Harden's survey result
Summary
“From a humble inn to an outstanding eatery in a very short time” – this “lovely pub in the delightful village of Nun Monkton” has been turbocharged in recent years by investment from millionaire plumber Richard Harpin and is run by Claire & John Topham. The latest investment has been a new block adding 12 bedrooms, which opened in early 2022. Practically all reports acclaim “a well-balanced menu providing relaxed, comfortable dining with first-class service”. (The name, by the way, is that of a famous racehorse, and another reason to visit is England’s tallest maypole, on the village green).
Summary
“The village setting only adds to the charm”, say fans of this 18th-century pub – nowadays owned by Richard Harpin (the millionaire co-founder of HomeServe plumbing) and run by Claire Topham and chef husband John, formerly at The Angel at Hetton. In late 2021 it was crowned by The Times as one of their top 100 hotels in the country. On the food front, our reporters give it very high ratings and say it’s “good value” too.
For 32 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Alice Hawthorn?
Owner's description
The Alice Hawthorn Inn, located in the idyllic North Yorkshire village of Nun Monkton is an essential destination on the Yorkshire food trail. The 2017 winner of the Yorkshire Life Dining Pub of the Year, the pub has a fabulous reputation for delicious, fresh, seasonal food and is thriving under the management of John and Claire Topham.
Everyone is welcome. From our beer drinking regulars, the walkers and their dogs, to daytrippers from the river and families and friends who love a good Sunday lunch.
Heading up the front of house is Enzo, who believes in thoughtful and well-informed service. Simon Ball, our head chef, leads a team of chefs who have cooked their way around the world and are a real class act in the kitchen.
Albeit under a few different guises, the village pub has been a landmark on the Nun Monkton green for 220 years. It was latterly named The Alice Hawthorn after an elegant local racehorse which had success at Doncaster, Goodwood and Ascot, gaining a reputation as ‘Queen of the Turf’.
Following a period of closure under Punch Taverns, ‘The Alice’, as it is colloquially known, was bought in 2013 by the Harpin family who have lived in the village for 20 years. Richard and Kate Harpin have been instrumental in redeveloping and revitalising the pub, helping to create a cosy country pub with a warm Yorkshire welcome whilst securing its future for the benefit of the local community. With John and Claire Topham coming on board in January 2017, they have created the perfect partnership.
Prices
 Drinks |
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| Wine per bottle | £27.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.90 |
 Extras |
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| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
The Alice Hawthorn Restaurant Diner Reviews
"I've scored this by giving them the benefit of the doubt. My Dad and I had the some of the cheaper items on the menu - excellent potted rabbit for £10 and very good venison main. My husband on the other hand was very disappointed by his overpriced wagyu steak. I was close to scoring a 2 for food based on the price but I think it was just about a 3 (minus the steak). The service was very good and they looked after my Mum (who is a ceoliac) very well."
The Green, Nun Monkton, YO26 8EW
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