The best restaurants serving French food in Barden Fell Craven Yorkshire and The Humber

Exceptional Experience at The Angel at Hetton My wife treated me to a night at The Angel at Hetton for my birthday, and it was outstanding from start to finish. We opted for the 10-course tasting menu and stayed overnight in one of the suites, both of which exceeded expectations. From the moment we arrived, the staff stood out for their professionalism and attention to detail. The service is well-judged: friendly, knowledgeable, and present without being intrusive. The food was exceptional, inventive without trying too hard, with real depth of flavour. One dish in particular, featuring carrot as the main element, was a real surprise. It’s impressive to see such a simple ingredient elevated in a way that’s both creative and genuinely delicious. Clearly, this is a team of serious talent. The sommelier was another highlight. Passionate and incredibly knowledgeable, they brought a real sense of thought and enthusiasm to every pairing, enhancing the overall experience rather than just ticking boxes. After dinner, I mentioned I enjoy a cigar to round off a good evening, and the team couldn’t have been more accommodating. They set up a dedicated outdoor seating area, reserved and ready for me after the meal, a small gesture, but one that really added to the sense of care and hospitality. The suite was equally impressive: spacious, well-designed, and properly comfortable, a great balance of luxury and practicality. All in all, The Angel delivers something genuinely special. We’ll absolutely be returning.

The Sunday menu here is a fixed price 2 or 3 course. No sly hidden extras, and top quality cookery. The portions are not huge, but if you opted for just 2 courses, that's probably on you. Service was friendly and pretty quick, but occasionally slightly chaotic. Overall, highly recommended. The wines by the glass are worth mentioning too, a bit more about them than you often find.