Too often I proclaim the need to get out of Leeds and have a weekend in the countryside. Every week my ambition to hop even half an hour away soon crumbles as I find myself nursing a bottle of red most Friday nights and handling the obligatory headache on a Saturday morning. By the time I come to, I’ve made the executive decision that it’s too late to venture to the North Yorkshire countryside and in any event – I want my bed and a takeaway.
However last weekend I sacrificed the post work drinks and had an early night and very early Saturday morning. The weather was beautiful and I planned to head up to Ripon to come check out Lockwoods restaurant. Whizzing up late afternoon in the blazing sun I felt almost ashamed that with such a place of natural beauty and fascinating history sitting on my doorstep (40 minute drive from my house), I had not visited since I was a young child. It’s strange what you take for granted. I would regularly travel 40 minutes on the tube to meet a friend for lunch in London, yet haven’t slung my arse out of bed to visit what must be one of the most picturesque places in the country.
Our day started with a toddle around Ripon Cathedral. As we walked into this magnificent building, a full orchestra was rehearsing, making a visit round this awe-inspiring structure feel incredibly profound. I felt like I was Harry Potter scuttling down the corridors of Hogwarts. Post culture and classical musical experience we walked toward the river over a small footbridge to the Water Rat pub. This sits right on the river from which the shallow water trickles by and families of ducks with ducklings swim past in line formations. Pint in hand this Leeds lass felt more in touch with nature that she had in a long time. We sat there whilst the evening sun went down and headed on up for dinner.
Past the main square, which is adorned by a huge obelisk, on the roadside sits Lockwoods; a small quaint family owned restaurant with a glorious glass ceiling which provides a bright and almost Scandinavian Summer feel to this cosy joint. We were shown to our table by a lovely waitress who took our coats on arrival and showed us to our table where we could just about see the fading light from the sun.
We started off with two cocktails whilst perusing the Menu, a rhubarb gin and tonic and a Mojito. Both were refreshing and went down a treat, the Rhubabarb G+T especially if you like your drinks dry and tart. A word of warning, these may be quite strong as I soon proceeded to set my menu on fire with the table's candle! However the waitress assured me that it has happened before (probably not but it served to diminish my cretinous feelings).
We started off with two cocktails whilst perusing the Menu, a rhubarb gin and tonic and a Mojito. Both were refreshing and went down a treat, the Rhubabarb G+T especially if you like your drinks dry and tart. A word of warning, these may be quite strong as I soon proceeded to set my menu on fire with the table's candle! However the waitress assured me that it has happened before (probably not but it served to diminish my cretinous feelings).
As we cast our eye over the menu and blackboarded specials Matthew engaged us with some of Ripon’s history – every night at 9pm a the city’s Hornblower walks the four corners of the square blowing his horn at each corner to let the town know that the ‘watch’ was ‘set’ and the community could go to sleep assured that the town was safe. The hornblower must then duly notify the Mayor. This is a tradition from the year 886 when Alfred the Great visited the town. So taken with it he granted it the Royal Charter and gave the city a horn which is still on display in the Town Hall. This quaint tradition that is carried on today can still be seen and heard every evening at 9pm.
He then told us about the menu explaining that local produce and freshness is key. The menu is seasonal and alters reflecting the changes in local produce hauled from farms nearby. I couldn’t wait to tuck in. Greedy little pigs we were, we had 3 starters. Firstly the squid and prawn tempura which came with an Asian style salad and sweet chilli dipping sauce. The batter was light and puffy like a cloud but the real winner was the sauce; the best sweet chilli sauce I’ve had since visiting Thailand.
Next came the smoked haddock scotch egg. I was somewhat dubious as to how fish could be robust enough to encase an egg for frying and expected it to arrive a crumbled mess. Scepticism and intrigue prompted my order. This was seriously good. It came served on mushy peas and a tomato based curry sauce. The egg inside was runny, oozing golden yolk into the sides. This is currently on the specials, however will be coming on the main menu permanently. A bloody good idea in my opinion.
Finally my date had the home-made black pudding with Wensleydale rarebit and apple and vanilla chutney; hearty; earthy and a credible starter.
Finally my date had the home-made black pudding with Wensleydale rarebit and apple and vanilla chutney; hearty; earthy and a credible starter.
Then for our mains – the restaurant is using a new supplier for it’s meat (Farmison & Co) and had decided to showcase some of the lesser known cuts and had these on the special steak menu. We went for the flat iron steak which came with a wonderfully peppery sauce and chunky chips. Not only was the steak full of flavour and possessing a wonderful texture, but it came in at a scant £10.95! I would challenge anyone to find such a bargain with no compromise on quality or flavour.
I had the herb-crusted hake with potato croquette almonds, cauliflower purée and spinach. The hake was crusted on top and well cooked.
Each course came with a glass of wine which complemented the flavours on our plates, some of which were quite unusual and from lesser known regions. It goes to show they know what they are doing with their wines too here and I would trust their recommendation when selecting a tipple.
Each course came with a glass of wine which complemented the flavours on our plates, some of which were quite unusual and from lesser known regions. It goes to show they know what they are doing with their wines too here and I would trust their recommendation when selecting a tipple.
To finish – CHOCOLATE! We ordered a chocolate pot to share as we were close to exploding at this point. It came with a raspberry mousse and shortbread. This was heavy and oh so delectable. The accompanying mousse was sweet, light and wonderful; blissful.
Lockwoods food is no-nonsense, great quality, and great portions. The courses are packed with flavour and wonderful seasonal ingredients. It’s menu is traditional yet manages to harness a contemporary twist on classic flavours and dishes. One to try if you’re ever in the area and even if you’re not make a day of it! Ripon’s history and local culture will ensure that you will come away like I did – full of new knowledge, well-rested and most importantly, well-stuffed.
http://www.lockwoodsrestaurant.co.uk/
Tel: 01765 607555
Address:
83 North Street Ripon
North Yorkshire
HG4 1DP
Tel: 01765 607555
Address:
83 North Street Ripon
North Yorkshire
HG4 1DP
Written by Erin Goodall, FoodGoblin Northern Correspondent
