The Wensleydale Heifer Restaurant in Richmondshire

Considering that there was a large (14 person) birthday party taking place directly behind us, the staff did an amazing job at keeping them contained and not making us feel like we had intruded on someone else’s event. The choices of starters and desserts were fantastic and all course tasted incredible. My criticism would be that the options for the main course weren’t as exciting as the starters or desserts but they were cooked to perfection. Finally thank you to the lovely staff who gifted my future son his own little heifer, it honestly made our night!

A few weeks ago an old school friend told me that he and his wife would be staying in Askrigg for week. Given that we live in North Yorkshire and hadn’t seen them since before COVID (4 years) their invitation to meet up was a great idea…but where to meet for lunch? All my favourite haunts in the area were closed on Mondays, so my friend did an internet trawl and came up with the Wensleydale Heifer. It’s not a place I had been to previously, but seemed highly rated, and we’re always looking for new places to try in the Dales. There was a warm welcome for us and our two small dogs, and our friends were already seated in the cosiest of alcoves when we arrived. We were sitting in the ‘dog friendly’ part of the pub, and not in the main restaurant, but where we were was great…very comfortable and laid back. Not having seen each other for a while the menu was ignored in a megastream of initial chat. The waiter came back a few times to see if we had decided and to take our order, very patiently I thought, and on his third attempt we had by then made our selection from the table d’hote menu. I had the soup to start…a kind of lobster bisque, but that under describes just how good it was. Homemade, rich and warming, just what you need on a cold winter’s day. Two of our group had Caesar salad, and the fourth person the mussels. The salad was beautifully presented, and pronounced excellent by the two, the mussels could have been a main course, so generous was the portion. On to mains. I had fish and chips which was just right, with the fish served as goujons in a light and tasty batter. Two had the poussin, and the final plate was sea bass. All beautifully cooked and tasty. We still had room for pudding, and why not? Three of us chose the winter berry Eton Mess, and one sticky toffee pudding. The empty plates at the end of the meal were testament to how tasty it all was. This was really great quality food, in a comfortable relaxed environment. The staff were friendly and ‘on the ball’ and even found time to make a fuss of the dogs. Also, this being Yorkshire, it was pleasing that it didn’t break the bank. It’s also nice to know of little quirks when visiting a new place. The excellent display of seaside postcards from a bygone era in the loos may also add to your entertainment. It’s amazing what they got away with in the 50s and 60s. We’ll definitely go back.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Wensleydale Heifer restaurant yesterday! We found the staff very friendly and the food in the lunchtime set menu was excellent 🤩 we were in the bar area as we had our little springer spaniel with us, she enjoyed the biscuits and the drink of water at our table. Lovely touch, keep doing what you’re doing! We will definitely be back when we are back staying at Sunhill Lodges. We put a recommendation in the visitor book for future visitors. Looking forward to our next break in 2024 Lorraine, Stevie & Wee Sasha 😊🐶

Top quality in every aspect.Could not fault at all. We will be back for a special anniversary next year

Popped in for a lunchtime brew and pint. Superb hospitality, even the dog was made welcome. Lovely to warm up by the fire before continuing our walk. The food smelt yummy and the menu looked amazing. Must go back and eat next time I’m in the area.

First ever visit to the Wensleydale Heifer and was not disappointed. Spotlessly clean inside and lovely decor. Great attentive service and delicious food. Fairly busy for a midweek lunchtime, in what is a fairly rural area. Will definitely be back, next time I'm in the area. Fish and chips, followed by caramelised rice pudding and blackberry compote.

Home after 2 wonderful nights at The Wensleydale Heifer. Thoroughly enjoyed everything from the attentive and fun staff, the comfortable room and superb food. Not to mention the lovely paintings by Lucy Pittaway and the genius cheeky postcard themed loo's. Just lovely 🖤🤍

This was our first visit to the Wensleydale Heifer, despite living only 40 minutes away and knowing your excellent reputation. We treated ourselves to your Gourmet Package. This appears to be expensive, but is actually excellent value for money, being almost 24 hours of high quality, delicious food, first class standards of service and excellent wines. Prior to arriving I was mildly apprehensive that things may be a bit formal, but these concerns were immediately allayed on arrival. Throughout the stay we were treated with friendly informality, we felt welcomed but also special. You have an amazing team, skilled, attentive and also friendly. Sitting in front of the fire planning our tasting menu was a delight & the meal itself managed to surpass that. The portions are generous when compared to some tasting menus and this meant I wasn't able to do the delicious desserts justice, although I did manage to taste them all. The room was lovely and just as described and we slept well with breakfast the following morning being of the same high standards. We will be back in the near future and I can heartily recommend the Gourmet Experience. We have stayed in many hotels in the UK and around the world and it is very very rare that I have nothing to criticise, so if you could possibly arrange for better weather next time I'd be grateful

Great atmosphere, excellent food with lots of choice together with friendly, efficient staff, made for a great lunch. The chicken liver parfait was delicious as were the tempura prawns. Try the truffle mayonnaise too. Definitely recommend

All very good again. Thank you. Particularly good fish and chips. My friend greatly enjoyed his lamb. Service excellent. Highly recommended. Stephen.

We are regulars even though we have to travel 25 miles to get to you. Last night was a great experience from start to finish. The warm welcome, the chat, the banter, the drink, the food. Places like the Wensleydale Heifer are few and far between. Stick with the Black Sheep! Thanks Michael & Carol + 2

Definitely to be recommended. An excellent meal with excellent service. The food was very tasty and the ambience very pleasant

Sunday lunch treat , and did not disapoint ,service excellent and food excellent just as expected

Excellent food and wonderful staff, attentive but not obtrusively so. The card and balloon for our anniversary was a nice touch.

We had tasty meal with friends, just the right sized portions from the lunchtime menu and highly attentive staff on hand to round it all off.

Fabulous place to dine. From telephoning for a reservation to leaving after our meal, we experienced top class treatment by every member of staff. Ryan was very helpful & reserved a perfectly situated table with sufficient room for our dogs to lie next to us....

Arrived to a lovely welcome and was pleasantly surprised to see a balloon, present and card for my wife as it was her birthday, we ordered and the food was beautiful, we were asked if we would like a dessert to which we said no,...

Booked a table for a friends birthday. We took two dogs too, sat in the snug and were made to feel so welcome, as were the dogs! They’d sorted a birthday balloon and card too! Food was incredible - great quality and flavours - loved...

Food and service was excellent as always. We both had fillet steak for our main, which was cooked to perfection followed by desserts which were presented beautifully.😁

As always the best Sunday Lunch in the Yorkshire Dales. Staff and food totally exceptional, thank you again

Went for my birthday lunch, the fire was on in the comfy lounge area where we enjoyed a relaxing drink whilst choosing our food, we all had fish and chips with delicious curry sauce 😋, portions weren’t massive,but the quality was obvious and when we...

We haven’t been for quite a few years due to not being in the area so the anticipation was high. We arrived to find the car park full and difficult to get out of which made us both a bit grumpy however we walked in...

My husband and I both had a wonderful time at the Wensleydale Heifer, celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary. The staff were lovely, the surroundings (we dined in the snug) was super cosy, the food was fabulous with generous portions and the flowers on the table...

Superb! Lovely to re-visit a favourite eating place in Yorkshire having moved South three years ago. The welcome and the level of service from all deserves particular praise but that's not to overlook the quality and quantity of excellent food. Thanks so much!

We had a fantastic evening at the Wensleydale Heifer. the food was sublime and the staff were very happy and friendly. we will definitely visit the next time we are in the area

We’ve been to the Heifer many times over the years but todays visit May be the last in a while We turned up on time the chap rushing around in the purple shirt quickly sat us down and took our order never to be seen...

Excellent as always. Been twice now and both times have left extremely satisfied with the service and quality of food. Will be back again. Would recommend.

The oysters were the best I’ve ever had and the lobster was prepared superbly A very memorable meal. Very friendly and attentive staff. The whole experience was exceptional.

Excellent service, atmosphere & delicious food. A special lunch to celebrate a belated birthday with a voucher from my family.

Another excellent trip to this amazing restaurant. A fabulous meal and we were made to feel like 'regulars' when in reality we have only been five or six times. The staff were friendly and attentive and made such a fuss of our 2 spaniels, such...

Four of us dined for a birthday celebration. We each chose different starters and main courses. The food was beautifully presented and delicious. Staff were friendly, professional and accommodating. I highly recommend for any occasion.

A fantastic experience from start to finish. The staff were friendly and helpful, the food was amazing...compliments to the chefs, the toilets were fantastic made me laugh reading all the captions. The other customers we talked to were so friendly and all talked highly of...

We love the Wensleydale Heifer as know we shall never be disappointed and as such we booked our son and wife for a night stay for their wedding anniversary which we have booked for both 1st and 2nd wedding anniversaries and they just love it...

Perfect loved every minute . The staff were so lovely and the food was amazing as always . It is five years since I was last here and the whole evening was as perfect as I remembered it from a few years ago . The...

Excellent food: the a la carte calamari is a terrific plate Super service Vincent is a gem! Make sure you keep hold of him!Top class in

We came here for my son's 18th Birthday and we couldn't have been made more welcome, the staff and the food were amazing !!!

We had the most amazing meal celebrating our anniversary- lovely touches at the table, card, rose and ballon. The food was delicious- difficult to choose so we will definitely be back! The icing on the cake though was the service - all the staff were...

Excellent food (Yorkshire portions!) with plenty of choice in a place with a lovely atmosphere and friendly efficient staff

Lovely family Sunday lunch. Food & service excellent . Restaurant has a nice ambience , Menu was varied with something for everyone.

Fantastic service and atmosphere. The food is outstanding, everytime we stay in Leyburn we make an effort to visit here. I can not recommend this place enough, a little gem in the dales. We have taken family with us in the past and they were...

The perfect evening celebrating our anniversary, the little touches made it all the more special. We have eaten in some of the best restaurants inthe world and honestly last night you blew us away with your wonderful food, service and ambience. Thank you to each...

Comfortable room and great food. The stairs are a bit tricky but staff very willing to help with luggage.A lovely place to stay.

We visited Saturday lunchtime. I came with my son and little dog. The staff were friendly and attentive and looked after us all from start to end, including my little dog ensuring he had water and a treat. We had a lovely meal with perfectly...

WOW! As frequent visitors we decided as a birthday celebration, to treat ourselves to the Gourmet Experience. The mood was set early doors with a lovely greeting from Danny and a glass of champagne. We then met the head chef Craig who made us feel...

Thank you for an amazing meal and experience. The food was perfect, and we love that we could bring our dog along! We were made to feel welcome, and the price was very reasonable which is always a bonus!

Excellent Sunday Lunch at the Heifer. Lunch was superb with GF options well catered for. As normal the staff make every effort to make your visit as welcoming and enjoyable as possible. Even though the place was full to capacity, service is prompt and well...

As always, First class service and food. It was our fourth visit. We like to come for our wedding anniversary. It is a lovely touch to be presented with a card and balloon.

Again an excellent dinner. High quality ingredients beautifully cooked. Excellent service. Will return and would recommend without hesitation.

We recently had the pleasure of dining here for Sunday Lunch. We received outstanding service, amazing Gin and Perfect Food. We will return, thank you.

Excellent in every respect, food, service and ambience. Thank you so much for making my birthday meal so special.

What a wonderful evening I spent with my friends who took me there for a birthday meal. The food was impeccable, the service was excellent. The staff were friendly, attentive and always available to answer any questions we had. They even went the extra mile...

Absolutely exemplary in every respect. Faultless with exquisite food. Made a wonderful evening for my wife on her 50th. Thank you

Good meal and good service. A bit on the pricey side for the Dales. Nice rose for my wife on our anniversary and I think we were in the celebration area at the front where all three tables had birthdays or other celebrations. Unfortunately the...

Had a fabulous meal for dinner, great atmosphere and very friendly staff. Well done. We will return.

We visited for a meal as we were just passing through. The fish and chips we both had were amazing and so well cooked. Deserts were just as good 😋 and the whole menu superb. We were smitten with the whole experience and ended up...

We have been coming to the Heifer for over 15 years and are yet to be disappointed. It is always consistently well above average from the food to the service, it is always spot on. For the standard of food it has a less formal...

We stayed at the heifer as part of a wedding party The whole experience was amazing I cannot think of any negative comment The whole staff were fantastic nothing was too much trouble The service was excellent we were a party of 14 and everybody...

My husband and I were here for our 1st wedding anniversary and it did not disappoint..We arrived to a very friendly warm welcome and referred to as The Special Couple which was a lovely touch. We were shown to our table which was adorned with...

Sunday lunch was excellent throughout, from front of house through waiting staff and of course the food was excellent too!

An extremely enjoyable Sunday lunch. Very friendly and attentive service throughout. Excellent quality and tasty food served.

Lovely meal and friendly service, thank you. Parking was an issue but I guess there is not a lot that can be done about that.

Enjoyed our evening , all the staff were very friendly and attentive , lovely personal touches for our anniversary , cocktails and food were excellent , nothing to fault

We “lucked out” that our travel agent booked us at the lovely B&B in West Wilton on the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. The B&B rooms are good sized and all themed . Large bathrooms. There is an active bar scene( but not noisy). But...

Excellent service and Staff were extremely friendly. Food was really delicious, also very creative and wonderfully presented and pretty good value for money. We were on a tight timetable and the team responded accordingly by serving us very quickly as requested, but they somehow paced...

Excellent Food. Great service too. Our second visit as a group of friends and we were as impressed as last time. We will return

Great restaurant which specialises in seafood including oysters and lobster. I tend to have the traditional fish and chips with all the trimmings, which is excellent value. This time I had the smoked chicken and local sausage pancake which was superb. What next time? Who...

Our fifth visit. Stayed in chocolate heaven room. The decor , cleanliness and attention to detail never fails. The food again was brilliant and the staff as ever were extremely professional and always friendly. Nothing is any trouble. Relaxing and mist enjoyable break.

Absolutely excellent, exceeded our expectations. The service , the atmosphere the food and wine was stunningly fabulous. Highly recommend it.

Again another divine meal. My husband’s steak cooked to perfection, I especially adore the oysters! A big shout out to all the staff especially Danny and Ryan tonight! Thank you for a fantastic dining experience once again. I absolutely love this place. See you all...

Had our anniversary lunch there .the staff were very friendly and informative we had 2 courses off the set menu the mussels were very good .the sea bass and risotto was perfect .alas we didn't have room for a dessert will definitely be back highly...

Amazing lunchtime special . Great choice on each course . Excellent value , good portions , first class produced . Amazing staff . All round 5 star experience. Thank you .

We had an excellent lunch - first class in every way - super service, delicious food -we'll be back!

Unbelievable food,staff great,cannot wait to return,so many delicious sounding items on the menu,

Ribeye steak like butter cooked to perfection, sweet juicy lobster and amazing fish pakoras - what’s not to like? Cracking wine list too.

My husband and I visited WH for lunch on Saturday to celebrate a birthday. The welcome and service that we received from first arrival was amazing. We were a little early and so took drinks to the garden, (Ultimate G&T 10/10 !) When we were...

Perfect in every way. Lovely service and attention to small details. Exquisite food. All credit to all the staff who make this such a great restaurant and venue.

My wife and I recently had an excellent meal at the Whensleydale Heifer. The food, the ambience and particularly the staff were all that we had hoped for having seen many great reviews on TripAdvisor. The food was perfectly prepared and presented and the pacing...

We were pleased to join you at the Heifer for my wife's birthday. We were warmly greeted by the owner and staff. We had a set three course lunch which we thoroughly enjoyed. My wife was pleasantly surprised by the balloon, birthday card and gift...

Our second visit to the Wensleydale Heifer in the past few months, and it hopefully won't be the last. There were 15 of us in our party this time - we were celebrating my Uncle's 93rd birthday, a fact I only told the staff on...

First time visiting and you did not disappoint staff , service , food , environment was spot on nothing was too much trouble will definitely be back again

Another amazing evening, so good to be back at our favourite restaurant, served by welcoming and friendly staff with the most exceptional quality of food. Thank you for another fantastic evening!

Excellent as always. Quality food and impeccable service. The fish is so fresh and well cooked. Fantastic wine.

We have eaten here many times previously and came back twice this past week. This is, without exception, our No1 go to place to eat in Yorkshire. It has a really nice vibe when entering this establishment. A lot maybe down to the wonderful staff...

Second time at the Heifer and excellent again. Food wonderful, staff very friendly and welcoming. Will come back again.

Fantastic place really friendly staff bedroom clean and comfy. Food was absolutely amazing and the breakfast was also fabulous. We have stayed here numerous times and it’s always the same it never changes. Always wonderful. They always go above and beyond.

Lovely food , good atmosphere, friendly helpful staff definitely worth a booking , lovely to see so many celebrating occasions

We visited for a birthday lunch for my wife. We felt really well looked after by Damien and the team. The service was excellent, and on the table at arrival were a birthday card, balloon and a small gift for my wife. The food was...

As always perfect 😊friendly staff great food and an excellent gift for our granddaughter after she had eaten. This is my favourite place to eat and relax . Thank you for helping in celebrating our 33rd wedding anniversary . We’ll be back in December for...

Never ever had a bad meal, food is amazing and staff are lovely and professional, highly recommend the steak and also the pate!

A really warm welcome from all the staff. We shared a spicy prawn starter, amazing!! Penny chose the lamb and I had the Maple Lobster Salad, both exceptional. Unfortunately, as we were driving we were unable to sample a good looking wine list but our...

Following a recommendation from a friend, I booked lunch for my husband’s 60th birthday. It was fabulous! The food was amazing and we couldn’t fault anything. The staff are fabulous and the attention to detail sets this place aside. There was a balloon and card...

Delicious food and great service. A wonderful birthday treat with a balloon and gift from the Wensleydale Heiffer.

Maintaining high standards in all aspects, our favourite lunch venue. delicious food, friendly and professional service - need to return soon!

We always feel welcomed and can relax when dining at The Heifer. The food and service are the perfect combination: bliss! Thank you to all your hard workers who make it look so effortless and allow us the time to enjoy everything.

It’s been a while since we’ve managed to get here for lunch and when we first arrived we didn’t recognise any of the staff. We needn’t have worried. As usual the staff were excellent, very knowledgeable and able to give advice re choices for my...

We thoroughly enjoyed our meal, the food was fabulous and the staff were very welcoming and friendly. They paid particular attention to our grandson which is great. Service impeccable, probably the best restaurant we have ever been in. The portions are generous to say the...

We had a truly exceptional dining experience with friends at the Wensleydale Heifer. My husband and I both had the hake with paella and it was absolutely delicious. Everything about the restaurant was perfect from the food and service itself to the ambience, lighting and...

Excellent 3 course Sunday lunch. 3 wonderful courses and complimentary canapes . Beautifully presented by attentive welcoming staff . Absolute treat.

It was great to eat here again. My friend, a newby, was very impressed by the exceptionally high standard. The food was superb and the staff were friendly and attentive without being overbearing. The atmosphere was welcoming and warm. We appreciated being able to have...

Exceptional food & fantastic service, would definitely recommend. We visited for our anniversary & they had decorated our table with a balloon & flowers which was a lovely surprise.