Vennell's Restaurant

Zeus (29 March 2008)

I always enjoy a meal at Vennell's. I live in North Yorkshire and enjoy eating in cramped snugs, dark oak bars, draughty castles and chintzy tea-rooms. Vennell's is more airy, spacious and has a more metropolitan feel than other places and that’s a welcome change. When I say 'spacious' I'm referring to the generously spaced tables and the unhurried service. The courses arrive at a sensible speed, which tells you that there’s probably just one person doing the cooking, and there's no sense of being rushed along - plenty of time to digest and enjoy. The food is fresh, locally sourced and tasty. I wish they don’t play music.

Carolyn (19 April 2007)

Vennell's Restaurant has simply the best food I have eaten in a very long time, even when compared to Michelin starred or fancy city centre restaurants. It also seems extremely consistent in its high standards - I have eaten there several times and have never been disappointed. The home smoked trout is a favourite but every single dish has been well thought out and is always perfectly executed. Other reviews have referred to the price but again I think this compares pretty well to other restaurants in the area. I actually quite like the honest pricing - a starter and main course together cost £21. It saves deliberations about whether to have a starter and it means you can order exactly what you feel like without worrying if it's more expensive than what someone else in the party is having! If you're in Masham or the Ripon area I would thoroughly recommend giving it a try. It's advisable to book in, especially at weekends but they have often managed to squeeze us in with relatively short notice too.