Lockwoods

It is always refreshing to see a new restaurant that has evolved in line with the ethos of its surroundings, and of such is the eponymous Lockwoods in the heart of the historic Cathedral City of Ripon, only a short drive from Leeds, Harrogate and York and described in The Times no less as, 'No 1 family run restaurant in the UK'. Matthew Lockwood has a clear vision of where he wants his synonymous restaurant to aspire to, and traditional and contemporary themes move side by side towards that aim, reflected in the high quality décor, modern British and European menu, extensive wine list and the art that adorns their walls.

Lockwoods really is a restaurant for the neighbourhood, meeting the needs of all its clients, and offering exceptional quality at prices that will encourage return. Full use is made of the abundance of fresh produce from local suppliers and producers, everything from fine Yorkshire cheeses, herbs and local farm eggs to Yorkshire cider.

The day starts with brunch, maybe Marley's sausage, streaky bacon, Doreen's black pudding, mushroom, tomato, fried free range hen's egg and toast, or bacon sandwich with watercress salad and slow roast tomato. A typical lunch offers an antipasto and bread platter, crispy duck salad with glass noodles, English fishcakes with mixed salad, fries and aioli, or one of a range of gourmet sandwiches. Look out for the delicious spinach and goat's cheese tart with beetroot chutney salad and new potatoes.

Amongst starters for dinner look for tempura king prawns with sweet chilli sauce, fresh grilled sardines with tomato, garlic and fennel bruschetta, or baked gnocchi with smoked chicken and Yorkshire blue cream.

A griddled pink tuna steak never comes amiss, particularly when accompanied by pak choi, curried king prawns, mussels and queen scallops. However even that paled a bit before the plate of dressed white crab meat, plum tomato, avocado mayonnaise and Bloody Mary dressing. Lasagne seldom fails to please, the sort of brasserie number that is always there, but at Lockwoods it is done in open form using sweet potato, spinach, confit tomato and ricotta with shallot crème fraîche. Now that is a whole new dimension to this much loved dish.

Main courses can include a tasty roast local lamb rump, Mediterranean vegetables, dauphinoise potatoes and rosemary jus; roasted chicken supreme with red wine, baby shallots and spinach and wild mushroom risotto, or aged rib eye with Cafe de Paris butter, fat chips, watercress salad and caramelised shallots.

Lockwoods does a nifty line in pizzas, including a seafood version with chilli and coriander, and their margharita is a model of its kind. Desserts can yield baked egg custard tart with butterscotch cream; chocolate pot with raspberry fool and shortbread, and outstanding baked Yorkshire rhubarb with ginger crumble and mascarpone cream. Not to forget the Lockwoods selection of finest English Artisan cheeses.

In keeping with the neighbourhood motivation a children's menu operates at lunch and evenings with a list that is not condescending and prices that are kindly. Lest boredom with the elders clicks in paper and crayons are available on request. Similarly, there are a number of vegetarian choices, and vegan and gluten free options are available on request. On special occasions such as Mothering Sunday, Lockwoods rise to the occasion offering a tasty traditional menu with a contemporary twist, complemented by live and relaxed jazz in the background.

There is a regular programme of events, centred mainly round music, food and wine. Beyond the restaurant itself Matthew and his team will cater for your private party leaving you free to get on and enjoy it. And if, having enjoyed your meal at the restaurant you want a reminder to take home, ask to see the coffees, wines and cheeses they have on sale.

Click on their friendly Website to find out more about this lively hub of activity and what it can offer you.