Ok. It’s official. We have an ongoing love affair with the Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa, and the affair just keeps growing.
We visited recently and once again found ourselves wondering how on earth they have managed to create the perfect team, impeccable service, outstanding food and top-notch hospitality all under one roof.
A stay here evokes all that is celebrated and wonderful about the local area with the ideal blend of comfort, style and luxury, together with plenty of top-class cooking, fine wines and the most beautiful surroundings to explore. It doesn’t come much better than this.
This visit was extra special as it was very close to my birthday and we were ecstatic to discover that we had been upgraded to a stunning suite, it was everything we could wish for to start the celebrations in style.
Part of the Duke of Devonshire’s Yorkshire estate at Bolton Abbey, the Devonshire Arms has grown from a 17th century inn to a grand country house hotel with a spa, fine dining and helipads.
But it’s the food and service at the Devonshire is the main event and dinner that evening was in the three AA Rosette award-winning Burlington Restaurant. We were dining on the Tasting Menu accompanied by the wine flight and we were giddy at the prospect.
As usual, we were looked after by the brilliant team, headed by restaurant manager Jimmy and fabulous sommelier Tom. What Tom doesn’t know about wine and wine pairing isn’t worth knowing and he and Jimmy are the most entertaining characters you could wish to meet. They make your dining experience even better – if that was possible!
This menu, designed by Head Chef, Chris O’Callaghan deserves your undivided attention. We started with a choice of either Whipped Truffled Goats Cheese, Celeriac, Pear or Cured Sea Trout, Wasabi, Soya, Cucumber. We couldn’t choose so decided to have one each and share! Oh, my goodness, the goats cheese dish was so light and creamy, the delicate flavours lingered just until the next mouthful. I could have eaten a large plateful of this!
The cured sea trout was another light and flavoursome combination of ingredients that just worked perfectly! Neither of us could choose a personal favourite, all I know is the conversation stopped until the last mouthful from each plate had gone.
Next came Salt Aged Beef, Caper Jam, Leeds Blue. Meat lovers as we are, this had us drooling before the plates had even arrived! We were not to be disappointed, another beautifully crafted dish of superb ingredients with beef so delicious that we were tempted to ask for more!
The following course came with another choice; Pan Fried Halibut, Cauliflower, Clam, Bisque or Roasted Venison Loin, Parsnip, Hazlenut, Chicory, Maderia and Truffle Jus. You guessed it – one of each please! Obviously, we are food sharers and love to try each other’s, it’s such a good way to experience everything on the menu and not feel that you have missed out.
Thank goodness we do share; it would have been a travesty not to experience these two amazing plates of food. The Halibut was fresh, meaty and cooked to perfection and the venison was bursting with gamey flavours, rich, robust and simply perfect.
Toast and Honey Sourdough Ice Cream, Roasted Honey was the palate cleanser before the dessert course. They even make the palate cleanser delicious enough to leave you wanting more!
Next came dessert and oh dear, we had to make another choice; Custard Tart, Fig, Orange, Tonka Bean Ice Cream or Chocolate Caramelised White Chocolate Delice, Quince Compote, Artichoke. Honestly, what would you do? I would be disappointed with any answer other than – “one of each please”.
At this stage in the menu, a beautiful dessert is just what you are ready for and whoever the dessert chef is, he knows what he is doing. Combining these ingredients with such accomplishment – genius! In fact, let’s applaud the whole team of chefs because the whole menu is genius.
We also had the option to finish with a cheese course, a selection of 5 artisan cheeses from Andy Swinscoe at The Courtyard Dairy in Settle (small additional charge but well worth it). We are real cheese monsters and there is no better way to round off a meal, so we had to try, especially as the cheeses were from a local producer. However, we were very full so shared one portion and it was just enough to satisfy our craving. Lovely local cheeses, expertly produced and chosen to complement this stunning menu.
We retired to one of the lounges for coffee and petit fours and chatted to other residents to compare dining experiences. It’s fair to say we all had the greatest admiration for the whole experience and some were even planning their next visit to book before leaving!
A great night’s sleep at the Devonshire is always guaranteed and with such full tummies, we slept like babies. Being in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales there is not a sound to disturb you and those beds….
Something we love to do when staying here is to get up early and out into the fresh air to walk the estate. It’s the perfect way to build up an appetite for breakfast and breakfast here should not be missed. Do whatever you need to do to build your appetite, believe me, it’s worth it.
What can I say that has not already been said?
If you want an experience that never disappoints and leaves you with lasting amazing memories, it must be the Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa. Oh, did I mention they are dog friendly? I will leave that for you to discover.
If you have a celebration or just want a fantastic break, reward yourself with a Devonshire Arms stay. You are worth it!
Let us know what you think.
