A star from afar: The Wensleydale Heifer

Wine & Dine Yorkshire headed over to check out The Wensleydale Heifer in the Yorkshire Dales and what an experience it was! From breathtaking food to outstanding rooms, this boutique restaurant with rooms really had it all and we certainly weren’t disappointed.

You’re guaranteed the warmest of welcomes at The Wensleydale Heifer. Small, but perfectly formed, their family-owned and run luxury boutique hotel and restaurant nestled in the gorgeous Yorkshire Dales is a must visit.

Father and son partnership Lewis and David Moss have owned the Wensleydale Heifer for more than 20 years and have created a real family atmosphere at the hotel.

Now, let’s dive into the good stuff, the review you’ve been waiting for…

As soon as we arrived, we were warmly welcomed at reception. The staff quickly checked us in, handed us our room keys, and guided us to our accommodations with genuine hospitality.

We stayed in “Chocolate Heaven,” and it truly lived up to its name. Part of the super-deluxe collection, this suite is the ultimate retreat for anyone craving a stay with an indulgent twist. Everywhere you turn, there’s chocolate – yours to enjoy!

The room dazzles with rich, decadent décor and features a sprawling, luxurious bathroom. If you have a sweet tooth or a passion for the finer things, this is your dream escape.

After relaxing in our room, we headed to the bar and restaurant for a drink and to explore the menu. We aren’t huge eaters, and very rarely manage three courses, so we dived straight into the main courses:

7oz Fillet Steak
Cooked perfectly medium-rare, just as we ordered. We asked to swap the fat chips for skinny fries – No problem, done without hesitation. The steak was flawless, bursting with flavour, and the onion rings – wow. Crisp, golden, downright irresistible. Every bite of this dish was simply divine.

Hake
Accompanied by caper-crushed potatoes, vibrant pea purée, dill, and crispy cockles, this dish was truly melt-in-your-mouth perfection. It’s easily the finest hake we’ve ever tasted, an unforgettable symphony of flavours that sets a new standard.

Both main courses were a true delight, so delicious, we’d wholeheartedly recommend them and wouldn’t hesitate to order them again. After our meal, we entered the lounge to finish our drinks before returning to our room.

Naturally, we couldn’t resist indulging in the luxurious bathroom. We ran a relaxing bath, poured some wine, and unwound with a film – a perfect recipe for a blissful, laid-back night away.

Refreshed after a perfect night’s sleep, we returned to the restaurant to indulge in the Heifer Full Yorkshire Breakfast – complete with poached eggs, fresh tea, rich coffee, and a splash of orange juice. Every bite was simply delicious.

We enjoyed our stay so much that we couldn’t resist booking Sunday Lunch – we simply had to experience their renowned Sunday dinner. After a leisurely stroll, we returned eagerly, ready to indulge in their culinary delights:

Roast Belly Pork
Served with Yorkshire pudding, mustard mash, savoy cabbage, seasonal roast vegetables, cauliflower and mature chedder cheese and cider gravy. This lunch was truly exceptional. The perfectly portioned pork, irresistibly crisp crackling, and creamy cauliflower cheese came together for a breathtaking dining experience from start to finish.

Sea Bass
Paired with a rich roast mushroom, garlic, and parmesan risotto, and finished with crispy shallots and fresh pea shoots, this fish dish is a true showstopper. Looking to shake up your Sunday? This bold, unforgettable plate is the ultimate choice

What can we say, our visit to The Wensleydale Heifer was truly unforgettable and we already cannot wait to return. From the warm, attentive service to the indulgent cuisine and luxurious rooms, every detail made us feel pampered from the moment we arrived.

They even welcome muddy humans too who may have been enjoying the spectacular Yorkshire Dales on foot!

The Wensleydale Heifer
Main Street, West Witton, Leyburn DL8 4LS
www.wensleydaleheifer.co.uk
01969 622322