Quite a few people had recommended the pub and we were eager to find out why this small independent pub, was so well thought off within the local community. I messaged the Facebook page for The Lord Nelson to enquire about the menu and prices. Within minutes, I received a friendly and informative response. 

The Lord Nelson is the last remaining pub on St James Green and is pretty much surrounded by residential properties. The area is relatively quiet and we didn’t see a single soul during our stroll from the car. 

Bitterly cold and feeling a tad emotional, we entered The Lord Nelson to find exactly what had been hoping for – a relaxed atmosphere, a friendly welcome from the landlady and the unmistakable aroma of Sunday lunch. 

At the time we arrived, it appeared that all the tables were taken up with people tucking into generous portions of food. We fully expected to be turned away or seated in the bar area for a considerable length of time until a table became available. It actually took no longer than five minutes for us to be seated in the homely restaurant area.

As expected, the Sunday menu is shorter than a usual menu, however, it was very well thought out. For those wanting a roast, there were four size options – Supersize (£9.95), Normal (£7.95), Junior (£5.75) and, Toddler (£3.95). For those wanting something other than a traditional roast, there were other options such as Bangers & Mash (£7.95), Breaded Scampi (£8.75), 6.oz Gammon Steak (£6.75) and Double Cheeseburger (£7.85). 

I opted for the Normal Sunday lunch. Had I been dining alone, I probably would have gone for the Junior portion. However, I had my husband with me and he is always ready and willing to devour every remaining morsel! Besides, he chose the Double Cheeseburger and would have been mortified of he were unable to sample both meals. 

We waited approximately 20 minutes for our food to arrive. Perfectly reasonable considering how busy it was and how good the food was once it arrived. I was astonished at the portion size and immediately wished my husband had ordered the Supersize version just so I could make a comparison! Although, his cheeseburger was blessed with a rather impressive circumference.

The meal itself was everything you would expect your mum to make (if you’re lucky enough to have a mum with culinary skills). The beef (that day’s options were Roast Beef and Stuffed Chicken) was wonderfully tender and despite already thinking there was a sufficient amount, I was pleasantly surprised to find more slices lurking beneath my mountainous Yorkshire Pudding. In addition to the meat and Yorkshire Pudding, I had buttery mash, roast potatoes, fresh broccoli and carrots which, had obviously been steamed to perfection. I genuinely couldn’t fault anything I was served and at less than £8, I think it was an absolute bargain!

According to my husband, his Double Cheeseburger also exceeded expectations. He has very little interest in how his food is presented and isn’t a fan of towering burgers which require a lengthy battle  with a knife and fork. If he has a burger, he wants to be able to pick it up and enjoy it without finding remnant of it in his beard a week later. That is exactly what he got and he thoroughly enjoyed every bite. 

All in all, our experience at The Lord Nelson was faultless. The service was friendly and efficient, the atmosphere was cosy and welcoming and, the food was exceptionally good for the prices being charged. We won’t hesitate to return once we have visited some of the other recommended places to eat in Thirsk. 

Thirsk, in the district of Hambleton, is a traditional Yorkshire market town. Once home to the renowned vet, James Herriot and Thomas Lords (founder of Lords Cricket Ground), its cobbled streets are walked upon by a population of  11,000 people in addition to the 36,000 tourists who visit the town each year.

We know there is plenty for people to do from a leisure perspective. The World of James Herriot is obviously the most popular local attraction and its close vicinity to both the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors makes it idea for hiking and exploring.

But…where does one eat? Whether you’re planning a short visit, an extended stay or even if you’re a new resident of the town, we’ll have something to tickle your taste buds on our list of the best restaurants in and near to Thirsk.

Places To Eat in Thirsk, North Yorkshire

The Lord Nelson

The ‘last remaining pub on the green’ serves traditional homemade pub food in it’s newly refurbished lounge area. The food itself is great value for money as the portions tend to be rather generous in size. Sunday Lunch is particularly popular at The Lord Nelson – huge Yorkshire Puddings bursting with tender slices of meat, roast potatoes and freshly cooked veg!

The Lord Nelson, 40-41 St James Green, Thirsk, YO7 1AQ

The Carlton Inn

You’ll find The Carlton Inn in the nearby village of Carlton Husthwaite. They serve a reasonably priced menu made with some excellent locally sourced ingredients which are delivered to the restaurant daily. Begin with ‘Yorkshire Blue Cheese & Garlic Cream Mushrooms’ before tucking into ‘Slow Roasted Belly Pork’ which comes with Black Pudding Bon Bons, Pineapple Salsa and Barbecue Sauce. Nom nom…

The Carlton Inn, Main Street Carlton Hustwaite, Thirsk YO7 2BW

Little 3

On the ground floor of Little 3 you’ll find a great pub serving local ales, premium spirits and classic cocktails. Head upstairs, however, and you’ll discover their World Kitchen Restaurant serving classic dishes from across the globe. Start your culinary journey in Italy with a fresh Caprese  Salad and then head to Indonesia for ‘Monk Fish & King Prawn Curry’ served with Coconut Rice and Satay Sauce. This place is great for those families who cannot agree on a particular cuisine!

13 Finkle St, Thirsk YO7 1DA

Crab & Lobster

The Crab & Lobster is the award-winning gourmet restaurant at the Crab Manor Hotel, located 5 miles from Thirsk Racecourse. It’s one of the best places to eat in Thirsk. Open since 1991,  they offer a variety of dining experiences including lunch on their pavilion and candlelit dinners in their cosy restaurant. As the name suggests, they serve lots of seafood including Shetland Mussels, Grilled Queenie Scallops, Lobster Thermidor and Lindisfarne Oysters. Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of fish – they also serve plenty of meat-based and vegetarian dishes.

The Crab & Lobester, Dishforth Rd, Thirsk YO7 3QL

Fantinos

This authentic Italian restaurant with rooms and a friendly bar, is a 10-minute walk from the centre of Thirsk.  The bar at Fantinos serves an excellent range of Italian Wines and Lagers, as well as some great real ales from Yorkshire. Their pizzas start at just £8.50 and are cooked in full view of the diners in a traditional wood-fired oven. Other dishes on their extensive menu, include Calamari, Gnocchi, Linguine alla Carbornara and Risotto. Buon Appetito! 

Fantinos, Front St, Sowerby, Thirsk YO7 1JF

Map of Places to Eat in Thirsk

If you don’t see your favourite Thirsk restaurant on our list,  don’t worry because we intend to add more over time. Feel free to share your suggestions in the comments section