£££Modern Cuisine
A stone-faced 16th-century house in the pretty market town of Bedale provides a fine home for this friendly restaurant. Start with an aperitif in the wine bar or on the drinks terrace on the cobbled street out front, before heading to the main dining room, which stylishly contrasts rustic beams and an old fireplace with modern décor. Chef-Owner Ruth Hansom is a local and it shows in her tasting menu, which skilfully spotlights wonderful produce from the surrounding area – be it Swaledale lamb or the famous Yorkshire rhubarb.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.9/5 · 80 reviews
Hansom in Bedale offers modern cuisine with high ratings. Food focuses on seasonal local produce, featuring beautiful presentation and creative flavor combinations, such as a standout tomato dish, though some find certain textures experimental. Service is generally friendly, attentive, and relaxed without being stuffy. The atmosphere is comfortable with quality tableware. While isolated negative reviews mention cleaning smells, cold mains during Sunday lunch, or lack of greeting, most guests praise the food quality, ambiance, and reasonable value. The extensive wine list and well-executed tasting menus are frequently highlighted as strengths, making it a reliable choice for a pleasant dining experience.
Suitable for diners seeking high-quality local ingredients and modern culinary techniques in a relaxed, elegant setting.
£££Modern British
As the name suggests, this well-run restaurant is all about cooking over coals, and a lovely smoky aroma will hit you the moment you enter. Sitting within a delightful market town, it has a chef-owner who’s also a potter, so the good-looking, brightly decorated space comes with plenty of bespoke creations to admire – he even made the wooden tabletops as a side project too! The seasonal set menu is based around whatever prime produce is available at the time, be that monkfish cheeks or saddleback pork, with the ember-based cooking resulting in comforting, satisfying dishes.
TripAdvisor review sample · 5.0/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Masham, Where there's Smoke specializes in Modern British cuisine and holds an average 5.0/5 rating across 80 TripAdvisor reviews. Guests consistently praise the exceptional food quality, noting surprising flavor bursts and fresh ingredients. Service is highly regarded for its professionalism and knowledge, with staff attentive and the chef occasionally engaging with diners. The atmosphere is described as relaxed yet stylish, featuring a distinctive single-piece wooden table ideal for parties of 6-12. While minor criticisms exist regarding meal pacing and value, the overall consensus highlights a superior dining experience. It is particularly suitable for those seeking high-quality gastronomy and impeccable service in a sophisticated setting.
Ideal for diners seeking high-quality Modern British cuisine and attentive service, particularly for small group gatherings.
££££Modern British
In a bright, airy former stable that doubles as a cookery school within the sprawling Swinton Estate, this restaurant delivers what it promises: an intimate counter dining experience where Chef Josh Barnes and his team cook in front of you and serve their dishes with pride. The place has a country kitchen feel befitting of this grand domain – which also houses a hotel – while the Estate itself provides much of the seasonal produce. The cooking comes with some creative twists, such as using locally foraged mushrooms to add richness to a chocolate mousse. The wine flight, too, contains unusual a
TripAdvisor review sample · 5.0/5 · 53 reviews
Located within the Swinton estate, Chef's Table by Josh Barnes offers modern British cuisine with a perfect 5.0/5 rating across 53 reviews. Guests consistently praise the exceptional food quality, intimate atmosphere, and attentive service. The experience features an open kitchen where diners watch the chef prepare creative dishes using estate-grown or local ingredients. While the pacing received minor criticism in two instances, the overall service, including sommelier wine pairings, is highly regarded. The setting provides a unique, theatrical dining environment that balances precision with relaxation, making it a standout choice for those seeking high-quality culinary craftsmanship.
Ideal for food enthusiasts seeking high-quality modern British cuisine and an immersive kitchen experience.