The Hinchcliffe, Hebden Bridge

Some days are just perfect, aren't they? The sun was shining (again), and a day trip had been planned. Those tormenting pictures on The Hinchcliffe's Instagram had finally taken their toll, and on a complete whim, we were booked in for a Sunday Roast.

The only slight spanner in the works to a delicious, carby roast was the glorious weather. It was redders. Alas, all was well when we arrived in picturesque Cragg Vale. The air-con had been pumping round the car with the fervency of a blast chiller, and we arrived to find the most idyllic outside terrace, which was covered in parasols to protect those with more sensitive skin than mine...

Picture shamelessly lifted from The Hinchcliffe's Instagram

We were welcomed by the delightful Kit, who was also my favourite ever contestant on First Dates! He's a very funny chap who seems to thrive on friendly interaction. He can sit with us. All the staff at the Hinchcliffe were fantastic to be honest, especially our waitress who's name I didn't catch, but I do remember she was a fellow history graduate (geek 'fist bump').

Chef Rob Owen Brown was the chap who ran the Mark Addy in Salford, famed for its Manchester eggs, superb roasts, and sadly for getting flooded in 2014. With the River Irwell firmly behind him, Rob has picked one of the most beautiful locations in the country to set up shop.

Crispy black pudding potato cake, poached hen's egg, and a tangy tarragon butter sauce: Fairly certain that eaten in any large quantity, that this sauce would surely kill you. It was rich and decadent, and the perfect mate for that tasty black pudding potato cake. 

Pressed ham hock terrine with onion relish: Oh terrines, how I love thee. The perfect picnic style starter. The WI would pin a ribbon on that onion relish.

Sunday lunch sharing platter - local aged beef, free range poussin, locally reared pork, with stuffing, roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy and Yorkshire puddings: I had to take several pictures to fit it in. Kind of regretted starters when it arrived, but then got far too involved in stuffing my face to care. I feel these pictures really do not do it justice. Behold! The only thing it was missing was some crackling.

Banana bread with vanilla ice cream: 'I'm not having a dessert' I bleated. However, after tasting the rest of the food, I felt I would have only completed half a job if I didn't sample baked goods. This looked really dark and rich like a sticky toffee pudding, but it was incredibly light. For those of you who hate bananas, me too, but when baked into a cake like this, they take on a whole new form. The same cannot be said for beetroot. Be warned.

We've already recommended The Hinchcliffe to pretty much everyone we have been in contact with since going; friends, family, the lady on the checkout at M&S... I can't wait to go back here in winter to experience the cosy pub side they have to offer.

Go here whatever the weather. It's peaceful and picturesque in the summer, and I imagine it's the cosiest fireside spot in winter. Either way, you're going to get great food and a warm welcome.

A couple of weeks later we went to see Rob at The Big Grill Festival at Burr's Country Park in Bury. He did not disappoint there either. I'll leave you with some pictures of another lovely day out. Let's make the most of this sunshine!

The Perky Peacock, York

It was the name, I'm a sucker for a good name. Back in January, we had a little trip to York for my homie's birthday. The best part of our food fuelled trips away is the prior investigation into ace little places, who are doing their city proud. I love the internet searches, reading reviews and ranting at that one bitter loon on Trip Advisor. Cue The Perky Peacock. 

We were already booked into The Star Inn the City for a late lunch, so the plan was a bright and early breakfast to keep us going until then. Sat in a Medieval stone tower on Lendal Bridge, The Perky Peacock boasts some of the beast views in the city, overlooking the picturesque River Ouse. Of course, it was lashing it down when we went, but this made the cosy little dining room even more inviting. 

The menu isn't massive, but covers some lovely little day starters and a wonderful array of hot drinks too. It has a nice vibe, and you get the impression that this is very much someone's labour of love. The site on Lendal Bridge (there's one on Gillygate too) is teeny tiny, with just a handful of tables. 

Cinnamon and raisin bagel: No hole, who cares? Even the onslaught of heinous throat ravaging tonsillitis didn't stop me devouring this gorgeous item. Cinnamon has healing qualities, right? 

Croque monsieur: Just behold; take a second. My mouth is watering like some kind of cheese pervert. Good choice Lee.

Poached egg and bacon on a cheesy muffin: The choice of the boys. Butter soaked, chunky cheese muffins, topped with bacon and egg, and a little black pepper. The perfect start to a cold day where your jeans will inevitably end up drenched.

Forgive me for being rubbish and forgetting to take pictures of the other drinks, but I was too busy necking painkillers at that point. The mention of a soothing hot chocolate with marshmallows did perk me up a little though.

Although The Perky Peacock appeared to do a roaring trade on take out breakfast items, I urge you to go and spend a little time in here if you can; read a paper, natter with your friends, or just sit and eat their lovely bread items all day long.

Ox Pasture Hall Country House Hotel, Scarborough

Don't you just hate it when time off work flies by because you've done nothing? Well a couple of weeks ago I had the exact opposite for the first time in ages. I went to London with my friends for a few days, then the husband and I retreated to Ox Pasture Hall Country House Hotel near Scarborough for the weekend. Set in the middle of rolling countryside, it's the perfect spot to relax, enjoy some cake and listen to the birds. They even have a cat welcoming committee. 

We were greeted by a pleasant chap when we arrived, who promptly took us to our beautiful suite which overlooked a pretty courtyard to one side and the beautiful Yorkshire hills to the other. Whilst we settled in, he arranged our afternoon tea to be served in the lounge area.

This was impressive. Home baked cakes and scones with a platter of freshly made sandwiches. I particularly liked the choice of clotted or whipped cream which came with a selection of different jams too. The cakes were no ordinary buns either. They were beautiful individual bite-sized chunks of happiness; including lemon meringue pies, summer berry puddings, brownies eclairs and chocolate mint slices. The only thing that could have made this any better was if the scones were warmed slightly.

After our platter of goodies, we retreated to the bar for a little relaxation before dinner. It has a homely feel about the place, with large leather sofas and open fires. Granted, the fires weren't on because it was warm outside, but I imagine they are lovely in winter. Suggestion from my husband - some local ales wouldn't go amiss here.

Dinner was served in the modern Courtyard restaurant, which is the only place in the Scarborough area to be awarded two AA rosettes. We were welcomed with a glass of Prosecco, which was swiftly followed by a creamy shot of chicken soup. The weather had just taken a turn for the worst (full on 'End of Days' Met Office weather warning panic stylee...) so this was the perfect antidote to a minor chill.

Ham, egg and peas - mini ham hock, pea mousse, crispy quail egg, pickled vegetables, honey mustard dressing: A compact mini terrine from with lots of big flavours.

Ham hock terrine with homemade chutney: A more substantial version of the dish above, this time from the bistro menu. The salty ham went wonderfully with the sweet homemade chutney.

Two bone rack of lamb, braised lamb boulangere potatoes, spring greens, broad beans and peas: Served nice and pink on a bed of potatoes layered with braised lamb. My husband was a huge fan of this concoction!

Chicken breast served with tripled cooked chips, onion rings and tomato: After the 'pig of the week' incident with the afternoon tea, I opted for a slightly lighter option. The chicken breast was moist with crispy skin and was packed with flavour.

Caribbean Cocktail - coconut panacotta, mango rice pudding, passion fruit sorbet and pina colada: I wasn't sold on the idea of cold rice pudding, but I have to say this worked. Very fresh, sweet and served with a healthy dose of brain freeze. 

Eton mess with strawberry ice cream: This was my choice. Absolute heaven in a jar. I could eat this every day of my life. 

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the standard of cooking at Ox Pasture Hall. Generally, pretty hotels like this are more about the 'get away', relaxation and scenery. The service was attentive and the atmosphere relaxed. One of my favourite parts was the mini whiskey and passionfruit sour 'shot' which appeared between the mains and desserts - you've got to love a cocktail with an egg white foam.

There was a wedding on the day after, so there were a number of people from the wedding party enjoying dinner before the big event in the morning. I can imagine this would be a lovely location to get married.

In the morning breakfast was served in the Courtyard restaurant. There was a continental selection which included fruit, cereals, yoghurts and pastries, plus the normal breakfast menu. Whereas my husband was up for his version of a 'Full Yorkshire' (to which they were very accommodating...), I stuck with some melon and a few slices of toast.

We both loved Ox Pasture Hall. It's the perfect little getaway just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Manchester to feel like you've got away from everything for a while.


Disclaimer: I was invited by Ox Pasture Hall to come and do an impartial review as their guest. I was under no obligation to say nice things, but was genuinely won over when they presented me with scones after a long journey.

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The Star Inn the City, York

What a luxury. I booked a random Friday off work, and decided to make the most of it by taking my mum on a little trip to York. The weather was forecast to be dull with the odd shower, but instead we were treated to lots of Yorkshire sunshine. In your face Met Office.

A few years ago, my husband and I made the mammoth trip to Harome to sample the wares of the Star Inn. A short drive from Helmsley, it feels like travelling to Lands End, as half of the drive is on little A roads peppered with assorted wild fowl who like to run out into the road without a moment's notice... Despite the epic journey, we ventured back for our first wedding anniversary, and declared the place wonderful.

Fast forward a couple of years. I heard rumblings that Andrew Pern was to open a city centre sister to the Star Inn, cleverly named the Star Inn the City. It's a far cry from the 14th century thatch of Harome - this new venue looks ultra modern from the outside, whilst remaining sympathetic to its beautiful riverside surroundings. The large glass walls allow the light to flood in, and treat diners to excellent views over the park.

The dining room echos the soft furnishings of the Star Inn and that of their sister hotel in Harome, The Pheasant. Soft tartans are complimented by pretty floral lampshades, and calamondins sprout between the table divides. If you look carefully, you'll see an abundance of wildlife in the museum gardens, including the odd red squirrel!

We thought starters may be a little too much (we were planning a mid afternoon trip to Betty's), but neither of us could resist some home made bread. This comes served in a flat cap! Whilst my mum enjoyed a crisp rosé, I couldn't resist a rhubarb and custard milkshake!

Deep-fried Breaded Scarborough Woof with Marsh Samphire, North Sea Brown Shrimps & ‘Yorkshire Caviar’: This was my mum's choice. After much giggling about 'woof' she concluded that it was absolutely delicious.

Burger, Yorkshire Cheese, Smoked Bacon & Onion Marmalade: Designed for the hungry, this is a densely meaty burger served with perfectly melted cheese and charred bacon.

Skinny Frites with Truffle Mayonnaise & Moorland ‘Tomme’: A little too truffly for me, but nice crispy chips with plenty of cheese.

First Season's Rhubarb Dessert Platter: This is one of the best desserts I have ever eaten, and you know I've eaten a lot. This was a sharing platter for two, but we struggled to finish it between us! Each item was generous, but was aided further by the sumptuous mix of rhubarb, custard and pistachio; each dish a variation on the same theme.

I can't wait to go back here with my husband. The Star Inn the City are serving some tasty English classics, with a cheeky Yorkshire twist. We were so full we only managed half a scone each at Betty's before calling it a day! This is the perfect place to sit and relax whilst enjoying some rather wonderful food.

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Trembling Madness, York

Why have I taken so long writing this up? Buffoonery. Before Christmas my husband and I decided a trip to York was in order. We jumped on a train and travelled through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, before landing inside the historic city walls. Granted it was a sniff less whimsical than I lead you to believe - think less Michael Portillo's 'Great Railway Journeys', and more 'dealing with drunken Russian men who like to sing loud and clear for all to hear'...

Anyway, I digress. The lovely folk of Twitter had recommended a funny little gaff by the name of Trembling Madness. Named after the inevitable side effect of fervent drinking, this pretty place is situated on one of York's quaint little streets and can trace its history back to 1180. It boasts a vast bottle shop on the ground floor, a cavern-like den of spirits in the basement, and the most impressive taxidermy clad dining room upstairs. 

We were advised to get there early, so arrived about 5pm. There was already a 'one in one out' system in place for the dining room, but it didn't bother us in the slightest, as this meant we had ample time to peruse the well stocked shelves - all 600 bottles! 

The dining room is full of old wooden tables, sheepskin rugs and little cubbyholes. I imagine the Three Broomsticks in Harry Potter to look something like this! The beams holding up the roof sailed the seas over 800 years ago, and now provide shelter for the hungry land lovers who visit this magnificent city. Even some of the heads are over 100 years old...

We were starved after an afternoon of walking up and down the enduring rabbit warren of streets, avoiding those with large lensed cameras and pushchairs, and drinking in all sorts of higgledy piggledy places. The surrounding folk of the dining room were friendly types, who helped me to source a rather lovely table by the window.

Yorkshire Platter: Two types of pork pie, pickled onions and chillies, sweet pickle, cheeses, honey roast ham, apple slices, bread and Yorkshire butter. This was utterly delicious.

Bangers and Mash: Thick venison sausages on creamy mash with rich onion gravy and a side of mushy peas. Winner.

No winter expedition to York is complete without a trip to Trembling Madness. Whether you're there for the beer, food or to pick up a bit of booze to take home, it's the perfect little hidey-hole. 

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Betty's Tea Room, York

Betty's... an institution in refined afternoon adventures; famous for their expertly blended tea, quaint old fashioned ways, and indeed, their fat rascals. Ever since my first visit several years ago, I have longed to go back, but never had the opportunity. When my husband suggested an impromptu trip to York, I only had one place in mind.

We rocked up at Betty's around 12:45pm to see an impressive queue snaking out of the door and round the corner. We were lucky enough to have been invited to Betty's to partake in afternoon tea in the Balmoral room. New top - check. Hungry like the wolf - check. I was good to go! The Balmoral room is upstairs, and you don't have to queue, so the hustle and bustle of the high street is left behind.

We were greeted by a friendly lady who showed us to our table, and explained proceedings. A pianist was playing in the background, and I was busily eyeing up the pretty displays on each table as we walked to the back of the room. Prime people watching real estate...

A young lady in a pretty broderie anglaise blouse explained the ordering system; basically which teas we may like and whether we had any special dietary requirements. For folk who eat out as often as we do, we were a nightmare! I don't like mustard, egg mayonnaise or salmon, and my husband is dead against anything 'sauce' like. They were fantastic. We ordered a bespoke platter of finger sandwiches to suit our tastes. I had chicken with tarragon mayonnaise, ham, cheese and apple, and tomato and avocado. Paddy's platter was slightly less adventurous, with three cheese and one ham and mustard! Hey, it's what he likes...

We picked two very different teas, and I managed to finally break the habit of a lifetime by ordering something different! We had pot of morning Darjeeling, and the comically titled Lapsang Souchong. The Darjeeling was a fragrant black tea and the Lapsang Souchong a smoky, quite sweet variety.

Next up was the 'scone course'. We each got two freshly baked fruit scones with little pots of clotted cream and jam. Best scones I have ever eaten, bar none.

The top layers were filled with pretty little cakes. Each was so rich that neither of us had a problem with trying half each. My favourite was the blackcurrent meringue, which consisted of a thin meringue base, pillars of piped cream and blackcurrent sauce dribbling over the top. It was just perfect.

Picture 1 (clockwise)

• Gateau L'Opera
• Blackcurrant Meringue
• Hazelnut & Chestnut Financier

Picture 2 (clockwise)

• Chocolate & Orange Fancy
• Raspberry Sable
• Salted Caramel & Chocolate Macaroon

We had such a wonderful time at Betty's. We were surrounded by people celebrating birthdays or having a special treat; add this to the opulence of the room, the soft piano music and the friendly service, this is a perfect place to spend a couple of hours.

Declaimer: Betty's invited me for afternoon tea with their compliments after learning that I was making a trip to York. I was not under any obligation to give a positive review, shriek like a little girl, or get excited bellyache. All adrenaline was my own.

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