The Water Rat
📍 Bondgate Grn, Ripon HG4 1QW, UK
About The Water Rat
The Water Rat offers convenient pay-and-display parking in the picturesque setting of Littlethorpe, North Yorkshire. Located by the river with views of Ripon Cathedral, this venue is perfect for enjoying local brews and dishes made with Yorkshire produce. It's an ideal spot for tourists exploring the area, with efficient service and a welcoming atmosphere.
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📍 Bondgate Grn, Ripon HG4 1QW, UK
from 1,018 reviews
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Showing 5 of 1,018 reviews from Google Maps.Last updated 30 January 2026.
Nice outlook by the river, with Ripon Cathedral in the background. Very efficient service. The food was tasty, especially the sticky toffee pudding (I would have preferred custard with mine, but only a selection of ice creams is available). The restaurant did feel a little cold but it didn't spoil our visit.
Had a lovely family dinner here this week. The team was preparing for a break after the Christmas and New Year celebrations so some items on the menu were not available but we had more than enough choice and the team communicated everything perfectly. The food was well prepared and generous portions. The pub itself is right on the riverside, better views in summer than a winter night but still lovely to have twinkling lights and good but not overpowering music while we ate.
Just popped in for a drink on a walk around Ripon.didnt have time to sample the food although it looked good and reasonably priced. Would recommend booking as it was very busy
What a pleasant pub. We were visiting Ripon and wanted a nice place for a pint of good ale & good food at reasonable prices. I can safely say that all these “boxes were ticked”! On top of that, as soon as we entered the property we were made very welcome. We would certainly visit this pub again ( shame it is so far away for us ). Hey ho. Carry on doing what you are doing. Thanks for a wonderful experience. Kind Regards Dan & Michelle
Two nights running the food was brilliant and service was class