Set on a picturesque 1,400-acre estate 7 miles away from the historic market town of Skipton, The Coniston Hotel is the perfect retreat for those seeking a relaxing break in the Yorkshire Dales. It boasts well-appointed rooms offering impressive views of the surrounding countryside, an award-winning spa featuring a multitude of facilities and a 1 AA rosette restaurant serving expertly crafted menus that showcase local produce.
It’s one of the top hospitality destinations in my area. Despite only being a short drive from my home, I’m ashamed to say that I’d only ever visited on one occasion before this month. It was a fleeting visit as I went over to sample the quirky, Asian-inspired afternoon tea at the small restaurant adjacent to the Nadarra Spa.
I’ve been hearing good things about The Coniston’s main restaurant for the past year so have been eager to visit for some time.
Aptly named The View, it features floor-to-ceiling windows which run the length of one side of the restaurant and look out over the estate’s lake. The kitchen is headed by Thomas Robertson – a chef passionate about local produce who boasts 18 years of experience, including some time at a Michelin-star restaurant in London.
As part of my 40th birthday celebrations, my husband and I headed over on Thursday 12th July to enjoy a three-course lunch. The recently unveiled summer menu features British classics such as traditional Bangers & Mash alongside a medley of creative mains celebrating seasonal produce from the region.
I began with the Crab Salad starter (£13.95) comprising white crab meat on a slice of toasted brioche. Delicately seasoned and garnished only with seaweed, the flavour of the crab shone through and the combination of textures was perfect.
My husband opted for the Braised Pork Belly (£12.00). It’s his favourite cut of meat and he’s ordered from countless menus as a main course but never a starter. Braised until tender, it was beautifully complemented by fresh fennel, apple, salsa, pickled carrot and shaved cabbage.
For the main, I ordered Pan Fried Chicken (£22.95), served with a warm potato salad and an array of raw vegetables in a citrus vinaigrette. The chicken, which was succulent and not over seasoned was indeed tasty but the potato salad was the real star here. Creamy, and indulgent with just a hint of mustard it paired beautifully with the zesty vegetables.
The Fish & Chips main course (£19.00) Mr Wilson-Barrett ordered was equally delicious. The rather large fillet of succulent and flaky haddock was encased in a delightfully crisp Hetton Dark Horse beer batter and, the accompanying chips were perfect with their crunchy exterior and fluffy centre. This was characteristically consumed at the speed of light!
The dessert options on the new summer menu at The View are difficult to choose between. The Raspberry Parfait with caramelised white chocolate, blackberry and elderflower would be a gorgeous way to finish your meal on a warm summer’s day, as would the deconstructed Trifle with elements of citrus and a white chocolate and cherry sponge.
Being my birthday, however, I wanted something ridiculously naughty and the Chocolate Brownie ticked all the right boxes. I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve eaten more than my fair share of brownies but few have been as rich and gooey as the one I ate at The View. The portion was huge and, when broken into, the centre oozed out like lava. Simply divine!
Mr Wilson-Barrett chose the Sticky Toffee Pudding. The salted caramel sauce was delicious and there was plenty of it! The sponge, although light and full of flavour, didn’t seem to contain dates, much to my husband’s delight! I, however, prefer them to be present in a Sticky Toffee Pudding but the dessert was delicious nonetheless.
The service we received throughout was entirely faultless with reasonable waiting times and staff always available when needed. To top it off, our lovely waitress presented us with a plate of Petit Fours with a hand-piped birthday message. They’d also given us a ballon for our table upon arrival and both gestures made our meal feel that little bit more special.
I’m disappointed in myself for not dining at The View before because the setting, food and service are all excellent. I will certainly be back!
During our visit, we ordered from The View’s main menu but there’s also a fantastic set menu for this season that enables you to enjoy two courses for £25 or three for £30. Available Monday to Saturday, the brilliant Fish & Chips main is an option, as are the delicious Chocolate Brownie and Sticky Toffee Pudding desserts!
