Old Glen House, Baildon

The Old Glen House is a restaurant that knocks the socks off every restaurant I dined at last year and so far in 2008. The fayre served here rivals the likes of The Box Tree. The Star at Harome and smashes down the door of any gastro pub I know. All of this is doubly enforced by the price. This venue is so reasonable, it’s embarrassing. A big tip is a must. For example, Burns Night was a fantastic four course meal for only £20.00 per head.

On the night we ate there, we ordered dishes like posh surf and turf; a rib eye steak and half a lobster thermidore £16.50. Baked cod £12.95 and Bolton Abbey rack of lamb £14.50. Every dish was sublime. The sides were: Honey roast parsnips, home made chips and seasonal vegetables. Each starter and main course was more than fantastic. When you compare the price to any other restaurant, I wonder how they make a profit.

Whilst I realise it’s very early into 2008, I think it’s safe to say The Old Glen House will be a contender for a dining award at the end of the year, if not two awards. This restaurant is a must if you like exceptional food, and want to keep the budget low. I would have happily expected to pay at least double anywhere else for this kind of quality.

The service was excellent. The staff are not city centre types; they chat and have subtle jokes. It appears they are not there just for tips and filling in career gaps. They know about each dish intimately and offer good choice advice. They are slightly old fashioned in their service values, knowing when to chat and when to be discreet.

The Old Glen House is half pub and half restaurant, both completely separate to each other. The location is Baildon moor in Bradford. Please don’t let the Bradford post code put you off. Its setting is amazing, sitting in beautiful countryside with spectacular walks all around. The interior is classically simple, yet still retains a country feel. Not as plush as it could be, but far from average country venues. The owner John and his wife are on hand to help and advise on anything you may need. Both run a well oiled establishment.

My wife and her friend both insisted I shout from the roof tops about how good the puddings were. They are both dessert aficionados. I am not a pudding lover so all I can quote is: “Mmmmmmmmmmm,” from them both. Since eating here I have recommended it to many people, and everyone has come back with a glowing report.

Don’t expect Michelin star food or fancy food artwork on your plate. If you do you will be disappointed. Expect prepared to perfection, good quality, locally produced and wholesome food, that’s delivered to you with style and professionalism. You can however expect to have a meal to remember without even breaking the children’s piggy bank.

The Old Glen House is a relatively undiscovered secret that needs to be shouted about. Everything about this restaurant is just right.

Category: Under £20.00

Review Summary

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

Contact Details

The Old Glen House
Prod Lane
Baildon BD17 5BN

Tel: 01274 589352
Email: oldglenhouse@aol.com