Harrogate, Fish & Seafood Restaurant Guide

This “wonderful stalwart of Yorkshire dining” is, to its many fans, “a mainstay of any visit to Harrogate” for its fabulous fish and “attentive service”. Founded in 1971, it has been run for the past 10 years by the Carter family – under whose ownership it “never disappoints”.

2021 Review: “A very traditional Yorkshire chippie” which doesn’t offer anything fancy but “just good fish ’n’ chips” (the former “huge and well-battered”, and “you can go for more exotic if you wish”); “a little tip – avoid early evening when the ‘pensioners’ special menu’ is served – it will be heaving!”

“Pure gastronomic theatre and drama” has won national fame for Michael O’Hare and – after some ups and downs in feedback over recent years – his moody and “romantic” basement in the city centre reestablished itself this year as the most commented-on venue in Leeds in our annual diners’ poll. From a 10-14-course tasting menu, “the food pushes the limits of taste like at the Fat Duck and some dishes go a little far (oyster in a dessert?)”. Not everyone’s super-impressed, with the odd reporter feeling that “while the food’s good, it’s clear that everyone involved fancies themselves too much”. Significant disappointments are notable by their absence, though, with most diners feeling the place is on dazzling form.

Once very well known, this stalwart destination is known for its interesting interior, filled with bric-a-brac, and notably good fish and seafood. It also has a lovely garden, and accommodation in eighteenth century Crab Manor, complete with individually themed bedrooms. All feedback we have suggests it remains very good all-round.