The last time I visited the Brasserie at the Devonshire Arms Hotel was five years ago, during the Covid pandemic. Due to the restrictions we had to dine alfresco, which normally is fine with me – I always think that food tastes better in the open air.
Though it was a sunny April day, a cool east wind chilled the air which took the edge of what could have been an enjoyable experience, no matter how good the food was.
Fast forward five years and following a tiring drive from Bradford – due to the heavy traffic in the city – the warm and friendly welcome combined with expansive views of the rolling Yorkshire countryside to make the journey worthwhile. The bright February sunshine lit up the hills, melting away the early morning frost.
Good value at the Devonshire Arms
Until the end of March, the Brasserie is offering a two-course weekday lunchtime menu for you and a guest for £49.00, from 12pm to 2.30pm. Given the quality of the food, this seems extremely good value.
Walking across to the Brasserie from the car park, I could not help but notice the two helicopter landing pads, very useful if you happen to own a helicopter, which I’m sure is a far quicker option than my traffic heavy journey!
Inside the Brasserie, the wood burning stove complements the warm, inviting atmosphere. The personal service throughout was attentive though never too intrusive, with the background music played at conversational level. Someone obviously had good taste in music, as Gregory Porter intermingled with Texas.
An inventive menu at the Brasserie
Having decided to skip straight to the mains, I hoped that my decision was a good one, as the smoked salmon with cream gnocchi and dill pesto or the Jerusalem artichoke veloute with truffle cream sounded very inviting.
Although it might sound a little odd to drive from Bradford to sample a butter vegetable curry served with jasmine rice and poppadom, there were good reasons for it: first, the quality of the food, and second, the stunning countryside views you get to take in as you enjoy what this comforting, healthy dish.
Maybe next time I will try the gammon steak with hen’s egg and pineapple, or the smoked haddock with crushed new potato, wilted spinach and mustard.
A very sweet and gooey sticky toffee pudding served with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream rounded off a well-balanced menu that on paper might sound slightly ostentatious but in reality left me full and was very impressive.
Other options included a Basque cheesecake and blueberry compote or chocolate brownie and hazelnut ice cream.
This is a wonderfully situated, friendly restaurant with a master chef in the kitchen. It was a crowning jewel in my week. Next time, I hope, I will be eating outside and experiencing one of the glories of Yorkshire, even if I haven’t arrived by helicopter!
Access for all
The Brasserie is all on one level and easily accessible for wheelchairs and any diner with mobility issues. The disabled toilet is alongside the restaurant, which is also dog friendly.
The Brasserie, Devonshire Arms Hotel, Bolton Bridge, Skipton BD2 36AJ
