Where There's Smoke in Harrogate

Our 3rd visit to this wonderful place (formerly Vennells restaurant)……..from the minute you email regarding a reservation, you feel welcome. The restaurant is small, but that adds to the experience and ambience……the subtle music combined with quiet conversation ……..perfect. The staff are unobtrusive, yet attentive and clearly knowledgeable and enthused with the food they are serving. The tasting menu is a treat for all the senses, with the element of smoke running through the courses. A small wine menu, reasonably priced……beautiful Portuguese Rose which complemented the food. From the canapés to the final sweet treat, you are left excited and amazed……..indeed a most talented chef preparing the most amazing food…..he will surely go far. A small village with such a fabulous restaurant….PERFECT!! Added to this we stayed at The Bay Horse next door……literally 10 steps away!! Thank you everyone for a fabulous evening, we will see you next time xx

Great evening spent in this fantastic restaurant. It is a tasting menu experience and there is an element of smokiness to all the dishes but very very subtle. We had six courses and each one was delicious and cannot fault it. The service was exemplary and the staff great. To top it off chef came out to speak with us at the end of the evening and we learnt more about him & his journey. We will be back. Thanks again. Helen Pickles

Wonderful birthday meal at Where there's smoke. Attentive service, delicious food, and great wine selection. Really enjoyed the experience.

A wonderful experience from start to finish. A friendly & knowledgeable Maitre d' welcomes you into a beautifully decorated space and shows you to a table (made by the chef). The wine list is a combination of readily recognised varieties with some more interesting choices all fairly priced. And then the food starts to arrive - all a feast for the eyes and with wonderful flavours and textures. I particularly loved the spelt bread with marmite butter (and I'm not a big marmite fan) and the white onion soup with cheese - but then I also enjoyed the stone bass, and the 35-day aged beef with beef fat cooked hash brown. And the afters were exceptional too. Worth every penny. Definitely recommended.

What a fantastic experience! Celebrating the husbands birthday so we were just looking for a nice restaurant in the area we were staying. Nearly didn’t get there due to lack of taxis locally but thank goodness we did, what a hidden gem! Amazing From start to finish , excellent staff, ambience and food. Easily one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten. Every morsel was delicious and beautifully presented. If that wasn’t enough the staff were friendly, attentive and helpful. They happily chatted to us between service and answered any questions we had. Will definitely return at some point, I just wish we lived closer. If you get the opportunity to visit don’t let it pass you by!

The best meal in a very very long time! Honestly, couldn’t praise our experience highly enough. The menu was incredible. There were things we didn’t think we would be that bothered about trying, courgette soup for example, that we both agreed was delicious. The fish course - despite being a fish fan, I didn’t think I’d like Ceviche but it was honestly my favourite thing that we had. The pork course was also faultless. When I saw someone else’s cheesecake come out and the sheer size of it, after all the other courses, I didn’t think I’d be able to manage it, but it was so light and delicious I did. Again, probably the best food I’ve had in a seriously long time. The service couldn’t have been better - not at all pretentious, just welcoming and friendly. I don’t have a clue about wine so it was nice to see a wine menu with recommendations for their food menu. I also loved the playlist they had on ( Laura Marling vibes) We 100% recommend and are booking to return in the near future.

This restaurant is totally superb in every way Ambience, welcome, staff , service , food It is truly a gem that I simply want to keep a secret as it’s soo good ! Jon and John and assistant … you truly smashed it.. Thank you

From entering the door to leaving this dining experience was superb. Service excellent - attentive but unobtrusive, menu was interesting and food delicious. The smoke element is very subtly included in certain elements of each dish without being overpowering. Good value 4-courses + extras. Would thoroughly recommend a visit.

Fabulous evening to celebrate wife’s birthday with a delightfully Spring-like tasting menu in a very smart restaurant. The main pork dish was the most beautifully flavoured I’ve had. Very attentive waiting staff and lovely touch with the chef patron coming out for a relaxed chat at the end of the meal. Highly recommended.

I've probably used the title for this review before but this is THE PLACE to come in North Yorkshire. We were recommended it by some friends and we made a special trip to Masham (please pronounce this correctly, - it's pronounced MASSUM) so that we could eat here. We were greeted by the Maire D who was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The service was fantastic with a menu of about 8 small dishes preceded by a mixed ensemble which included crab, sausage and stuffed yorkshire puddings (my description doesnt do it justice). Each course was fabulous and included seasonable fayre (such as asparagus in April when we visited). Superb fish, meat and desert dishes. At the end of the night, the chef introduced himself and explained how he works. Apparently, he spends 60 hours a week prepping the meals for the resturant's 3 nights of opening. Amazing care and attention and such meticulous prep Outstanding!

Fabulous evening at Where There's Smoke. A superb dining experience Beautifully presented delicious food with a Yorkshire twist. The atmosphere was relaxed and warm. All the staff were so welcoming which is no surprise as they take there lead from the hospitable restaurant manager John Goodyear.

Three of us had a wonderful evening,busy lives mean that when we eat out we want it to be special and we certainly were given a special evening. The menu was balanced,and beautifully cooked,culinary skills at its best. Excellent wines and great service. Don't hesitate just go and see for yourself

Absolutely fantastic fine dining experience. Beautiful little restaurant. Unpretentious and extremely friendly but professional in all aspects. Amazing food and good selection of wines. A really special evening. Will return.

Absolutely beautiful from start to finish. We were welcomed by John and his team who were so friendly and attentive. Every course, from the snacks at the beginning to the delicious desert was beautifully made and simply divine. Jon chatted to us at the end of our meal and we were surprised to hear he does absolutely everything himself, and what a wonderful job he does! Come here knowing that you are in for a treat, would absolutely recommend, and look forward to visiting again.

What an absolute gem of a restaurant! Fantastic food, excellent service, and very good value. Highly recommended. Do not miss if you are visiting Masham

Amazing food, great Yorkshire welcome. 7 course tasting menu all superb - stands shoulder to shoulder with some 2 and 4 star Michelin restaurants we’ve been to. Keep doing what you’re doing.

From the moment we were welcomed we enjoyed our evening in a relaxed environment but with very good service, food and wine. Each dish seemed to get better, with a good range of flavours that just made it feel like a special meal but without Michelin prices. Thank you Jon and John (and our waitress) for a lovely experience. We travelled from Leeds and would willingly do so again!

A really excellent night out with the family. Lovely ambiance, warm friendly and very attentive service. Superb food throughout and very interesting but subtle use of coals. I can see why the reviews are so good. Will definitely be back - just wish they opened in the day too!

A fabulous evening from start to finish. The taster menu was great and each dish was beautiful. The first course of sourdough & marmite butter was great. Incredibly creative and effective dishes - thoroughly enjoyed. Excellent wine and coffee. The service was excellent throughout our meal - we were made to feel very welcome and well looked after. We would definitely return for a future taster menu.

Fantastic inspired food. Lovely atmosphere and great service. Ammended the tasting menu for me as I am gluten free

A small restaurant with a very nice atmosphere and pleasant, professional staff. The main courses of duck and cod were the highlight of the menu and the marmite butter with bread was tasty and inventive. This was close to five stars though there were a couple of courses that, although very tasty didn't quite hit the mark for us.

Highly recommend, fantastic dining experience. Friendly staff, nothing is too much trouble. Food …each course awakens the taste buds,

I have been wanting to dine here for months but they are nearly always fully booked up for Saturday nights, weeks in advance. I finally got a table reserved. What a gem of a place! The food was simply divine. We particularly enjoyed the cured kingfish course. Faultless cooking and a small but well chosen wine list. Will be back.

What an amazing experience! From the moment we entered the restaurant and were greeted by John the experience was 5 * throughout. Each course was sensational from the flavour to the quality of the produce. Can’t recommend enough. Lovely atmosphere and great service with attention to detail. Thank you.

the finest of fine dining, served on the chefs hand made ceramics by charming staff, it does not get better than this, an absolute delight. the ryans.

FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE Delicious Food Great drinks offering Staff very attentive Ambience perfect Can’t wait to get booked in again!!

An incredible experience, the restaurant asks you to put a lot of trust in the chef due to the format of the menu, but that trust isn't misplaced. The evening reflected the team's attention to detail, from start to finish. From the beautiful seasonal window display to the tables and tableware made by the chef, the punchy flavour driven dishes to the charming and polite yet jovial demeanor of the restaurant manager, everything came together to give us a fantastic dining experience.

Absolutely wonderful experience at WTS on Friday. The tasting menu is perfectly created, the flavours work brilliantly together and front of house staff couldn’t have been better. They went out of their way to make you comfortable and make it such an enjoyable experience. Overall, faultless experience and would 100% recommend a visit.

Our second visit this year and we we not disappointed such fabulous food and the staff were outstanding as was each course. They make it such a wonderful experience and eating local Wagu beef we are so lucky to have this in Masham.

We visited Where There's Smoke on Friday night and it exceeded expectations. It appears to be Masham's best kept secret but I predict it won't be for long! The 7 course tasting menu is perfect in scale - allowing Jon to showcase his considerable skills and the range of wonderful ingredients on which he works his magic, whilst not being excessive! Every one was a winner - stand outs were beautifully balanced salt cured stone bass and venison haunch which was subtly and deliciously smoky. We enjoyed a delicious Basque white wine (I will be ordering some from Jon's trusted wine supplier) and we were exceptionally well looked after by delightful front of house staff. Thank you - we will return!

We live in Masham and thought we would try this restaurant for my birthday fantastic food and staff. We had an amazing meal

A huge thank you to John, John and team for a making dinner at Where’s The Smoke on Thursday such a fabulous experience. Everything is “just right” here, when asked on booking John kindly recommended an excellent local taxi who was able to drive us the short distance from Swinton Park. I also let John know about my food allergy and non shellfish preference on booking which despite it being a set menu was catered for without a problem. We were warmly greeted and we were looked after extremely well through the whole evening. Despite the numerous courses it was not too much and the pace was perfect, we didn’t feel rushed or bored! Every course was absolutely delicious with my favourite being the Yorkshire Wagu which had been cooked to perfection. There is nothing not to like about this restaurant other than it’s 200 miles from our home in Norfolk but this was our second visit and we will definitely be back when staying at Swinton Park next time. Booking well in advance highly recommended. Thanks again for a wonderful evening

Second time we have dined here and it will not be the last! All the courses were stunning, the soup being our favourite this time. Attentive service with just enough time between plates. We live in Masham so count ourselves lucky to have such a fantastic place to eat right on our doorstep, congratulations to Chef Jon and the whole team!

A warm welcome from John greeted us at the door of this beautifully decorated restaurant. We couldn’t wait to get started on our 7 course menu!

From the moment we arrived to when we finally had to leave, the service and attention to detail was fantastic. We had booked this a long time ago and I forgot that I had mentioned it was for my parent's 60th Wedding Anniversary. The team had not and as soon as we walked in and said our name they congratulated my parents and there was a lovely card on our table. The service was exceptional. Engaging and attentive, but giving us time between courses to chat and enjoy the atmosphere in the restaurant. The food was incredible! Every course all four us were purring about what we had just experienced! It is impossible to say which was our favourite course, as they were all so fantastic. We cannot wait to come back again!

Without doubt, one of North Yorkshire’s best restaurants, and the most reasonably priced at £60 for the set menu, amazing value Everything was faultless, the crab and apple snack was delicious, as was the soup, the pork, the halibut, but the star of the night was undoubtedly the melt in the mouth scallops. This really was the most pleasant evening, and not just because of my lovely wife accompanying me for our belated anniversary dinner! A big thank you to the very friendly staff, and the chef owner, this place and him deserve to be ultra successful. It was so good we have decided to visit at least once a month

We ate at Where There‘Smoke for the first time last night but it certainly won’t be the last! What a triumph! @chefjonatashroo had clearly put his heart and soul into every mouthful of our outstanding meal and it was a totally sublime experience as a result. You know when the amuse bouche blow you away that you’re in for a real treat. The complexity of the flavours, the genius seasoning and flavour combos, the attention to detail married with Jon’s understated artistry - everything was perfection! The amazing wine should also get a mention along with the wonderfully welcoming and attentive John Goodyear who looked after us so well. It all added up to an evening we won’t forget in a hurry!

This price fixed, farm to table restaurant is Splendid. Everything about the food, atmosphere and decor was unique. Make a reservation in advance.

What a find on our Masham mini break! A small, charming restaurant with lovely staff and absolutely delicious food. Our party of 5 received a genuinely warm welcome from John, the manager, and we were very well looked after. Each of the perfectly cooked courses came at an unhurried pace and the Santorini Assyrtiko wine was gorgeous. We all enjoyed our excellent evening and the unique extra touches - like plates and bowls made by the chef himself. Jon took the time to meet us and have a chat which rounded off our evening perfectly. I thoroughly recommend WTS.

First time visit with family and enjoyed very much. The set menu is very good and cooked excellent. Staff are very friendly and we will definitely be back again

What a wonderful dining experience we enjoyed at Where’s The Smoke whilst staying locally at Swinton Park Hotel this weekend. After reading the excellent reviews I had a feeling we were in for something special and were not disappointed. As this is a small restaurant...

Absolutely fantastic!! We were visiting as a group of 6, the experience was excellent from start to finish. Every single dish served was out of this world & topped off with first class service. We have already booked to go back again

Fabolous meal from the moment we arrived, nice atmosphere and friendly knowledgeable staff (even got meet chef) that were great at interacting with the diners…. Then the food started to arrive, very tasty…. things on the menu I would not eat at home but packed...

from start to finish the whole service was beyond 5*, their selection of wines, beers and spirits is fantastic and the fact that chef jon makes all the plates, tables etc himself just adds to the uniqueness of the venue. must have to say my...

Michelin stared foods at this lovely little restaurant in Masham. What a great experience - each dish was superb, well presented, with great attention to detail and wonderful flavours. The staff were very knowledgeable about the dishes and the restaurant is a really nice place...

I did my homework before heading out the masham, lovely little place. From the tables to the cutlery and the food. Everything was out of this world. John the manager was fantastic and nothing was too much for him. This place is destined for something...

Exceptional. Every dish excited us upon tasting. Rare to find something truly different. Service joyful. An underestimated delight. Thoroughly recommend. We will travel a long way to enjoy this visit again.

I really enjoy the experience of not having to select a choice from menu & different small plates being brought out. Each and every one was so tasty. We will be back again

Wonderful birthday meal, the whole evening felt like a real treat rather than just heading out for dinner. Great environment & service with very, very tasty food. We will definitely be returning again.

My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed the 7 course tasting menu. The selection of snacks followed by the delicious Treacle and poppyseed sourdough bread whet our appetites for the following courses. A particular highlight was the cured stone bass with nduja and mussels. Thank you...

Pictures paint a thousand words. If you visit this part of Yorkshire, this place is a must. Very tentative staff (John) whom made you most welcome. The service was brilliant and not overpowering. Customer left alone to have conversation and relaxed in the warm and...

We’ve been looking forward to visiting WTS ever since it opened and weren’t disappointed when we finally got the opportunity. Even though WTS has a tasting menu, the team accommodated our non meat eaters with a pescatarian alternative (with advance notice). We couldn’t say which...

It's very rare to enjoy a tasting menu as good as this. There's usually one or two courses, or additions that don't really belong, or divide opinion, but I could not fault the quality and combinations of ingredients used. Simply fabulous. I would not hesitate...

First visit yesterday evening and I wasn’t disappointed. This local restaurant is a wonderful place to dine. The food was fantastic - a set menu with vegetarian and vegan option. Food was locally sourced, deliciously put together and beautifully presented. The staff should be highly...

What an amazing experience!! Wonderful food (despite being dubious about pumpkin soup which was actually really lovely!!), friendly staff, and a great relaxing enjoyable evening. Would highly recommend

What a wonderful restaurant with the most perfect combination of amazing seasonal food, the talented chef Jon, and a welcoming front of house team, in such a beautifully decorated space! The 7 course set menu is so well thought out and every course was more...

Went along for their Asian influenced evening and we were simply blown away. Each course standing up to the debate of which was the best. The service was impeccable, from the warm welcome, the extensive knowledge on all the food. Thank you John. Simply can...

Great service , warm welcome . Seasonal classy decorations.loved the homemade sourdough bread and celeriac soup that was served after the delicious snacks.Mackerel and venison were cooked to perfection. The cottage pie made of leftovers was a tasty extra. The pumpkin cake was moist and...

Where There's Smoke is a top class fine dining restaurant, which offers a 7 course tasting menu for £50 per head, which is actually excellent value for money. Four of us spent a wonderful 3 hours on 30th September 2022 eating canapes, sourdough bread, celeric...

We ate here on Friday evening and they have a set 7 course menu which changes weekly. The food and service were excellent and it was lovely to see the chef to be able to compliment him on the delicious food. I especially enjoyed the...

Great, friendly service and front of house staff, but more importantly delicious food. Set menu, each and every course was delicious. We will return. Only very slight issue was the coffee was served luke warm.