Hotel du Vin & Bistro Prospect Place, Harrogate, North Yorkshire , HG1 1LB
T 01423 856800 W
www.hotelduvin.com/hotels/harrogate
Don Starkey reviews the Bistro restaurant at Hotel du Vin in Harrogate - a compelling blend of French sophistication and Yorkshire heartiness.
I
t may be best known as a top boutique hotel, ideal for weekend getaways or a relaxing
retreat, but Harrogate’s Hotel du Vin is also building-up quite a reputation for quality wining and dining with its highly-rated Bistro eatery, which strives to serve excellent, seasonal food in an atmosphere that balances sophistication and informality. The Bistro’s surroundings offer a taste of
French elegance – from the Parisian paintings to the sophisticated table settings – yet it is also a restaurant that prides itself on providing the best of Yorkshire, using local, homegrown produce and ingredients. Arriving as we did on a bitterly cold winter’s lunchtime, our party of diners simply could not wait to get stuck in. After enjoying a drink in the spacious and
comfortable lounge bar, we took our seats in the corner of the Bistro and were immediately
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impressed as to the friendliness, attentiveness and professionalism of the staff. Much like the venue as a whole, they struck the ideal balance between establishing a sense of high-standards, while simultaneously setting us at ease. The menu, elements of which change
regularly to offer the best seasonal dishes and produce, is upmarket without being pretentious, and hearty without being predictable. It offers familiar favourites with an inspired twist, as well as slightly more exotic dishes that are unusual yet accessible. I plumped for the Crab and Saffron Tart
to begin, and it proved to be a fine choice. It was simply delicious, full of flavour and not too rich, while I was also assured that a fellow diner’s choice of Spanish favourite Gypsy Eggs proved equally satisfying. For the main course I went for Roast
Partridge, which came with a gorgeous and creamy bread sauce, wild mushrooms and game crisps. It was beautiful as was the feast of beef fillet, Goosnargh duck breast and seabass fillet served up for my fellow diners. Dessert brought perfection in the form
of a tremendous Chocolate Fondant, which had been ideally concocted to be crisp on the outside and soft and gooey within. I can heartily recommend it, and the Bistro as a whole certainly lived up to expectations. Starters range in price from around £5.50 up to the £8 mark, while main courses will set you back anything from a very reasonable £10.50 to upwards of £20 if you fancy a steak – with additional vegetables, potatoes or side dishes available at extra cost. If it is quality cuisine with a local twist in relaxing, refined surroundings, then this is the place to come.
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