I booked for a meal for a party of 9 in March 2009.
We were all extremely impressed. The ambiance was charming, the food superb and the service very good indeed. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this restaurant to anyone. I have no vested interest: it was a meal for a (low key) stag party from London and only found the restaurant on the web.
be27
had an amazing meal here - the chocolate fondant with peanut butter ice cream should not be missed - I loved it and I am not a chocolate fan - so light, the ice cream was amazing - one of the best things i have ever had. I wish that i had the rabbit as my husband did and it was fantastic too - I had the sea bass which I felt could have been better. Would love to go back soon. Great value for money - the chef came out too and chatted etc.
jules
This is a brilliant place to eat which we just keep going back to. The price is extremely good value for such accurately cooked and clean tasting food. Consistency is maintained well across all the courses, with a well chosen and good value wine list to match. Service is always good but not over fussy and for family celebrations they always go the extra mile. It makes neighbouring Swinton park look very silly. The Bib gourmand was well awarded.
Carolyn
Vennells Restaurant has simply the best food I have eaten in a very long time, even when compared to Michelin starred or fancy city centre restaurants. It also seems extremely consistent in its high standards - I have eaten there several times and have never been disappointed. The home smoked trout is a favourite but every single dish has been well thought out and is always perfectly executed. Other reviews have referred to the price but again I think this compares pretty well to other restaurants in the area. I actually quite like the honest pricing - a starter and main course together cost £21. It saves deliberations about whether to have a starter and it means you can order exactly what you feel like without worrying if it's more expensive than what someone else in the party is having! If you're in Masham or the Ripon area I would thoroughly recommend giving it a try. It's advisable to book in, especially at weekends but they have often managed to squeeze us in with relatively short notice too.
Allexie
Sunday lunch at Vennels was a very pleasant experience for this veggie, (not always the case in North Yorks!!). The food was brilliantly executed, the ambiance spot on....must save up to go back again.
Adrienne Garrod
If you do nothing else in The Yorkshire Dales please visit Vennells in Masham. We had a superb lunch there on 8/9/06. I had checked their website before leaving my home in Essex and yes, they were open for lunch Friday to Sunday. On arriving in Masham the restaurant looked closed but a quick trip to the tourist information office found me on the phone speaking to Jon in person. The meal we had was outstanding and made all the nicer by the fact that Jon trained in my local area. It was just like stepping into his home for a meal!
Beth
You have never been really in England if you have not visited Vennells Restaurant. We had the wonderful over there last night. The food was excellent with world class services. Environment was warm and friendly. Price was reasonable. You don't want to miss this if you ever visit Ripon
