The Wensleydale Heifer Restaurant
+44 1969 622322+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
12:15 - 14:3018:00 - 21:00
Mon
12:00 - 14:0018:00 - 21:00
Tue
12:00 - 14:0018:00 - 21:00
Wed
12:00 - 14:0018:00 - 21:00
Thu
12:00 - 14:0018:00 - 21:00
Fri
12:00 - 14:0018:00 - 21:00
Sat
12:00 - 14:0012:15 - 14:3018:00 - 21:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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CUISINES
Seafood, European, British, Soups
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
features
Details
About
Situated in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, The Wensleydale Heifer may be within easy reach of the A1 and M6 but it still feels totally rural. A traditional white-washed inn complete with leaded lights and swinging sign, The Wensleydale Heifer gives the visitor a real flavour of Britain meaning it���s popular not only with locals but with tourists searching for the real Yorkshire. From the lounge, with its comfortable leather settees, country pursuit paintings and imposing fireplace through to the wicker seating, beamed ceilings and eau de nil painted walls, the interior could have leapt from the pages of Country Homes magazine. The contemporary British menu includes seaood from across Britain plus locally sourced meat and veg, all prepared using the Wensleydale Heifer philosophy ��� keep it simple.
CUISINES
Seafood, European, British, Soups
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
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5.0
3,137 reviews
Excellent
2,683
Very good
302
Average
111
Poor
31
Terrible
10
natalieb95
Harrogate18 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
We hadn't been here for a few years but decided to come for a birthday celebration and to make use of the EOTHO offer.
We couldn't fault the service provided by the staff members of staff working on the day, they were very attentive and knowledgeable about the food we were ordering with comments being made about how it was either their favourite dish on the menu, or how good it looked and they were wanting to try it.
The food was wonderful and just as good as our previous visits, if not better and the portion sizes for the main courses were great for the price.The only thing we would say was that the starters and desserts were quite pricey for what we received, but they were absolutely delicious and very well presented.
It was also the smaller details that made a difference; water waiting in an ice bucket for our arrival, it being replaced without asking when it empty, a beautifully presented table on arrival, and hand made chocolates with the coffees. Overall an excellent experience at the Heifer, highly recommend and will be back again!
Written 5 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fatheifer
Thank you so much for taking the time to pass on your feedback.
I am delighted that you had a nice time and were well looked after by the team.
I have passed on your kind words to the staff and we all look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Written 7 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vggillam
21 contributions
Oct 2020 • friends
As someone who chooses not to eat meat or dairy I was delighted to have so many choices of dishes, loved that many could be served as either a starter or main. The (vegan) birthday cake You made for us was absolutely divine, all in our group of six diners loved it.
The service was brilliant and the food absolutely delicious. Prices we thought were very reasonable considering the standard of food/ service. Living in the South of England we would normally have to pay the same amount for a very standard pub meal.
Written 13 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fatheifer
Thank you so much for your lovely review.
I am delighted that you had a great time and enjoyed all aspects of your time with us.
I have passed on your kind regards to the team and we all look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Written 13 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A Curmudgeon Abroad
Kettering357 contributions
Oct 2020 • couples
Wow, just wow.
We were staying in West Witton and visited twice during our weekend break - a la carte on Friday evening and for Sunday lunch - both were simply stunning meals.
The Sunday lunch (one beef, one pork) was quite simply the best Sunday lunch i have had anywhere, anytime, and therefore although not cheap, represents excellent value for money.
The place is not pretentious as some high end restaurants can be - hey they even allowed us to bring our dog in with us!! The Heifer is one of the main reasons we are actively looking for an excuse to come back the dales for another long weekend. Loved it and cant wait to return
Written 19 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fatheifer
Thank you so much for your lovely review.
I am delighted that you had a great time and enjoyed all aspects of your time with us.
I have passed on your kind regards to the team and we all look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Written 20 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
f d
57 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
Had a wonderful meal here. I enjoyed the squid starter. It came with a lovely Thai salad and dipping sauce and was spicy enough for me. For a main course I had sea bass which was cooked to perfection with a lovely creamy sauce and crushed potatoes. My partner enjoyed fish and chips he had a large portion but regular size would have been big enough. The staff were knowledgeable and friendly. The main restaurant was a bit more appealing than the room we were in but overall it was a very enjoyable meal and I would definitely eat here again
Written 16 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fatheifer
Thank you so much for taking the time to post such a positive review.
I am so pleased that you had a nice time with us and enjoyed all aspects of the Heifer.
I have passed your kind words onto the team and we all look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Written 29 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MsSamsonite
Killarney14 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Manages to deliver great food without being pretentious. A menu that has something to suit everyone and delicious desserts. Staff are lovely right from the time to call to book to waving you off. Relaxed and informal, yet at the same time well-organised and professional. Waiting staff are especially pleasant, seeming genuinely interested in helping you choose and asking whether you enjoyed your courses.
There may be several smarter, more expensive, high-end establishments in North Yorkshire, but this is a real favourite.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fatheifer
Thank you so much for taking the time to post your great review of your recent meal with us.
I have passed your positive feedback onto the team and we all look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Written 13 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
stanleyjak
35 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Absolutely fantastic food and service, never disappoints. Gift voucher for my birthday from my son, just a month after my birthday, I usually celebrate at the Heifer on New Years Day my actual birthday but couldn’t make it on the day this year. We have a holiday home at Chantry so often pop in for a drink or a meal. We love it 💕💕💕😊xx
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fatheifer
Thank you so much for your very kind review of your recent meal with us.
I am so pleased that you had a great time and I have passed your feedback onto the team.
We all look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Written 9 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BettyBoopTeesside
133 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Visited today for the 5 course taster menu lunchtime offer.
We very much enjoyed all courses but in particular the second course of pakora and whitby cod. The rose wine I chose to accompany my meal was lovely.
A very nice experience indeed. Only slight niggle was being charged for the bread roll that we asked for to accompany the first course that we felt was needed.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
david m
Thank you so much for taking the time to post your lovely review.
I am delighted that you enjoyed your lunchtime tasting menu with us and were well looked after for the team.
I have passed your kind regards onto the team and we all look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Written 9 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cautley
4 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
I was disappointed to find that my favourite main course (Maple salad with scallops and king prawn) was only on the menu with lobster. The waitress went to ask the chef for me and came back saying that I could have the dish without the lobster at a much reduced charge. I was delighted and enjoyed the dish very much. Our choice of rhubarb and custard panna cotta for dessert pleased both us. It looked splendid and tasted even better.
Written 23 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
david m
Thank you so much for taking the time to post your lovely review.
I am so pleased you had a great time and enjoyed all aspects of your meal with us.
I have passed your kind words onto the team and we all look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Written 24 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ojc99
Lincoln84 contributions
May 2021 • family
Excellent food and service.
We visited as a family with two children aged 10 and 14. The food was really tasty and although a little pricey it was worth every penny. We opted for the lobster salad and seafood pancake, the children both chose fish and chips - we were all very happy with our choices. Pudding is a must at this restaurant! The staff were very polite and hardworking - there was no rush and the whole meal was very relaxed. We will certainly return when we are next in the area.
Written 25 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
david m
Thank you so much for your lovely review of your recent meal with us. I am delighted that you had a nice time. I have passed your kind words onto the team and we all look forward to welcoming you back in the future
Written 27 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bellandmaholo
London23 contributions
Jul 2020 • couples
The food was faultless, every single dish was cooked perfectly.
Only criticism was the soft desert was on a really rough slate plate, making it difficult to eat.
Service was hit and miss, good intentioned but clumsy. Served by 3 or 4 waiters, messages got muddled and slow. But, the food was so good, it was forgivable.
Written 26 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fatheifer
Thank you so much for taking the time to post your lovely review of your recent meal with us.
I am so pleased you had a nice time and enjoyed the meal - totally understand the point about the slate and I have spoken with our pastry chef. Also I have taken note about the service and our restaurant manager has arranged a full training session withe the team this week.
I have passed your kind words onto the team and we all look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Written 27 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David C
Dudley36 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
This feedback covers 4 nights that we dined at the Heifer over the past week. We always make a point of visiting when we're in the area but were lucky enough to do so 4 times while staying locally. This was our first restaurant meal since March and so there was a little apprehension.
We should not have worried. We felt very safe in the more spaced-out environment and each evening was a wonderful experience to top off a day in the Dales.
The food, as always, was superb but so also was the great service and welcome that we received from all of the team at the Heifer. They do all go the extra mile to make it 'very special' for all of their guests.
The place is so good that you do really need to book in advance to get a table at the moment so don't risk calling on the day if you're passing through.
It's difficult to point to anything in particular from the menu as it's all first class. The lobster that I had (twice) was excellent but so was the steak, the seafood salad and the fish dishes.
Can't wait for our next visit.
Written 15 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fatheifer
Thank you so much for taking the time to post your lovely review of your recent meal with us and your continuing support.
I am so pleased that you had a nice time and were well looked after.
I have passed on your kind feedback onto the team and we all look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Written 16 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
crackling79
Exeter3 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
We always try to have a meal at this restaurant when we visit Yorkshire & had booked a long time ahead in the restaurant & was therefore disappointed to be shown a table in the lobby area just inside the front door. This was rectified when I shown the waiter a copy of my reservation but not acceptable.
Our first 2 courses of Charred Marinated of Beef & Chicken Liver Parfait were fine, decent portions & enjoyed by both diners. Unfortunately we then both chose regular sized Heifer "Famous Fish Supper" with triple cooked chip etc. Great portions even though they were regular sized fish but the fish was greasy & the chips not a patch on the ones we had eaten in Whitby two days before. We expect good potions for a fair price when we visit Yorkshire from the South West but the main course part of the meal at the Heifer didn't achieve this. We were so very disappointed that we cancelled another reservation booked in this restaurant for 5 days later.
Written 28 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
david m
Thank you so much for taking the the time to post your review.
I am sorry if you were disappointed with your recent experience and I have passed your feedback onto the relevant departments.
As hard as we all try we have to accept we can not get it perfect all the time and I am very grateful that you took the time to reach out to us.
As you can see from our recent reviews your experience was a one off and I do hope that you will return to visit us again in the future.
Written 29 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Matt R
Driffield6 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
Really disappointed, I get that pubs reduce hours in the winter months but surely if you have all the staff in why turn people away for food so early?
We had been staying in Aysgarth and wanted food the Wensleydale Heifer has such a good rep we couldn’t not call. It was 2.15 and the kitchen full of staff, but unfortunately the kitchen had closed.
Personally I’d grab all the custom I could at this time of year.
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fatheifer
Thank you so much for taking the time to post your review.
I am sorry that you were not served but it is clearly stated that we do finish service at 2-15pm at lunchtime, we do very much value every guest at any time of the year.
I do hope that you will return to sample the Heifer in the future but i would recommend coming at a time when we are open for food.
Written 6 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
feelymerl
Darlington232 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
We visited the Heifer using a 2 for 1 Travelzoo voucher for the Tasting Menu lunch.
It was really good value for money. Five delicious courses with a raspberry sorbet before the roasted sea bass main. There is a very good wine list. We shared a half litre of picpoul de pinet which complemented the food wonderfully.
As always, the staff at the Heifer were knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. We left feeling very well fed and happy.
A little gem in the Yorkshire Dales National Park!
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fatheifer
Thank you so much for taking the time to post your lovely review.
I am so pleased that you had a nice time and were well looked after by the team.
I have passed on your great feedback and we all look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Written 18 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bobby1306
Lisburn18 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
Warm welcome, excellent service.
Generous servings.
Very Expensive starters
Delicious bread rolls with Parmesan
Smoked haddock chowder, flavour good but liquidised!
Cider cauliflower sounded better than it tasted.
Nidderdale lamb, had gone a bit cold & gravy juices a little vinegary.
Classic fish pie v good
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fatheifer
Thank you so much for taking the time to post your feedback.
It is so important that we hear things like this as it gives us chance to make improvements. I do agree about the chowder and I have changed the wording on the menu.
I have spoken with our head chef about the other issues and he will speak with the other chefs to see what changes can be made.
I do very much hope that you will visit us again in the future and we all very much look forward to welcoming you back.
Written 13 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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