Fine Dining in Yorkshire: Right At Your Fingertips

So you’ve planned your getaway to a luxury estate in Yorkshire. You’ve chosen the dates, made the deposit, invited the family, and must now set about the task of deciding exactly what and where you are going to eat during the time you are there. It’s no secret that Yorkshire is flush with all of the trappings of traditional British cuisine; freshly-farmed ingredients and fresh seasonal produce are sure to be a hit at your table. But perhaps it is a lesser-known fact that Yorkshire actually has five Michelin-stared restaurants; more than anywhere else in England outside of London. The following five Michelin-starred restaurants are sure to delight you and your guests.

The Black Swan at Oldstead

The Black Swan at Oldstead recently joined the ranks of Yorkshire’s Michelin-stared restaurants in 2012, having previously won an impressive 3 AA Rosettes. Set in the countryside near Helmsley in the North York Moors National Park, this inn, restaurant, and pub achieves the perfect balance of relaxed atmosphere and amazing fine-dining offerings. The dishes served are all based on locally-sourced and seasonally-available ingredients, and their extensive wine cellar covers a breadth of options, and even offers half-bottles of wine, enabling diners to pick the perfect wine pairing with each individual course.

The Box Tree

The Box Tree is located just off the A65 in Ilkley. The restaurant, which specialises in modern luxury via their French classical cuisine, has been open since the early sixties, and has just recently retained its Michelin star for the 6th year in a row. The Box Tree boasts a perfect marriage between superior 21st Century service and the good taste that is associated with the classical French recipes on which their cuisine is based. In addition to their Michelin star, The Box Tree has also been awarded 6/10 in the Good Food Guide, and is listed in the Top 50 Restaurants Good Food Guide 2013.

The Old Vicarage

The Old Vicarage is located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. The restaurant has been in operation for 25 years, and remains the only Michelin-starred restaurant in South Yorkshire. Situated in the countryside just ten minutes from the Sheffield city centre, the Old Vicarage occupies a warm and charming old Victorian country house, surrounded by the bucolic, rolling Yorkshire countryside. Owner and head chef Tessa Bramley’s innovative flavour combinations combined with the fresh, seasonal ingredients of the Yorkshire countryside are this restaurant’s claim to fame, and it was under her direction that The Old Vicarage first earned its Michelin Star in 1998. the restaurant has held on to this accolade ever since.

The Pipe and Glass

This Michelin-starred pub, which is located in South Dalton near Beverly, has been recently awarded the Michelin Guide’s Pub of the Year, having beaten out more than 530 other pubs in the UK. The Pipe and Glass has a fairly new Michelin star, having been awarded the prestigious accolade after being featured in the Michelin Eating Out in Pubs guide in 2012. The pub itself dates back to the 15th Century, and stands on the site of the original gatehouse to Dalton Park, which to this day is still the home of Lord Hotham. In addition to their Michelin accolades, The Pipe and Glass has also been awarded the Taste of England Award at the 2009 Enjoy England Awards for Excellence, and has been named on the Top 40 Restaurants Outside of London list.

Yorke Arms

Co-owner and head chef Frances Atkins’ claim to fame is providing simple dishes based on time-tested, classic flavour combinations using classic techniques. The emphasis is on freshness, and the restaurant uses its location in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside to its advantage, using locally-sourced and organic ingredients throughout its menu. Yorke Arms was awarded a Michelin star in 2003, and has held on to that accolade ever since. In 2007, Yorks Arms was voted the Good Food Guide’s No. 1 restaurant in the UK. The restaurant itself is situated in the beautiful Nidderdale Valley in an 18th Century coaching house, and also has stylish and spacious rooms available for guests who may wish to extend their stay.

In addition to these Michelin-starred restaurants, Yorkshire offers a host of other options, equally delicious and deserving of a visit. The following are but a few of the noteworthy options available to those visiting the Yorkshire area.

The Restaurant Bar and Grill

Located in Harrowgate, The Restaurant Bar and Grill offers a wide range of eclectic dishes to suit a wide range of tastes. This is a good option if you are travelling with a group that has a widely-varying range of culinary tastes. On weekends, the in-house DJ spins records, but if you prefer a more private dining experience, there is a private dining room available that can be reserved that can seat up to 40 guests.

La Brasserie on Kirkgate

Situated at the end of the mot historic street in Ripon, is La Brasserie on Kirkgate. Owner and head chef Nick Smith uses locally sourced ingredients in all of his dishes and strives to accentuate the flavour by perfectly balancing each dish. La Brasserie on Kirkgate also has an early bird special from 5-7:30 pm for those who may like to dine early, and two courses on the early bird menu are an exceptional value at £9.99! La Brasserie is well-suited to large groups and corporate events, as its spectacular setting directly across from Ripon Cathedral balances nicely with the comfortable, relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant.

Van Zeller

Van Zeller is the recent winner of the Good Food Guide Readers’ Restaurant of the Year Award for 2013. Head chef and owner Tom Van Zeller prides himself in providing excellent food and a very high standard of service without pretence. Chef Van Zeller sources fresh local ingredients and often vary on the day depending on the availability of ingredients. In addition to providing top-notch food in this highly-esteemed restaurant, the Van Zeller team also offers a Van Zeller at Home catering service and takes booking for bespoke dining packages for large groups and parties or every size.

Broughton Hall

Elysian Estates are very proud to offer Broughton Hall as one of our Exclusive properties. Full details on what Broughton Hall has to offer is on our Broughton Hall page.