The Wensleydale Heifer

We only came across this place because the pub we’d stopped at in Aysgarth had lost power. This was the first place we spotted afterwards, and what a lucky accident. The meal was delicious, beautifully presented, and tasted wonderful. It cost a bit more than we’d planned to spend, but it was well worth it. The artwork in the toilets gave us a good laugh too.

We liked it so much that we ate here twice during our trip. The seafood was delicious each time and cooked just right, from the fried squid and lobster sharing platter to the salmon risotto and seafood pancake. Service was great, and they handled dietary needs really well. The staff knew their allergens and were accommodating, with good gluten-free choices suitable for coeliacs. We also loved the desserts, including the lemon posset, meringue and crème brûlée trio, plus the pina colada.

The food was genuinely very good and, for the quality, fairly priced. I’d return for a meal, but not to stay. We were in the Gin room. The bed was wonderfully comfortable, but the room felt basic and nowhere near worth £260 a night. The electric shower was weak and stopped after about a minute. I showered just after 6pm, with our reservation at 6.30, so there wasn’t time to get it sorted before dinner. I went down looking a bit dishevelled after a day’s walking. Staff apologised when I told them and fixed it while we ate, though they had two hours to do so. The hallways have woodchip wallpaper, too. The rooms are themed, and some look nicer, but ours felt like it should cost about half as much. It left me wondering whether the Wensleydale Heifer is relying on past reputation or its guests having few alternatives. I was excited to visit after hearing so much about the Wensleydale Heifer, but the experience was underwhelming. My Fish n Chip challenge took 90 minutes to reach the table, and I had to ask the waitress what was taking so long. I was told it was so large it needed the whole fryer. Fine, but should I have to wait until everyone else has finished eating? If it takes that long, they should remove it from the menu or get a bigger fryer. At the very least, tell customers there’ll be a substantial wait so they aren’t watching everyone else eat and wondering where their own meal is.

The food was outstanding on our second visit together, and we had our favourite Valentine’s Day in 22 years as a couple here. It’s a beautiful place with a relaxed feel, and the staff give fantastic service and go above and beyond. We’ll definitely be back regularly.