you've inspired me to find a new black top to update it – I'm really pleased as it's a gorgeous skirt and once again, you've accessorised to perfection – Mel x