Say hello to the most stylish opening in Yorkshire: The Penny Bun. This design-led restaurant with rooms is the excuse you didn't need to take a trip to Askwith, or its nearest town of Ilkley, or if you're a local, a booking with the restaurant at the very least.
Self-described as a contemporary coaching inn, The Penny Bun is considered in all aspects, from aesthetics to the sustainable menu, which works exclusively with seasonal produce and is on a mission to celebrate the surrounding lands and suppliers.
Dining options are a-plenty, locals are welcomed to pop in for a quick pint in the candle-lit snug, there's an easy-breezy lunch menu for those not looking for anything heavy, or a wholesome three courses to be enjoyed in the dining room. In the warmer weather, the recently finished terrace is privvy to Wharfedale views and boasts firepits as well as weekend specials from the grill.
Menus change depending on the best ingredients at the time, with online menus offering only a sample, which always changes month to month. At the moment, diners can enjoy the likes of tempura courgette flower with ricotta and heritage tomatoes, alongside the likes of rare breed pork fritters with pickled rhubarb and caramalised apple for starters.
For mains, we like the sound of the roast monkfish with octupus, olives, tomatoes and spinach, as well as succulent lamb belly with apricot, black garlic, baby gem and peas. While, the mushroom burger with romesco sauce, hummus and chips is a lovely vegetarian option. Sides sound great to, such as carrots smothered with cafe de paris butter, and sugar snaps with tahini yohurt.
As for dessert, we'd struggle to resist trying gooseberry and elderflower trifle or rum baba topped with whipped cream and fresh summer berries.