You may remember that I was lucky enough to enjoy a Valentine's meal at a local restaurant. It was a perfect combination of business and pleasure because I was there in my capacity as writer/editor of Aspire Magazine and was reviewing the restaurant as part of my job.
As jobs go, it's rather good.
As jobs go, it's rather good.
My review was published in the April issue which has just been delivered to addresses in Skipton and the surrounding areas, but we welcome a lot of tourists to Skipton and the Yorkshire Dales so I though it might be useful to share this review with a wider audience. And it gives me an excuse to publish photographs of delicious food again.
Rhubarb is the restaurant within Herriot's Hotel. Located on Broughton Road opposite Skipton's railway station, it is very easy to find, especially in the evening when the exterior is beautifully lit.
Rhubarb is the restaurant within Herriot's Hotel. Located on Broughton Road opposite Skipton's railway station, it is very easy to find, especially in the evening when the exterior is beautifully lit.
The candlelit restaurant is adjacent to an informal bar area. The interior is relaxed and elegant and tastefully decorated with an abundance of mirrors and soft lighting.
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We received a lovely friendly welcome and sat in the bar for a pre-dinner drink. There is an extensive wine list with a wide choice of wines available by the glass. I opted for a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc (£5.50 for a large glass). Fresh and zesty with fragrant aromas of lemon and gooseberries it was the perfect start.
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My dinner date Adam and I each had the Six Course Taster Menu (£59.95 per couple). Rhubarb offers this on special occasions- we were there over Valentine’s weekend- alongside their A La Carte menu. A 3 course menu priced at £22.95 has recently been introduced too.
Head chef, Paul Deakins creates modern British cuisine with a Yorkshire twist. He uses seasonal, local produce to ensure that Rhubarb offers the ultimate menu throughout the year.
Our first course was Parmesan Tortellini with onion and pickled mushrooms. The pasta was full of flavour yet incredibly light. The onion cut through the creaminess of the cheese beautifully and we were left wanting more.
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The second course, Cock-a-Leekie soup, was presented in a small cup and saucer. The shredded leek and pieces of chicken breast were full of flavour and we were in agreement that it was one of the nicest soups we had ever tasted.
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Roasted scallop with butternut puree and pancetta was our third dish. The saltiness and the crunch of the pancetta contrasted beautifully with the creaminess of the puree; and while each had a delicious flavour of its own, neither overpowered the delicate flavour of the scallop.
A shot of brilliantly sharp, zesty lemon sorbet...
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... left us anticipating the main course which was Littondale Welsh Black Beef with root vegetables, wild mushrooms and mashed potato. The beef, cooked medium, was succulent and lean; the sauce full of flavour and seasoned to perfection. The parsnip and carrot accompaniment was sweet and tender and the mashed potato was creamy and smooth. This was a dish to be savoured.
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I ordered a glass of Tempranillo-Garnacha, (£5.50 for a large glass), a smooth red with flavours of gooseberry and plum. Despite its softness, it held its own with the beef and complimented the flavours perfectly.
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Dessert a deux was presented on a board and placed in the middle of the table. Crème brulee- one chocolate and one vanilla accompanied by homemade almond biscotti, enabled sharing and comparing. We couldn't decide between the two flavours and loved both.
The cheese course stole the show for presentation. Again placed on a board in the centre of the table, the 3 Yorkshire cheeses- Brie, Yorkshire Blue and Yorkshire Feta were accompanied by artisan biscuits, tomato chutney, grapes and celery.
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We ended with coffee and homemade chocolate truffles which were boxed, taken home and eaten later.
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From start to finish the whole experience was faultless. The staff were warm and attentive and asked between each course if we were ready for the next. Our waitress replenished our water and my errant napkin without my having to ask and she was knowledgeable about every aspect of the meal.
The food was exquisite and having tasted six wonderful courses I can say that this was one of the best dining experiences I have ever had.
The food was exquisite and having tasted six wonderful courses I can say that this was one of the best dining experiences I have ever had.
I thoroughly recommend it.
Love Liz x
Adam and I were hosted by Herriots as part of my role for Aspire Magazine. All opinion and content are my own. Huge thanks to the wonderful staff for a wonderful evening.
Herriots Hotel and Rhubarb Restaurant
Broughton Road Skipton
BD23 1RT
01756 793967