Aldwark Manor Estate in rural North Yorkshire has launched a new overnight break for food lovers that celebrates all that is fabulous about Yorkshire.
Local luxury
Synonymous with luxury since it was established in 1978, Aldwark Manor is situated in the picturesque North Yorkshire village of Aldwark. The Manor features elegant grounds, sensual design, elemental dining, and grandeur at every turn. Set within over 200 acres of countryside, the Aldwark Manor Estate is an independent, indulgent luxury hotel with an 18-hole golf course.
My partner and I decided to visit Aldwark which is 15 miles from Harrogate and York to indulge in a carefully crafted six-course tasting menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. With provenance at the heart of all the dining establishments at Aldwark Manor Estate, this tasting menu is regularly updated to highlight the best of what’s currently in season in the region.
The chefs in the hotel’s Elements restaurant know that when it comes to exceptional ingredients, there’s “nowt” better than what’s available in Yorkshire taking pride in supporting local suppliers, producers, and farmers, and is applauding them all with this latest offering.
First impressions of Aldwark Manor Estate
First impressions of arriving at the manor were good; a long driveway leads through manicured gardens, a fountain on the lake glistened in the late winter sunshine whilst the elegant 19th century main house commanded the view ahead.
Entering the manor itself felt like one had travelled back in time: a smokeless coal fire gave a warm and welcoming feel and only the computer screens on the reception were nods to the 21st century.
The ‘Taste of Yorkshire’ menu is served in the Elements restaurant – a sumptuous dining room that is centred around a mock tree that stands in the middle of the restaurant; abstract paintings that seem to be inspired by Salvador Dali hung from the walls whilst the soundtrack of the evening came via music from artists such as Jamie Cullum and Michael Buble – my partner and I both concurred that whoever chose the playlist must be a jazz fan.
By dining early evening, it felt like we had the restaurant all to ourselves but by 7pm more diners had begun to arrive. Were we going to be in for a “reet good” treat with the six-course tasting menu which celebrates the best of Yorkshire produce?
The menu
At £65.00 per person, the menu is not cheap and for tight Yorkshire wallets the price might seem high, though the quality of the food was excellent. Add to that the exceptional service and the price seemed justified.
A creamy velouté was a good introduction to the meal which was swiftly followed with artichoke with whipped Ragstone and pear. The idea of mixing monkfish with the contrasting taste of katsu might seem an odd combination but this worked surprisingly well. We both particularly enjoyed the sirloin of beef served with boulangère potato, celeriac, fermented garlic, and a Madeira sauce.
A novel idea was having two desserts on the menu, especially if one has a sweet tooth. A creamy vanilla cheesecake with a firm biscuit base had a real zing about it whilst the salted chocolate mousse served with orange madeleine and vanilla ice cream was another guilty pleasure.
For an additional £10.00 per person there is the option of a cheese selection which I was really looking forward to. The St Andrews Cheddar and Appleby Blue Cheese were full-flavoured and served correctly at room temperature. However, the Yorkshire theme to the menu seemed to fade at this point; where was the Harrogate Blue or Wensleydale that would have been more appropriate Yorkshire choices?
After our delicious dinner (or is it tea when you’re in Yorkshire?), we retired to our luxurious bedroom. A hearty Yorkshire breakfast was served the following morning in the Elements restaurant.
Further information
The Taste of Yorkshire break is available on Friday or Saturday nights, taking guests on a culinary journey where you’ll enjoy the best of what God’s Own County has to offer.
“Ow Much?” – prices start from £299 for two people, staying in a classic double room, including dinner and breakfast (excluding drinks). For further information please visit: https://www.aldwarkmanorestate.co.uk
