The Tennant Arms Hotel, Kilnsey
Category: Under £20
One sunny Saturday afternoon in early September, we left the kids behind for the open road to Kilnsey, near Grassington, Skipton for a much-needed break and some time together. The drive up was great, the roads clear, the scenery beautiful – we really do live in a pretty part of the country when you get out of town. Easy to find, the Tennant Arms is on the main road just before the Crag, which is Kilnsey’s most outstanding feature, and this lovely traditional public house has much to offer.
We were greeted warmly and received our key to place our bags in the room and have a chance to freshen up before dinner. WOW – the room was amazing. The Tennant Arms has undergone a full refurbishment of its ten en-suite rooms and I have to say I was so impressed. The room was gorgeous. I’ve stayed in a few traditional pubs in the Lakes where the rooms are also traditional, i.e. C. 1960’s woodchip, teasmaid and pink eiderdowns. If that’s what you are expecting – think again. A local lady who has fabulous taste and an eye for detail has designed all the rooms. Our room, Newdale, was spacious with beautiful solid dark wood furniture, a four-poster bed, plush carpet and a lovely view out over the valley. The raspberry and gold bedding, curtains and the wall hangings all co-ordinated - it was a real pleasure to be in. The bathroom was equally impressive with a large walk in shower with local natural slate tiles and then a stepped-up freestanding Victorian bath that you could soak your cares away in.
Back downstairs the pub is a large traditional country pub that hasn’t lost any of its charm with beamed ceilings, original fireplaces and a definite relaxed atmosphere. It was just what we were looking for, it was fairly busy and the friendly staff were willing to chat. We took a drink at the bar and perused the menu, which was pretty extensive with Appetisers ranging from Galia Melon with Sorbet to Black Pudding & Crispy Bacon. The range of main courses offers you all the usual pub fayre including Steak & Guinness Pudding and T-bone Steak together with Pasta, Vegetarian and Seafood dishes as well as a Childrens menu. The Specials Boards were also full with Lobster & Prawn Themidor, Sea Bass, Marlin, Lambs Liver and Wood Pigeon to name just a few. The selection was amazing and as much produce as possible is sourced locally and all food is freshly prepared on the premises.
To start I tried the Honey Roast Parsnip Soup £3.50 served with warm, farmhouse fresh bread and my boyfriend Ian chose the Chicken Liver Pate £3.95. Both dishes were well presented and the portion sizes very generous with plenty of toast for the pate and the soup creamy and rich. For main course I was torn, but opted to try the Half Crispy Ducking served with a tangy Orange and Brandy Sauce £11.95 and, Ian, chose the 14oz Yorkshire Horse Shoe Gammon Steak topped with two Eggs £7.95.“The man on the street knows what he likes”, was his comment. Well, The Tennant Arms certainly do cater for all tastes. My duck was lovely, the meat did literally fall off the bone as promised and the fruity sauce with exotic fruits was a very complementary flavour. The portion again was just huge and I couldn’t manage all the meat. The Gammon however, was neatly put away which is enough said. Oh, a special mention to the fresh seasonal vegetables – the variety was excellent with the most delicious new potatoes we have ever tasted!
We really were pretty full so had a rest before deciding on the dessert and enjoyed another glass of our Goumenissa, Boutari which was described as a “Hidden gem from Greece which never fails to impress - richly aromatic and packed with dense berry fruits, balanced with toasty oak” £10.95.
There are two separate dining rooms, one of which is non-smoking or you may enjoy your meal in the bar. Both rooms are cosy with warm salmon walls with farmhouse pine furniture and wainscoting. Our fellow diners for the evening were friendly and the service from the two waiting staff was excellent.
The dessert menu was tempting and Ian chose the Sticky Toffee Pudding that was moist with a nice sauce and proper fresh whipped cream £3.95. I went for the cheese board and after the experience of the previous two courses (I was still feeling guilty about all that duck), I requested a half portion. I was rewarded with the perfect amount of Smoked Applewood, a ripe Cheshire with a tangy open texture and a lovely smooth, subtle blue stilton served with biscuits, chutney and grapes – just right.
We chatted for a while, completely at ease and comfortable, enjoying the rest of the wine and two cappuccinos before retiring back to bar for a nightcap.
After a rare and refreshing un-interrupted sleep in a spectacularly comfortable bed, we went down to enjoy a full English breakfast with the works. We then had a chance to chat to the manager, Steven White or “Chalky” as he’s better known. The Tennant Arms have a fishing club – The Kilnsey Angling Club and you would be most welcome to enjoy a days fishing if you visit. Kilnsey also hosts its famous annual agricultural show held each August Bank Holiday and more than 18,000 people attended this year.
The Tennant Arms have a Sunday Carvery which is served between 12 and 4.30pm and then the usual menu is available from 5.30pm. During the week, food is available 12-2pm and 6-9pm and is available all day from 12-9pm on Friday and Saturday.
The Tennant Arms is a great place to visit – it’s only 40 minutes from Guiseley and yet you feel as if you really are getting away from it all. With many of the prettiest Yorkshire Dales villages on its doorstep and wonderful walking available, It’s perfect for a drive out. If you can only stay for a good meal then great, but if you can, stay over - it’s perfect.
Review Summary
Atmosphere ♦♦♦♦
Food ♦♦♦♦♦
Service ♦♦♦♦
Value ♦♦♦♦
Contact Details
The Tennant Arms Hotel
Kilnsey, Nr Grassington
Skipton
BD23 5PS
Tel: 01756 752301
www.tennantarms.co.uk
