As I pulled up in my VW Polo to the gorgeous 17th century stately home, I rather thought I’d forgotten something; a horse and carriage would have been more fitting for the evening.
Goldsborough Hall is a former Royal Residence, just outside the beautiful market town of Knaresborough. This hidden gem offers exclusive hospitality and fine dining.
The number of ‘eating experiences‘ in the Harrogate area has exploded in the past couple of years with the likes of Norse, Horto, Restaurant 92 and The Burlington Restaurant at the Devonshire Arms.
I for one, love these experiences; it’s so much more than a meal out and it’s the creative head chefs we have to thank for that. Just recently Goldsborough Hall appointed Head Chef, Adam Thur. So, with my sister in tow I went to investigate some more.
A dining experience to remember
Greeted by the Front of House Manager, Yelato who took us into the drawing room for a pre-dinner drink and canapés. I recommend you arrive half an hour before your reservation (which you need to do as they don’t accept walk-ins) to enjoy the wonderful surroundings of Goldsbrough Hall.
In the drawing room, I let Yelato choose our Champagne and he treated us to their house Champagne which was nicely accompanied by venison with truffle mayo on toast followed by Fougera topped with bacon. The Truffle, locally sources was incredibly pungent, in my eyes only a good thing as I love the stuff.
Heading into the dining room which was centred around a stunning floor to ceiling marble fireplace the table was set for two. Although you would have thought it with all the cutlery! I’ve only ever seen a table set like this on the TV Drama, Downton Abbey.
Sitting down I immediately starting snapping away. Most people take an interest but you do get the odd one or two that comment “you can’t just enjoy a meal these days before you share it with everyone on social.” It’s true and I’m sorry, I’m that annoying person who gets there phone out at the dinner table, but only when reviewing!
Our first course was served by our waitress for the evening, Kate. In front of us was placed a bowl of mushroom ravioli with truffle and the most amazing balsamic and tarragon jelly cubes. To accompany the dish, we drank ‘Don’t tell Gary’ Shiraz.
The second courses was fresh Whitby crab with fennel and chicory, nicely balanced with feta cheese and a Chardonnay relationship.
To follow we tried a very tender and almost capaccio of beef with mayo truffle decorated with nasturtium leaves and piccalilli.
Next was my favourite dish of all, sitting pretty on a bergamot sauce was a monkfish tail crowned with an onion bhaji and decorated with curried mussels.
Chef Adam explained he didn’t use a lot of potatoes in his cooking as he felt anyone can have potatoes so instead the next dish served pumpkin seed loaf with the wild Scottish venison. And for a different texture, pumpkin seed crackerbreads with a truffle cauliflower.
Next was a palette cleanser of Matcha tea mousse, topped with mango sorbet and decorated with flower petals from the garden and Cantonese sesame seeds.
Our desert was a delicate crème brûlée with peach and raspberries topped with crazy popping candy.
The tasting menu is £75 per person and you have the option to add a wine flight of either three glasses for £20.00,or five glasses for £35.00.
Overall Experience
It was a magical experience dining at Goldsborough Hall – a true hidden gem! My sister and I enjoyed the atmosphere, and unique setting, and the wonderful team who served us.
Although the presentation of the food, as a taster menu, could be fine tuned to improve the overall impression, the taste and wonderful flavour combinations more than made up for this. I really would like to try the monkfish tail as a main course next time, as this was my fave, it was divinely gorgeous. If I hadn’t got Niki a Christmas present this would have been perfect for him, and any other food lover!
Fizz and Food
About Head Chef, Adam Thur
Owner of Goldsborough Hall, Mark Oglesby, said,
“We’re so pleased to have Adam join the team at Goldsborough. With Adam now on board, we aim to elevate the dining experience to the highest level, complementing the Hall’s Royal heritage. We wish to delight our guests with dishes which exemplify a fresh, modern look at Yorkshire produce, enjoyed in a most spectacular setting.”
Hungarian-born and raised, Adam joins the team from The Star Inn the City and aother favourite of mine, The Star Inn at Harome, where he was Senior Sous Chef.
Adam has savoured a passion for food all his life and always longed to be a Chef. Growing up in Budapest, his uncle owned a restaurant, providing inspiration for his dreams from a young age. His style of cooking is modern British, where seasonal ingredients are presented in a highly creative yet simple style. He introduces an unexpected element to a dish; maybe in the presentation or the flavour combination, and from time to time, he adds a twist which reflects his cultural roots.
Adam says,
“Goldsborough is a wonderfully inspiring and friendly place to work. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to develop creative menus, inspired by such an amazing rural location. I am lucky to have the kitchen gardens here too….you simply can’t beat your own produce, fresh from the garden.”
About Goldsborough Hall
Goldsborough Hall is a 17th Century Grade II listed stately home with a royal connection, and family home to Mark and Clare Oglesby, located in Goldsborough, near Knaresborough.
Goldsborough Hall was once home to HRH Princess Mary in the 1920’s, the only daughter of King George V, HRH The Queen’s aunt. The Hall once belonged to the Harewood Estate, before being sold during the period between the World Wars.
This history as a Royal Residence adds to its uniqueness, and nowadays Goldsborough Hall is an exclusive venue for weddings, corporate events, fine dining and luxury gourmet stays or afternoon tea, which are served in the Orangery. Non-residential diners are welcome to dine in the evenings. Lunch is served on a Sunday.
The Hall has twelve guest bedrooms and suites many of which enjoy splendid views over the gardens and adjoining countryside. The Presidential Suite has an 8 ft four-poster bed and sunken feature bath in the suite’s bay window. Guest accommodation is rated 5 gold star (AA rating) held for seven continuous years, which marks it as outstanding in its category, and the dining room currently has one AA rosette.
P.S. Thank you to Goldsborough Hall for inviting me to taste their gorgeous menu. My sister and I had a wonderful evening.
