We pull up a chair at Yorebridge House in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales and quickly remember why this is undoubtedly one of our favourite restaurants.

There’s something magical about hitting the Dales-bound road and leaving behind all the hustle, bustle and daily tussle of modern life.

Few places calm the soul and whet the appetite as much as this special corner of God’s Own Country and when it comes to final destinations, there’s not many that bring a bigger smile to our little faces than the sight of Yorebridge House in Bainbridge.

Having long been one of our favourite escapes, we decided to book an impromptu night away and while the thought of sinking into one of their super-king sized beds is always tempting, it was the prospect of tucking into the culinary creations of award-winning head chef Dan Shotton that saw us hot-footing up there in record time.

Having picked up 3AA Rosettes in 2014 and maintained this accolade every year since, there is a reason why Dan and his team are making a big noise on the Yorkshire dining scene.

And as ever he didn’t disappoint with a menu that showcases modern British cuisine, crafted from only the finest ingredients and bursting with flavours.

Diners at Yorebridge can choose between an a la carte menu or indulge in a seven-course tasting menu – each dish thoughtfully paired with a wine from their extensive list.

We opted for the à la carte option and wasted little time ordering the scallop served on a heavenly bed of cauliflower and apple, and the aubergine and courgette for starters.

Dining at Yorebridge House is always a joyous journey of taste sensations and as we cracked open a beautiful bottle of Montepulchiano d’Abruzzo, we were presented with a tantalising amuse bouche made up of a melt-in-the-mouth cheese goujère and crumpets ladened with succulent beef plus a selection of homemade bread and accompanying uniquely flavoured butters.

For mains we chose the venison served with blackberries, lentils and wild mushrooms and the succulent bream which came with an exquisite bouillabaisse and tapenade sauce.

Innovative, works of art, every dish was joyful to look at and absolutely delicious to eat. Locally sourced, expertly crafted and skilfully presented, this is a dining experience that never fails to deliver a mesmerising combination of flavours.

Such attention to detail was demonstrated perfectly with a rice pudding dessert that drew actual gasps with its apple and caramel twist to round off another sublime meal.

Everything seems to work together harmoniously at Yorebridge House. The exquisite food served in the restaurant perfectly complements the charming character of the hotel and if you’re lucky enough to be staying the night in one of their 12 individually designed rooms, then you really are in for a treat.

The décor is sumptuous, luxurious, contemporary, yet laid-back and has brought this old school back to life to teach guests a thing or two about the art of fine dining and relaxation.

And the team here are fantastic – knowledgeable, approachable, and there’s a down-to-earth confidence about how they operate which puts you immediately at ease.

If you’re looking for that special escape over the coming winter months, we can’t recommend Yorebridge House enough.

Four course À La Carte Menu £85
(wine pairings charged separately)

Seven course Tasting Menu £155
(£70 for wine pairings)

Yorebridge House
Bainbridge, North Yorkshire, DL8 3EE

Tel: 01969 652060 / yorebridgehouse.co.uk