The Old Barn, Esholt

Esholt. Mmm, now what do I know about Esholt?
 
Fact 1… I know it used to be the setting for Emmerdale Farm before they moved to the purpose built film village on the Harewood Estate. The Woolpack in Esholt is still going today.

Fact 2… The village is built on the site of a Medieval Cistercian Nunnery from round about the 12th Century. The whole estate was given to the nuns of Syningthwaite Priory by Simon Warde. The nunnery existed until the Dissolution Of Monastries in 1540.

Facts 3 & 4… To be revealed later.

Many times I have looked over to the 18 bay golf driving range as I headed from Shipley to Guiseley but never once did I twig that besides the driving range, partners Katrina Nolson & Rob Sheldon also owned a restaurant, The Old Barn on Esholt Lane.
Partners Katrina & Rob have put their hearts and souls into providing this fine eatery.

I thought we would try it on a Saturday evening. Always a good time to get the true feel of a restaurant.

First impressions. Spacious car park with security cameras, good. Neatly tended gardens & approach to The Barn, good. Reception area pleasant & welcoming, so far, so good.

We were warmly greeted & shown to a pleasant seating area near the spotless bar. Partner Rob was meeting & greeting behind the bar. He did it well. I believe that his partner Katrina normally shares this task with him but tonight she would help out in the busy kitchen. I like this hands on flexibility.

Drinks & menus arrived. Around a dozen starters and the same number of mains. I am amused by the menu, no, no not the dishes, they were all fine, but by the small print. I quote, “THE BUREAUCRACY BIT! ALL DISHES MAY CONTAIN TRACES OF NUTS ETC.” This was penned by someone after my own heart. Damn rules, regulations, health & safety. Hasn’t anybody any common sense nowadays? Nurse, nurse, where are my grumpy old man pills?  Anyway, back to the plot.

I chose homemade Soup of the Day (£3.95), a delightful mushroom affair. I imagined the fungi had been picked that morning from the driving range, it tasted fresh & good. My wife asked for a description of the Beef Carpaccio (£4.95). The friendly young waitress was knowledgeable, seasoned raw beef, thinly sliced across the grain, served with rocket & Parmesan salad. “Yes, I’ll have that please.” Now this is a lady who usually needs & asks for her fillet crunchy! If a steak appears that shows the merest hint of pink she hyper-ventilates until it is returned in a cinder state!
The quality steak duly arrived & surprise, surprise, Margaret couldn’t look at it. How fortunate that three of us could willingly help her out.  Our two guests chose Smoked Chicken Caesar Salad (£4.50) & Tempura of King Prawns (£4.95). Both passed inspection.

And on to the mains, John & Sue selected Duo of Lamb (£13.95), Margaret ordered Gressingham Duck Breast (£12.95) and I plumped for Grilled Cod Steak (£11.95).
The Lamb was served with summer vegetables, fondant potato & a Port wine jus. They were impressed with their choice & being from farming stock gave their seal of approval to the lamb. Margaret, now recovered from the shock of her starter was keen to try her main. She smiled & nodded in approval. This is the Margaret equivalent to an Egon Ronay award.

My cod was presented with pea purée, fat chips & a scampi tempura. All complemented each other and the tempura was delightfully light. It suited my taste perfectly.

The homemade desserts (£4.25) were ordered & consumed with satisfying sighs. Good puds. I particularly enjoyed the Rum & Choc Pot although the Iced Eaton Mess intrigued my tester taste buds.

The meal was served with courteous good humour. The dining area seats 50 and is comfortable & clean.

Coffees were ordered. We were the last to eat and were now able to witness the entrance of, drum roll please, ‘Cat woman’, sorry, Katrina. Released from the kitchen she appeared like a flash, a breath of fresh air, a whirling Dervish of a woman. It was obvious from the start she had a great personality and sense of humour. Who else would wear cat ears all the time? I would like to return when she is front of house. I suspect it then becomes a cabaret bar!

Katrina took me upstairs, steady on; you are making your own jokes up now, to view the function room. Rob & Katrina are totally flexible and can provide whatever you request. Weddings, birthdays, corporate events etc. from carvery to full a la carte, even a hog roast has been provided in the past. The space is very intimate but can seat 150.

Here we have a couple who are willing to be flexible, who are not afraid of hard work and are able to pitch in.

Oh yes, the other facts about Esholt,

Fact 3… The Old Barn Restaurant is good.

Fact 4… Katrina doesn’t belong in a nunnery!

Reviewed By Howard Richardson

Review Summary

Atmosphere ♦♦♦♦
Food ♦♦♦♦
Service ♦♦♦♦♦
Value ♦♦♦♦♦

Contact Details

The Old Barn
Esholt Lane
Baildon
BD17 7RJ

Tel: 01271 530338
www.theoldbarnrestaurant.co.uk