Tucked away in the hamlet of Lower Dunsforth is an Instagrammer’s dream. Only a select few bloggers currently know about this place, but it won’t be that way for long! Formerly known as the Dunsforth Pub, The Hideaway Kitchen opened last October; it was the dream of Amelia and Georgina and they have some pretty big plans for the future.
An invitation to review
I was invited to review the Hideaway Kitchen but after snooping on Instagram and their website, I couldn’t keep the review to myself so, together, we invited other foodie fans for an intimate evening at The Hideaway Kitchen (get in touch here if a blogger event interests you). This isn’t something Amelia or Georgina had ever done before but with my contacts and guidance they felt comfortable entertaining the reviewers. We planned out the evening with drinks and a mingle to start, followed by Spanish tapas and a four-course meal. We showcased their exclusive wines and each guest received a goody bag to carry on the Hideaway Journey at home.
Let’s talk about the interior
Having recently decorated my lounge in stark white paint with a cow skin rug and various house plants I feel like the Hideaway Kitchen is an extension of my home. Gone are its former days as a traditional English pub with dark walls, stuffed animals and tartan soft furnishing. Each room has been updated with white walls and oh so cute interior accessories. Fairy lights and house plants dotted around the place and ivy intertwined with the ceiling lights create a magical, secret garden feel – you don’t know what you’ll uncover next.
Amelia owns an interior business as well as a five-star hotel in Spain. She has successfully created a restaurant which will appeal to guests no matter the season; perfectly placed sofas are inviting in the colder months while the dining room leading out onto the front terrace is perfect in warmer weather.
Authentic Spanish food in the heart of Yorkshire
I’m not really sure what I was expecting from the food but golly, I didn’t think it would be this good. Truly authentic, Spanish dishes to set anyone off Salsa-ing!
Georgina is the brains behind the food. Having worked in high end Yorkshire kitchens all her life, she now has a place to call her own. The Hideaway Kitchen are currently looking for a Head Chef and I think it would be a great opportunity to get on board from the very start at this wonderful venue.
Gathering around a large rustic dining table, set perfectly with fresh herbs from the kitchen garden, we started to tuck into our sharing tapas. We had Hummus, Dukkha and Sour Dough, Salty Pork Crackling Strips, Pickled Cockled Popcorn and Jamon.
I’m unsure if there’s been studies into sharing food but it makes me happy – does it you? There’s nothing more relaxing and fun than sharing good food with good people. The Hummus was delicious, not too smooth and full of garlic. The Jamon, which is sat on the bar as you walk in, was freshly sliced and delicious. The Pickled Cockled Popcorn was a new one on me and it was really nice, probably an acquired taste for most but I enjoyed it. And the Salty Pork Crackling were the best invention of the night!
Main Menu at The Hideaway Kitchen
For our first course of the evening we started with fresh Crab with Pea Shoots, Mojama and Nasturtium Salad. Mojama is an air-dried tuna, which intensifies the flavour. I’ve never had this before either! It looked so pretty on the plate, and those plates! I just wanted to pinch them they were so gorgeous!
Our second course was probably my favourite; Cashew Chicken with a mango, chilli & Thai basil salsa & satay dipping sauce. The satay dipping sauce was delicious, and they didn’t skimp on it. I’ve had peanut satay before but never cashew; it worked fabulously well with the chicken and the sharp chilli and Thai basil salsa.
Niki is partial to a carpaccio but missed out on this one. Tuna Carpaccio served with grated parmesan cheese, a glug or two of olive oil, and finished with Oregano. Perfecto!
Our last savoury course was Charred Lamb Rump served with Harrissa Sweet Potatoes, mint, pea salad and a chimichurri dressing. The lamb was perfectly cooked – pink in the middle and melt in your mouth. The flavours were fantastic, and if you like heat, the chimichurri dressing certainly packed a punch!
To finish we were presented with a very pretty dessert of Strawberry Parfait with basil, pistachios and fresh strawberries. It was the perfect way to end a wonderful meal.
Good for any occasion
My dad’s side of the family always try and meet up somewhere around York and visit a traditional pub, but I think this could be our next venue. Guys let’s get this sorted, we’ve not seen each other in ages! It’s super gorgeous and whether it be a snowy day in Yorkshire or there’s a Summer breeze, the Hideaway Kitchen is good for any occasion.
The Hideaway Kitchen is based in Lower Dunsforth, and there is a walk called the Dunsforth Loop. There’s plenty of parking so Niki and I are going to try it soon – apparently, we are in training for the second peak, Scafell Pike, and the deal is to follow our walk with a good meal.
Excited about its future
Speaking to Amelia about the future aims and goals of The Hideaway Kitchen I’m excited to hear there’s so much more to come.
Having been open less than a year, I think this little gem is such a special find and I hope it finds its way onto the Yorkshire Food trail and is enjoyed by many for many years to come.
To book call 01423 320700.
P.S. This was a collaboration between The Hideaway Kitchen and The Harrogate Girl. Thank you to Amelia and Georgina for inviting us to their wonderful restaurant.
