If you’ve read my blog for a while, you might recall that I am the copywriter and editor on a Skipton-based glossy lifestyle magazine, Aspire. Part of my role entails reviewing local restaurants and to say this is a fabulous perk of the job would be an understatement! Last weekend, my boyfriend Ian and I dined at Macleods restaurant, just outside of Skipton.
Macleods Restaurant is a traditional, elegant and airy restaurant within the ever-fabulous Coniston
Hotel, Coniston Cold, Skipton. With a focus on exceptional service and an extensive menu with most
ingredients sourced locally and many from the Coniston Estate itself, it’s a
very special dining experience indeed. We dined on a Friday evening in late February and were delighted to discover
that the resident pianist, Matthew Schofield was playing throughout the evening
which added to the sophisticated, yet relaxed ambience of the restaurant. White
table linens, beautiful glassware, a candle and a fresh rose on the table were
lovely touches that created a sense of occasion.
Amuse-bouches
of homemade flavoured breads and mushroom veloute were presented while we
relaxed and took in the surroundings before being served with our starters.
Ian
had chosen king scallops with butternut squash and watercress from the A La
Carte menu. I too had opted for seafood but from the Fish Menu,
deciding on crab and crayfish cocktail, with brown bread and butter. We
both remarked on the fact that the A La Carte menu has an impressive yet
attainable wine suggestion to compliment every dish. On this occasion, the
excellent Simon Farrimond, Food and Beverage Manager, recommended a Viognier
and it was the perfect accompaniment to our starters.
The
Coniston Estate is renowned for its game and this was reflected in our main
course selections. Ian chose venison medallion with celeriac, parmesan and
truffle. It was cooked to perfection, beautifully tender and full of
flavour.
I chose pheasant breast wrapped
in bacon served with bread sauce, confit leg, game chips and a red wine jus.
Heaven on a plate. A Veilles Vignes Cotes du Rhone was Simon’s recommended wine
and again, it was simply perfect.
We
ended with a fruity dessert, apple tarte
tatin with vanilla ice-cream and apple puree for Ian and an irresistible blackberry
parfait with honeycomb and apple for me. Both were deliciously sharp and
exquisitely presented.
Following
coffee with Petits Fours, we decided to have a liqueur. I’m
fond of Irish Creme and the Arran Gold I was served was a more refined,
grown-up version of the more usual Baileys. Ian is quite the whisky connoisseur
so selected Ardbeg Uigeadail from the extensive menu.
From
start to finish, the whole experience was outstanding. The service was second
to none and while Simon and his team were very attentive, they were never
intrusive. The food in every capacity was exceptional and the atmosphere and
ambience were wonderful. This is accessible, unpretentious fine dining. An unforgettable evening.
The
Coniston Hotel
Coniston
Cold
Skipton
North
Yorkshire
BD23
4EA
01756
748080
Huge thanks to Simon and the whole team at Macleods for making us so welcome.
Love Lizzy x
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2 comments
Dear heavens, that all looks SO FABULOUS! I want to jump into those starter plates right now. Ian has just moved up a few more notches in my book with his whisky selection. A man who drinks Islay whisky is a man to be treasured. First he has you, and now he's an Ardbeg man. I heartily approve of his exquisite taste! xx
Lisa…that is the loveliest comment. Thank you so much. Ian is indeed a man to be treasured for so many things, not least his taste in whisky. And yes, the starters were divine. I know as a vegetarian the seafood starters would have been the perfect choice for you. Thank you again my lovely xxxx