The festive season is fast approaching and if you ask many people what they think is the highlight of this time of year you’ll likely hear ‘it’s the food’.
That’s right, from pigs in blankets to Christmas puddings, Brits go wild over a festive feast. Eating out over the Christmas period also offers a great opportunity for loved ones to get together and spread a little festive cheer.
Luckily, Yorkshire, or ‘God’s Own Country’ if you’re asking a local, is home to a plethora of outstanding restaurants that proudly serve up a range of mouth-watering festive dishes.
If you’re visiting the region, or happen to live here and are on the look out for something new, check out the best places for a festive bite in Yorkshire for 2022.
Rudding Park, Harrogate
Rudding Park in Harrogate is famous for its award-winningspa and hotel but did you know the resort also boasts a couple of amazing restaurants that consistently rank as some of the best in the whole of Yorkshire?
The Clocktower Brasserie is just one of these highly regarded eateries and if you’re dining there over the festive period,you’re in for a real treat. Up until December guests can enjoyprivate Christmas dining with friends, family and colleagues and you’ll be able to tuck into a range of festive-inspired dishes.
To add a little more glamour to your festive celebrations you can even attend the restaurant’s ‘Black Tie Ball’ complete with a traditional three-course Christmas dinner, candlelight supper and carol singers for company.
The Star Inn The City, York
York is one of the most magical places in the country to visit during the festive season. This historic city plays host to a popular Swiss-inspired winter market and the cobbled streets evoke true festive feels, reminiscent of something out of Dicken’s Christmas Carol.
If you happen to be visiting the city during the festive season, or if you’re a local and you’re searching for the ideal spot for a festive bite be sure to swing by The Star Inn The City, Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern’s riverside eatery. Regarded as one of the top fine dining restaurants York, the brasserie-style eatery has applied that some level of excellence and attention to detail to their sumptuous seasonal group menu.
Up until February group diners will be able to experience a true festive feast complete with dishes brimming with the finest, locally sourced seasonal game. The Star Inn The City’s seasonal menu also proudly features a mixture of divine desserts including an incredible date and fig sticky toffee pudding.
Grassington House, Skipton
Set in the gorgeous Yorkshire Dales National Park, Grassington House is another award-winning restaurant that serves as the ideal spot for a festive celebration with loved ones.
Between 1st-23rd December diners are invited to devour their legendary festive menu which includes a divine turkey dinner, a succulent pork belly and many more options for meat-lovers, vegetarians and vegans.
If you’ve still got room after gorging on your main, then you simply have to try one of their Christmas desserts; choose from a brandy-soaked Christmas pudding or dark chocolate sponge, as well as many other sweet options.
After you’ve cleared your plate wash it all down with a tasty local ale or carefully-selected glass of wine from the drinks menu.
Dakota, Leeds
Nestled in the heart of bustling Leeds, Dakota is one of the city’s top restaurants and it’s not hard to see why. First-class service, strikingly modern surroundings and top-notch grub are all things diners have come to expect from Dakota and when the festive season rolls round this restaurant doesn’t disappoint either.
Launching on the 15th November, book a table here and you’ll be able to enjoy a scrumptious roast turkey dinner, slow cooked ox cheek, as well as a fine selection of other mouth-watering starters and mains. For dessert, dig your spoon in to a Christmas pudding (of course) or try out the restaurant’s renowned panna cotta.
If you’re planning on eating out on Christmas day the good news is Dakota are open and they are taking bookings now for their three-course Christmas day lunch.
Cannon Hall Farm, Barnsley
If you’re not a fan of the traditional or conventional and you’d like to try something a little bit more quirky this festive season then look no further than Cannon Hall Farm in Barnsley.
A restaurant that’s consistently been a huge hit with locals, Cannon Hall Farm are really pushing the boat out this festive period, serving not only a traditional Christmas lunch but an amazing pigs in blanket hanging kebab.
Comprising of a giant Yorkshire pud stuffed with seasonal veg, the unique dish comes complete with dandling roastturkey, pigs in blankets and sensational stuffing balls.
After your Christmas feast you can relax, unwind and enjoy a brandy or tempting hot chocolate from the bar.