The Yorke Arms is superb (Michelin starred and the place I get taken to for a special treat) but not simple. I'd recommend the Sportsmans Arms Hotel which is in a tiny hamlet called Wath just outside Pateley.

www.sportsmans-arms.co.uk

Excellent steaks and other local produce, (and nearer for you than the Yorke Arms). The website isn't brilliant, but I really think you'd like the place.

Another vote for The Sportsman at Wath. Not so pretentious as some others in the Dales .

Silverstrand

thank you for advice. It was very useful.

I am still tempted by the yorke arms but I am cocerned that there will be something on the menu I will enjoy. I would normally choose, chicken,beef or lamb as cannot eat seafood or game. Do you think that will be something on the menu that I would like or is it a limted menu. I have looked at the website but cannot make out whether it is a selection of the menu or a full menu. They also seem to have a variety of menus, taster, lunch etc. can you shed any light on these menus.

Is the sportsmans a safer bet. The website gives very little information.

Sorry to ask so many questions but the yorke arms looks so good but just checking that it will be suitable for our needs. Thanks again for your help.

I have eaten at the Yorke Arms several times and the menu has had a good selection on it each time. To be honest it's in a completely different league (and price range!) from the Sportmans. I am not sure if they do a taster menu all the while - the last time I went was Valentines Day and they certainly did on that occasion. The lunch menu will be cheaper than the evening one, and will probably have less choice on it.

I suppose they don't post a full menu on their website as it varies so much - they use a lot of local and seasonal produce. But I am confident that you will find plenty to tempt you, whenever you go. I think that everytime I have been the menu has featured Nidderdale lamb, which is absolutely delicious.

If you want my opinion I'd have to say go with the Yorke Arms for a memorable evening! Even the setting itself (on the tiny village green, next to the church) is wonderful and the building itself is like something out of a picture book. Inside it is not the least stuffy and pompous. I have been lucky enough to visit restaurants all over the world, but the Yorke Arms remains my favourite!

However I am obviously not the only one to think so! I was given the Good Food Guide 2008 for Christmas and the Yorke Arms was voted readers top restaurant.

Morgana,

thanks for your advice and expertise.

What sort of budget do I need to set aside for two people for three course eveing meal withouut drinks. Would £150 be about right or would £100 be enough?

Thanks for your help again.

Richard

I would say just over £100 unless someone has one of the special taster menus which cost more. The wines are sensibly priced too.

On Feb 14th they will have their Valentine's menu of course.

When you get to the restaurant you go through to the lounge area - lots of nice comfy seats and sofas, open fire blazing away, magazines and books - you won't want to stir! Here you normally have a look at the menu whilst they bring you little nibbles and canapes.

One other thing I was thinking about - although Ramsgill isn't far from Pateley as the crow flies, it is quite a narrow awkward twisty road especially as you approach the Yorke Arms (and you will be travelling in the dark I assume) so allow yourself more time than you think you need to get there.

On another completely different tack - if you drive past Ramsgill (in the daylight!) and continue on to Lofthouse, and then turn right immediately after the village of Lofthouse you will be on the Yorkshire Water Board road leading to Scarhouse Reservoir. This is an absolutely amazing place. Drive down the Water Board road for about 3 miles, as far as you can go, and you come to a carpark. There are just fantastic views of the dam, and if you feel energetic you can walk right round the reservoir (about 4 miles). One of my favourite places in the Dales.

www.yorkshirewater.com/?OBH=249&ID=2677

Thanks Morgana, I look forward to my visit.

Does the restaurant have a dress code. Is smart casual ok?

The walk around the reservoir sounds good too.

thanks

Smart casual would be fine.

Will you let us know how you get on?

The walk round the reservoir is great but the area is very open and cold, so 'proper' walking clothes and shoes/boots are essential, especially in Feb! But if you don't feel like stirring far from the car it is still an amazing place with fantastic views. You can see the remains of the shanty town built 100 years back for the workers on the dam - it's very atmospheric.

Another vote for the Yorke Arms. Thanks to Morgana my husband and I went there while on vacation in July. It was superb. We have been to some pretty impressive restaurants (some of the top ones on the planet) and this would be in my Top 10. Probably about 5th on my list. The service was immaculate. Highly recommended.

Went to the Yorke Arms and had a fantastic night.

would recommend it to anyone. The bar meal also looks like a really good option.

Thanks everyone for their advice.

Also walked around the reservoir. A great walk, even had the weather for a picnic.