A light April evening, and a short drive out from Harrogate through the scattered showers, daffodils still in bloom, to receive a warm, friendly welcome at this quietly sophisticated establishment, it is clear that my dining companion and I are going to be treated to a wonderful evening.
The Grantley Arms dates from the late 1600’s and is tastefully decorated, quite sedate in atmosphere, and, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, is surrounded by rural beauty. No noisy background music or clichéd pop tunes here – this is a peaceful, elegant place in which to dine, quietly attentive and friendly staff making sure you are happy, without over-fussing or rushing you. Menus are not particularly extensive in choice, but wide and imaginative enough to find something to enjoy, whether classic and traditional, or more unusual.
A very agreeable glass of Unoaked Chardonnay first to stimulate the palate, and a perusal of the A la Carte menu. We are given plenty of time to choose, and, once ordered, we are presented with wonderful homemade bread rolls to dip in tasty balsamic and olive oil, to pique our appetites.
My attractively presented starter…
On an oblong plate, smoked salmon twisted with pickled -proportioned cucumber and marinated beetroot, and prettily garnished with micro rocket cress, was tasty and wellin flavours, the pickles a lovely complement to the fish. Opposite the table, the Cheese and Tomato Soufflé was deemed extremely tasty too. The Parmesan and Caramelised Onion Tart I chose for my main course was lightly baked and served with a parmesan fondue and topped with a latticed piece of parmesan crisp – a definite dish for the cheese-lovers! Crisply sautéed potatoes and the vegetables of choice were lovely, and all was fresh and hot to the table. The Sea bass was one of the fish of the day, and very much enjoyed by my dining partner, with portion sizes exactly right.
There were some excellent looking Cheese Platters on the Grantley menu, but I succumbed to the choice of dessert, ordering the Chocolate mini-Meringues with fresh cream, served with a delicious Black Cherry Parfait and Kirsch- marinated Cherries – a superb combination of flavours, the cherry balancing the light sweetness of the meringue. My companion’s choice, a very special Orange Ice-Cream, served with a small glass of Cointreau is an excellent choice to cleanse the palate after such a wonderful meal, and as the homemade orange and brandy chocolates and delicious shortbread arrived, with a lovely warming French Coffee, the meal was rounded off to perfection.
The Grantley Arms offers a cosy bar with real log fire, both Set and A la Carte menus in the restaurant, Sunday lunch and Children’s menus, a monthly Quiz Evening, corporate functions and, in addition to such exquisite food, also has an extensive wine list and locally brewed ales.
I think the thing that makes this establishment stand out is the understated hospitality, tasteful décor, and the fact that almost everything on the menu is locally sourced and made on the premises, including the bread, ice-cream, biscuits and chocolates, which are all of the highest quality, recommending it as a very special place to eat and drink, one you will return to again and again.
The Grantley Arms, High Grantley, Near Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 3PJ
To reserve a table at the Grantley Bar and Restaurant call the pub directly on 01765 620227.
Opening Times: Lunch/Dinner
Mon Closed/Closed Tues Closed /Closed Wed 12.00pm-2.00pm/5.30pm-9.00pm Thu 12.00pm-2.00pm/5.30pm-9.00pm Fri 12.00pm-2.00pm/5.30pm-9.00pm Sat 12.00pm-2.00pm/5.30pm-9.30pm Sun 12.00pm-3.30pm/5.30pm-8.00pm
