Owned and run by the Straker family for more than 30 years, this two-pronged enterprise continues to thrive as a purveyor of satisfying food and drink for the Harrogate crowd. The upstairs restaurant exudes sophistication with red floral-patterned wallpaper, glittering chandeliers and a marvellous gold-framed mirror dominating one wall.
Guests order from a menu that mixes moreish British stalwarts with international favourites – think prawn cocktail, devilled lamb’s kidneys, salmon en croûte, daube of beef with roast winter vegetables or sea bass with citrus couscous, ratatouille and basil oil. Below stairs is a wine bar-cum-bistro offering similar food in more rustic surrounds, with blackboards displaying a multitude of vintages and special offers; Sunday lunch is served here until 5pm, and there are popular fixed-price deals during the week.