Shibden Mill Inn

On our second visit to the Shibden Mill Inn, the food was delightful again. We had the soup of the day, corn and jalapeño with warm bread and garlic butter, then haddock and chips for my other half and shepherd's pie with veg for me. Everything was full of flavour, cooked perfectly and served in generous portions. We were too full for dessert. The mocktails and ales were delicious, with lots of drinks to choose from. The restaurant feels cosy but spacious, and the open fire makes it relaxing. All the staff I've encountered have been polite and welcoming. They kindly sorted out a voucher issue that was my fault and accommodated a last-minute booking change. We'll visit again.

All eight courses on the tasting menu were beautifully presented, seasonal, locally sourced and well balanced. The food and service were faultless, and the staff were amazing. I left full and already plan to return to try more. An exquisite meal I won't forget, with a brilliant kitchen and service team.

The service was great, with a good range of beers and other drinks, and the food was good too. For me, the menu tries a bit too hard. My room ran warm, and the bed might have felt a little small if I'd been sharing, but travelling solo I had no complaints. A good place to stay near Halifax, and I'd come back.

The staff make this place feel welcoming from the moment you arrive, whether you're stopping in for local ale after a walk or sitting down to a full dinner. It feels like you're treated as a regular. The rooms are very comfortable, and thoughtful touches like silver spoons, sugar cubes and homemade biscuits for morning tea, plus plush bathrobes, make the stay special. The mix of historic architecture and modern comforts makes it hard to leave your room. Shibden Mill Inn is a maze of quirky corners and historic character, with massive original oak beams and little doorways you have to duck through. It has that hidden-away feel while still offering a high level of luxury. For anyone visiting Shibden Hall, it's tucked into the same lush valley and makes a great follow-up to a tour of the Lister estate. The inn began as a 17th century corn mill and later became a cotton mill, part of the Anne Walker estate. If you're visiting Halifax to walk in the footsteps of Anne Lister, this warm, authentic and character-filled inn is a lovely way to enjoy Lister-era history with modern comforts.