Best Assured, World Cup of Yorkshire Restaurant Edition
With the excitement of a whole host of Yorkshire’s much-loved hospitality venues flinging wide their doors and welcoming much-missed guests back again (others are about to open soon), it’s time for a taste of what’s cooking across the county.
During lockdown Welcome to Yorkshire’s online WTY World Cup of Yorkshire has continued to invite votes to celebrate the county’s finest offerings in its online popular polls. First it was Iconic Buildings (step forward The Piece Hall), then Yorkshire’s favourite Natural Landmarks (the mighty Malham Cove), but if all of that exploring world-class venues and lovely locations has worked up an appetite for a spot of delicious dining, then you’re in for a treat. Here’s a tempting teaser of what’s being served, with a roll call of mouth-watering menus on offer, from idyllic inns to Michelin-star city sites … voted for by you. Yes, it’s the WTY World Cup of Yorkshire RESTAURANTS.
The Finalists
Shibden Mill Inn
Steeped in Halifax history and nestled in the picturesque Calderdale countryside, Shibden Mill Inn was voted the overall winner in the WTY World Cup of Yorkshire restaurants. The multi-award-winning 17th century inn sits beside a babbling brook, the millstream that provided nourishment to the corn and spinning mill’s beginnings. This picture-postcard pub now has eleven beautiful bedrooms (designed and styled for complete relaxation), and serves fabulous food alongside an array of ales and wonderful wines.
At the foot of the stunning Shibden Valley with its steep cobbled approach from one side and winding country lanes from the other, Shibden Mill Inn is just minutes away from the spectacular Shibden Hall, home of the historic heroine Anne Lister (Gentleman Jack) and a short drive away from the impressive Halifax heritage sites, arts and shopping venues The Piece Hall, Dean Clough and also Eureka! The National Children’s Museum.
Shibden Mill Inn serves sensational seasonal dishes using the best fresh locally sourced ingredients that Yorkshire has to offer, combined with produce found ‘inn’ their very own kitchen garden. Throughout the seasons diners can enjoy the bar area or the Mill Room and in the summer months, chill out in the patio garden.
The cosy bar with its ancient beams, thick stone walls and crackling fire, is a welcoming spot for a quick pint or a relaxing evening with a bottle of wine.
Manor House Lindley
From delicious dining to overnight stays, wonderful weddings to exciting events, Huddersfield’s Manor House Lindley does it all in style and was a worthy finalist in the WTY World Cup of Yorkshire restaurants.
Delectable dishes are the order of the day at Manor House, with a head chef who crafts menus for each of the hotel’s restaurants with flair and finesse, from breakfast to an evening of fine dining.
Offering several stunning settings, there’s an excellent choice of eateries all under (or on) one roof.
The Lantern Room serves an ever-changing menu to reflect the evolving drama of this dining destination, with its edgy design, traditional elegance and quality ingredients presenting a gorgeous gastronomic joyous journey to enthral and delight.
Take time for the Clock Tower Lounge with its glittering chandeliers in a luxurious lounge setting, serving fabulous flutes of champagne and a highly recommended high tea. Get geared up for some glitz and glamour in the evening.
The Kitchen Bistro is a relaxed sunny space with a wholesome menu of the freshest seasonal ingredients. Open from breakfast until bedtime, brace yourself for a fabulous feast of super healthy and super naughty delights, from energy boosting smoothies, melt in the mouth pastries and yummy menus throughout the day.
Pop down to Lindley Cellars an atmospheric den with large screens, luxurious booths, a delectable drinks menu and indulge in scrummy sharing boards.
Pop up to the Rooftop Terrace Bar on summer evenings sharing super cool tunes and one or two tipples.
Events go global at Manor Lindley with tasting events including Thai, Italian, French, Indian and vegan, as well as an artisan market and a Manor House ‘Feastival’.
Super semi-finalists …
The Man Behind the Curtain
Situated between the Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate in Leeds city centre, The Man Behind The Curtain’s award-winning chef Michael O’Hare opened the restaurant in 2014. The excellent eatery has a reputable reputation for contemporary cuisine, often unusual, with modern and artistic presentation. A Michelin star was awarded in October 2015 and three AA Rosettes a year later.
“The Man Behind The Curtain is more than a restaurant for me. It is where I am able to express myself with flavour and aesthetic. The cuisine is my couture, bold in flavour with inspiration from around the world. Brutalist in design, yet fun,” explains chef Michael O’Hare, who grew up in Redcar, North Yorkshire, gained a pilot’s licence in Florida, competed in the BBC’s The Great British Menu in 2015, Masterchef in 2016, and later returned to The Great British Menu as a judge.
A tasting menu only is served at The Man Behind The Curtain, amid a minimalist interior akin to a stylish art gallery, with sculpture and original artwork on display.
O’Hare describes the restaurant’s food and ambience as “Not particularly based on what I wanted, but on what I hated and didn’t want.”
The Star Inn at Harome
Described as a rustic gourmet bolthole, dating back to the fourteenth century, The Star Inn at Harome is a thatched picture-postcard place, situated in a pretty village on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors.
Current chef/patron, Andrew Pern, arrived in June 1996 and since then it’s been consistently rated as one of the UK’s top eateries, holding a Michelin star for a generous portion of that time. Essentially an inn with rooms serving modern Yorkshire food made primarily from locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, such as local game, North Sea fish and fresh herbs from its own kitchen garden, The Star Inn at Harome also serves ups top wines and beers carefully selected to complement the dining menu. Service is knowledgeable and friendly and there’s a warm welcome.
From a much-celebrated Michelin star to Top UK Gastropub, this dining destination is a firm favourite for hospitality professionals and diners alike. Tempted by its all year round choice of menus, from the table d’hôte-style fixed locals’ menu to a full à la carte offering, with drink pairing suggestions available by the glass for each dish, there’s also a 10-course tasting menu with a matched package of premium wines.
Daily Specials allow the chefs to take advantage of catch of the day fresh fish, limited availability game and kitchen garden produce, as the seasons allow.
The restaurant has been extended over the years to add the stylish, modern new dining room with its smart banquette seating and cocktail bar, and a view of the gorgeous gardens towards the kitchen garden. There’s also the original thatched inn area with the pub bar, home to a roaring fire on cooler days, as well as a low-ceilinged atmospheric old dining room, plus a coffee loft and a private dining room. The pub bar shows the craftsmanship of the famous Robert Thompson, the ‘Mouse Man’ of Kilburn and the creative cruck construction of the building can be really appreciated from the upstairs coffee loft.
Take a foodie tour and visit Andrew Pern’s other Yorkshire ‘stars’ including in York, the Star Inn the City, and also Mr P’s Curious Tavern, then head to the coast to the historic seaside town of Whitby and enjoy seasonal seafood with sea views at the Star Inn The Harbour … but start your journey at the ‘star semi-finalist’ in the WTY World Cup of Restaurants, The Star at Harome.
Check restaurant websites for more information and opening dates/times.
This article was originally written for This Is Y magazine digital edition – July 2020. To view the full magazine, click here