1,671 reviews
#1 of 1 Restaurant in North Rigton££ - £££, Gastropub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options+44 1423 733031+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
11:00 - 23:00
Mon
11:00 - 23:00
Tue
11:00 - 23:00
Wed
11:00 - 23:00
Thu
11:00 - 23:00
Fri
11:00 - 23:00
Sat
11:00 - 23:00
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 2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
Gastropub
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
features
Details
About
A lovely inn set in beautiful countryside just outside Harrogate and a 10 minute drive from RHS Garden Harlow Carr. Almscliffe Crag a short walk away (wear walking boots). Freshly prepared, good food and an excellent selection of beers, wines and soft drinks.
CUISINES
Gastropub
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Jazz Bar, Dog Friendly, Gift Cards Available
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4.5
1,671 reviews
Excellent
1,159
Very good
265
Average
103
Poor
94
Terrible
52
Barbara M
Harrogate14 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
Slightly belated review but I owe the Square And Compass management a big thank you in appreciation of the fantastic New Year Event. Tickets were sold out before the date, which shows the popularity of such a local event. Food and service were excellent as always, and the disco was very well pitched in terms of well known 1970s and 80s dance music , what a good job the dj did. I think everyone I spoke to would do the same again next year. Well done everyone involved.
Written 14 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.
SamanthaR696
Thank you so much for your feedback. It is great to know how much you enjoyed seeing in the New Year with us. We will share you thanks amongst the whole team and will let our DJ know you loved his dance tracks. Best wishes from us all.
Written 17 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David N
Skelmanthorpe18 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
We found the arrangements to deal with social distancing to be first class - staff attention to detail and the requirements dictated by the COVID-19 virus were excellent.
However the food was largely disappointing and not considered by us To be the best value for money. Whilst accepting that establishments like this will need to recoup the losses caused by the lockdown we feel £20 for a bottle of wine is Steep. Three small roast potatoes, Food which was not particularly hot plus the annoying trend to bring one small dish of vegetables unless one asks for more, means will not be rushing back.
Written 12 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.
SamanthaR696
Dear David - Thank you for taking the time to write a review and give us your feedback. We will continue to review everything we do and will work hard to try to make sure all our dishes are of a consistently high standard.
Written 14 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kwehlule
Wetherby494 contributions
Mar 2020 • couples
We have been here several times in the past but not recently. So we stopped here on a Friday lunchtime. The food and its presentation was beautiful. The starters were scrumptious. Staff were also attentive but my only criticism is the price of sides: £5 for a portion of sweet potato fries I think it was pricey.
Overall the ambiance was good.
Written 16 March 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.
SamanthaR696
Many thanks for choosing to eat with us and for taking the time to give your feedback. Best wishes from us all.
Written 17 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Food lover
4 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Having visited before we recommend to friends and came for Sunday lunch. We were seated at a table that was far too small for 4 plates. We were moved upon request to another table that was very nice. Why they felt the need to suggest we sat on a table that was far to small to eat from was a little confusing as other tables were free. Starters tasted great, main course again was fine although my partners lamb looked a little over cooked. We ordered another round of drinks when the main meal came.... we waited and waited until I had to walk round to the bar and ask if we could have the drinks. They had forgotten to bring them. I understand that everyone makes mistakes so not a great problem just a shame I had an empty glass from when I started until I finished my main course. I was surprised that one portion of cauliflower cheese cost £5 and was not included with the veg. We were a party of 4 and only had a small amount of veg to go round. All these negative points were not what we expected but we could live with it.
The issue came when I looked to the side of me on the windowsill and noticed it was completely covered in cobwebs. These had obviously been on the windowsill for a while. This is worrying as due to the current situation I would have expected things to be cleaned thoroughly. Then we I looked again I noticed 3 dead wasps only a couple of feet away from where we were eating. I really don’t think that the windowsill had been cleaned since lockdown.
Such a shame!!! It is a nice pub. But if you want to charge me £5 for a small tray of cauliflower cheese and £9 for a glass of wine surely you can give the place a wipe down with a cloth. Just to rub salt in the wound we noticed that the service charge had been added in to the bill (which we paid). Again such a shame as you can see from the pictures not been cleaned It could have been such a better experience than it was. I can’t recommend this to anyone again after this..... I had to apologize for recommending this today.
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.
SamanthaR696
Dear D R Renton - I am sorry that your experience did not match up to our normal very high standards of service. We will look at all the issues you highlighted and take immediate action to clean the corner you highlighted. Thank you for alerting us to what needed to be better.
Written 28 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JD2678
Leeds79 contributions
Oct 2020 • friends
Called in for Sunday lunch and we were expecting big things having heard the reputation. We were warmly welcomed and they had very good covid provision in place; sanitiser everywhere, screens between tables, all staff in masks etc. Only complaint here would be no track and trace provison.
Menu looked really good although I was slightly alarmed to see a prawn cocktail for £10 with the starters. I had a pint of Landlord which was very average, I expected a country pub to keep their ale better!
Starters arrived and the baby squid was okay, slightly over cooked and obviously bought in, smoked paprika aioli was bland; okay but probably on the expensive side at £8.00! One of our party did go for the prawn cocktail and honestly my fears were confirmed, straight out of the 1970’s; shredded lettuce, marie rose, prawns, brown bread and butter. Looked fine but scandalously over priced.
My Farmyard feast arrived and unfortunately again I was underwhelmed; once slice of pork loin, one slice of beef, the worlds saltiest chicken leg, a tiny cube of admittedly lovely sausage stuffing and the usual sides; three roast potatoes (that would have benefited from another 15mins in the oven), baby carrots, a roasted shallot. It also came with a pot of extremely crunchy pork crackling, I enjoyed it but would be challenging if your teeth weren’t the best! The table received some mixed greens to share which were okay but would benefit from some seasoning. My wife went for the roast beef and hers was much better with three generous slices of beef which was cooked to an acceptably medium rare.
I sampled each of the desserts on the pudding trio and again wasn’t particularly impressed, sticky toffee was dry, chocolate brownie wasn’t a brownie more of a heavy sponge. The cheesecake was decent though. I struggle to see how the £9.00 price tag is justified. I appreciate it all looked to be made in-house but it was a little heavy handed and usually with an assiette there is more of a variety with the desserts.
Service was fairly good, a young team but seemed reasonably knowledgeable and adapting well to the challenges of covid. Look out for the added service charge on the bill though- a real bug bear of mine!
Overall I won’t be rushing back, we regularly eat out and despite highlighting prices through this review, I’m happy to pay top dollar for top quality but the standard of food here was pretty average. Total bill for four drinks, two starters, four mains and two desserts was over £150 (Including the dreaded 10% service charge!) and to be honest you can have a comparable quality meal and a poor pint of bitter at any chain pub for a third of the price...
Written 11 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.
SamanthaR696
Thank you for letting us know what we did well and what needed to be better for you. I will pass all your feedback to our senior team.
For information, we added our discretionary service charge to reflect the additional covid-related tasks our team is carrying out. All service charges and gratuities go to our team but the service charge can easily be removed from bills.
And in regards to Track & Trace, we ask all our guests to pre-book tables using our online ResDiary system so their contact details can be referred to if necessary. But, if we have tables available to offer 'walk-in' guests, we ask that our onsite NHS QR Track & Trace code is used. So I am sorry if we missed taking contact details from your table. Please can you email relevant information (time and date of visit together with lead contact information) to: contact@thesquareandcompass.com so we can update our records. Very many thanks, Sam Roffe, The Square & Compass.
Written 12 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
fpg
Mansfield289 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Enjoyed our third visit here. There were people sat outside at spaced tables and inside tables were well spaced. Hand sanitiser was available and card/phone payment only.
Timothy Taylors beer spot on. We enjoyed the baby chorizo and bread as starters. Sirloin steak was requested rare - not as juicy and tender as I prefer. Others really enjoyed fish pie.
Written 23 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.
DaisyLeeds
Leeds36 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
If you have any doubts about venturing out after lockdown then this pub/restaurant is completely on the ball. We were worried that there would be no atmosphere but it felt like an almost normal Saturday night out, quite buzzy and enjoyable with great food and drinks. The tables have been carefully arranged to enable social distancing, there is sanitising gel as you walk in and a blackboard menu which staff ask you to take a photo of so customers are not handling menus. There are also lots of outdoor tables too.
Must mention Jack and Sasha our waiters who made our table of four feel completely at ease. We will be back soon.
Written 13 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.
SamanthaR696
Dear DaisyLeeds - we are thrilled to know how much you enjoyed your visit. Thank you for taking the time to write a review and for mentioning Jack and Sasha. We look forward to seeing you again.
Written 14 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ColM
Barnsley18 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
We booked a table for Sunday lunch for 4 adults and a toddler but were allocated one next to a fire that upset our grandson but the team quickly and easily allowed us to move to another table. The food was great, as usual, and the service was friendly and efficient including providing information on ingredients for our grandson's allergies.
Will happily revisit. Thanks to our main server Lewis and the chef Owen.
Written 21 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.
SamanthaR696
Dear ColM - Lewis, Owen and all the team will love knowing you felt well looked after and hope to return. Thank you for using Trip Advisor.
Written 23 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kevin
2 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
We have just had lunch at the Square and Compass, which was excellent. On arrival we were met by Sam who was front of house, he advised us that no menus were being given out to diners, but we should take a photo of the large menu that was on a blackboard at the front of the pub (Great Idea).
The atmosphere and the general feeling of the pub was very warm, we had our black Labrador with us as we knew the pub was dog friendly, as we checked this on the app DoggiePubs.
All the staff were attentive, and the meal was exceptionally good, so we will be going back.
I would just like to add that Sam’s hospitality was excellent from our initial phone call to book the table, our arrival, and excellent ongoing table service
.
My wife and I think Sam is an absolute credit to the team at the Square and Compass.
Written 7 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.
SamanthaR696
Dear Kevin - What a lovely review. Thank you. Sam and the whole team will be very happy to know how much you enjoyed your visit. Best wishes from us all .
Written 8 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Geoffrey F
Chippenham43 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
My wife and I were part of a wedding party of just under 30 people - before the restrictions of 14.9.20! It was our first visit and we were really impressed by the friendliness of the staff, the variety, quality and indeed artistic presentation of the food, and the overall atmosphere of the place. We felt those in charge really cared for us and wanted to make it the best experience possible whilst adhering to the Covid guidelines of the time. A fair amount of parking: my wife is disabled so a space was kept for us. Toilets easily accessible. We ate outside: large canopies kept off the occasional shower. Cannot comment on the price - I wasn't paying!
Written 10 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.
SamanthaR696
Dear Geoffrey - It is fantastic to know how much you enjoyed the very special day. Thank you for your very positive feedback which will be shared amongst the whole team.
Very best wishes from us all.
Written 15 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Olivia R
13 contributions
Feb 2020 • family
I’ve been to the square and compass twice now and both times I’ve been so disappointed with the food. The staff are helpful but the food is absolute garbage. I ordered the beef burger and it was black, burnt to a crisp, so dry I ate a few bites and fed the rest to our dog.
So disappointing as everything else is great. Lovely that we can bring the dogs in etc but the quality of food is horrendous. I don’t think it’s hard to make a good burger with good quality meat and ingredients so how the kitchen failed to such and extent is surprising.
I’ve had a lot of burgers all around the world and that was up there with the worst burgers I’ve ever had.
Written 9 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.
SamanthaR696
Dear Olivia R - We have an excellent reputation for the quality of our dishes and I am so sorry that there seem to have been issues with the dishes you ordered. I hope you felt able to alert our team to during your visit. They will always do their best to correct a problem. Regards, Sam Roffe, The Square & Compass.
Written 14 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HolidayLovers007
110 contributions
Oct 2021 • family
Attended for a birthday lunch after dining here on many occasions. Without a doubt the food was it's usual high standard but despite an automatic 10% service charge being added to one's bill, the service was really poor. After waiting more than 15 minutes for a member of staff to return to our table to take our order, we found ourselves having to go to the bar to request this. We also had to ask 3 times (a different member of staff each time) for additional hot water to accompany our pots of tea. Whilst the food couldn't be faulted, the lack of service was questionable. When service charges are automatically added to bills, you expect a high standard of service. On this occasion we did not receive this. Not wanting to make a fuss during a birthday celebration, we agreed to pay the service charge despite not receiving this. So disappointing when on previous visits the service has been better.
Written 5 October 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.
Samantha R
Dear HolidayLovers007 - Thank you for letting us know you have enjoyed previous visits and I am so sorry you did not receive our normal, high level of service this time. I will alert our senior team to what needed to be better so that action can be taken.
The Service Charge is discretionary and should only be paid to reward us for looking after you well.
Thank you for taking the time to tell us we needed to do better on this occasion.
Very best wishes.
Sam Roffe, The Square & Compass.
Written 12 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lauren1025
3 contributions
Dec 2020 • couples
The service was terrible and the food inedible.
We waited over 30 mins for someone to come and take our order we ended up calling someone over when we realised a table that had come in after us were actually eating their meal. We had the Camembert to start and it was hard and cold in the middle, 2 of us had the fish and chips and couldn’t even eat the fish it was dry and tasted like it was cooked days ago. The chips were like oven chips not ‘triple cooked’ as stated. It was our first visit after a recommendation but we definitely won’t be returning. The Diet Coke was also flat and I did ask for another bit this was also flat so I gave up!
Written 28 December 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.
Samantha R
Dear Lauren - we pride ourselves on offering the very best possible service, dishes and drinks. So it is very concerning to read your review. I would be grateful if you could confirm the time and date of your visit to me by emailing samroffe@malverninns.com Thank you for your time. Sam Roffe, The Square & Compass.
Written 29 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CLM2014
Bradford60 contributions
May 2021 • couples
Visited the Square & compass for Sunday lunch . We have been many times before but today was really disappointing . Ordered one lamb and one beef with extra cauliflower cheese . Nothing on the plate was remotely hot. Even the cauliflower which came out separately in a metal dish . If I said the meal was Luke warm I am being generous . We did mention this to the server and he said he would pass it on to the chef , but we heard nothing after that so wether he fed it back or not I have no idea . The service was good , pleasant polite staff but this is not a cheap establishment. At £18 for a beef dinner and £19 for lamb , then extra for cauliflower side the meal should have been amazing . Unfortunately it was well below parr. Felt like we were on a conveyer belt of Sunday lunches , our meal was literally on the table a minute after we ordered . A real let down , especially as it was an anniversary meal
Written 30 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.
Samantha R
Dear Mr M - Thank for letting us know what needed to be much better for you and your partner. I am sorry that we didn't get everything right during your visit and hope you feel able to return so we can do better next time.
I will make sure your comments are reviewed and acted on by our General Manager.
Very best wishes, Sam Roffe, The Square & Compass.
Written 9 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ann26
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • couples
Came with my husband today for the first time very impressed with our day. The place is tidy and fancy and the staff are tentative and friendly. We were served by a young lady called kelsey who made sure we were happy with our meals and helped us choosing the right dish. Will most definitely be coming back again :)
Written 23 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.
SamanthaR696
Dear Ann - Thank you for coming to see us and for taking the time to write a review. Kelsey & the whole team will be very grateful for your feedback. We hope to see you again soon.
Written 27 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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