If heaven had a postcode, it might just be in the Yorkshire Dales! Tucked between rolling hills and dry-stone walls, The Angel at Hetton offers that elusive balance of old world charm and modern culinary wizardry.
The Angel at Hetton has a long history but under the culinary baton of Michael Wignall, it’s been reimagined with the finesse of a five-star symphony. Since 2019, it’s held a Michelin star and in 2024, it added five AA Rosettes to its name. Pretty impressive right?!
This gourmet getaway is located near Skipton and is surprisingly accessible. I was already in Yorkshire at a nearby location, and driving through the beautiful green A roads with nature as the rolling backdrop is my new fave thing to do. The amount of sheep I saw in four miles is probably more than I have ever seen in my 40 years!
Now, The Angel at Hetton isn’t just a well-known Michelin Starred restaurant, they also have some very special digs for diners to stay in and make it a proper foodie escape.
The rooms are minimalist chic and are located in both the main inn and across the road. With oak furnishings, tons of natural light, freestanding tubs and luxury linens, I would even class the rooms as Michelin starred! Each room comes stocked with handmade toiletries, cute welcome Macaroons and some are even dog friendly. My room was the perfect place to unwind and get ready for an unforgettable dining experience.
The restaurant is an inviting space with warm tones and lighting, each table a different size and the bespoke oak tables in the bar are gorgeous. The Angel also has some comfy seats outside so if the weather is right, it’s a great place to have a sundowner drink before you dine.
There are two options for dinner available, a 5 or 10 course tasting menu, and both offer some extra supplement dishes which I would recommend you go for with either menu. A wine pairing is available for your meal and the passionate sommelier brings you a heartily poured vino with every single dish, (I ended up having 12 glasses of wine overall!), and an information card is left with you telling you more about the wine. Such a nice touch and something I’ve not come across previously.
The tasting menu is a playful, precise and delicious journey which wakes up all your senses, not just your taste buds. Wignall’s style flirts with Japanese precision and cleverly combines local produce with a surprise element or two to keep you intrigued.
My 10 course experience started with snacks, which included a new dish I hadn’t tried before – Chawanmushi. Those who don’t know, this is a savoury Japanese egg custard which is steamed in a small cup or bowl. Now I despise custard – BUT I can say I am a huge fan of this delicacy, and hope to try more in the future.
The next 11 courses followed and each one was just as good as the one before, making hard to pick a favourite.
The first few courses were seafood, including a Nori Tartlet with smoked eel and rillette, granny smith and white chocolate. What surprised me even more with this dish was the wine, a Riesling was served and the combination left me sitting in awe at how a sweet wine paired so wonderfully with eel.
Hokkaido Milk Bread followed with accompaniments of Colonnata Lard, Ampersand Butter and Taramasalata. I ate the whole portion of bread smothered in all three spreads and was left wanting more. The famous carrot dish is a work of art and showcases carrot in various ways (roasted, tartare and chutney).
On my night, Japanese Wagyu was available as a supplement so I couldn’t say no to this. It was melt-in-your mouth goodness served with confit yolk, braised swede, lovage and onion dashi, (I could have drunk the onion dashi from a cup it was that good). The duck which followed was just as tasty and came accompanied with a crumpet generously topped with crispy duck and hoisin. Both of the red meats were matched with red wines, one from Loire and the other from Armenia.
Three desserts follow on the menu with an extra course of cheese on offer. The first of the sweet dishes was the perfect palate cleanser of Hebden Cow, Provence fig, waffle and lemon verbena honey. The prettiest Strawberry Tart came next and we ended with a Yeast Parfait. I did opt for the cheese course but after nearly four hours of eating and drinking, the team kindly set this up in my room for me to enjoy in my pjs, (which thankfully had an elasticated waistband!). It was the cherry on the top of a night full of culinary adventure.
Breakfast is another event, served on local artisan pottery with enough locally sourced delights to make your morning feel wholesome and full up all over again!
The Angel at Hetton delivers on every level: taste, tranquillity and just the right amount of Yorkshire magic.
Whether you’re into world class food, countryside walks or just want to feel fancy for a night, this place is divine.
Come hungry. Leave happy and possibly a little smug after a very special Epicurean escape!
Review and Images by Zoe Laing @_zozogram_
Feature image supplied
