If you've read my blog for a while, you might recall that I am the copywriter and editor on a Skipton-based glossy lifestyle magazine, Aspire. Part of my role entails reviewing local restaurants and to say this is a fabulous perk of the job would be an understatement! Last weekend, my boyfriend Ian and I dined at Macleods restaurant, just outside of Skipton.
Macleods Restaurant is a traditional, elegant and airy restaurant within the ever-fabulous Coniston Hotel, Coniston Cold, Skipton. With a focus on exceptional service and an extensive menu with most ingredients sourced locally and many from the Coniston Estate itself, it's a very special dining experience indeed. We dined on a Friday evening in late February and were delighted to discover that the resident pianist, Matthew Schofield was playing throughout the evening which added to the sophisticated, yet relaxed ambience of the restaurant. White table linens, beautiful glassware, a candle and a fresh rose on the table were lovely touches that created a sense of occasion.
Macleods Restaurant is a traditional, elegant and airy restaurant within the ever-fabulous Coniston Hotel, Coniston Cold, Skipton. With a focus on exceptional service and an extensive menu with most ingredients sourced locally and many from the Coniston Estate itself, it's a very special dining experience indeed. We dined on a Friday evening in late February and were delighted to discover that the resident pianist, Matthew Schofield was playing throughout the evening which added to the sophisticated, yet relaxed ambience of the restaurant. White table linens, beautiful glassware, a candle and a fresh rose on the table were lovely touches that created a sense of occasion.
Amuse-bouches of homemade flavoured breads and mushroom veloute were presented while we relaxed and took in the surroundings before being served with our starters.
Ian had chosen king scallops with butternut squash and watercress from the A La Carte menu. I too had opted for seafood but from the Fish Menu, deciding on crab and crayfish cocktail, with brown bread and butter. We both remarked on the fact that the A La Carte menu has an impressive yet attainable wine suggestion to compliment every dish. On this occasion, the excellent Simon Farrimond, Food and Beverage Manager, recommended a Viognier and it was the perfect accompaniment to our starters.
The Coniston Estate is renowned for its game and this was reflected in our main course selections. Ian chose venison medallion with celeriac, parmesan and truffle. It was cooked to perfection, beautifully tender and full of flavour.
I chose pheasant breast wrapped in bacon served with bread sauce, confit leg, game chips and a red wine jus. Heaven on a plate. A Veilles Vignes Cotes du Rhone was Simon’s recommended wine and again, it was simply perfect.
![Macleods, Skipton, restaurant review]( "what lizzy loves")
We ended with a fruity dessert, apple tarte tatin with vanilla ice-cream and apple puree for Ian and an irresistible blackberry parfait with honeycomb and apple for me. Both were deliciously sharp and exquisitely presented.
Following coffee with Petits Fours, we decided to have a liqueur. I'm fond of Irish Creme and the Arran Gold I was served was a more refined, grown-up version of the more usual Baileys. Ian is quite the whisky connoisseur so selected Ardbeg Uigeadail from the extensive menu.
From start to finish, the whole experience was outstanding. The service was second to none and while Simon and his team were very attentive, they were never intrusive. The food in every capacity was exceptional and the atmosphere and ambience were wonderful. This is accessible, unpretentious fine dining. An unforgettable evening.
The Coniston Hotel
Coniston Cold
Skipton
North Yorkshire
BD23 4EA
01756 748080
www.theconistonhotel.com
Huge thanks to Simon and the whole team at Macleods for making us so welcome.
Huge thanks to Simon and the whole team at Macleods for making us so welcome.
Love Lizzy x
I'm linking up with:
Brilliant Blog Posts/The Saturday Share
Please follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more of What Lizzy Loves
 |
| Sign up to my newsletter and receive an exclusive discount for Lizzy O every month |