Best cheap places to eat in North Yorkshire – by the county’s best chefs
As part of the Cheap Eats series in our Money blog, we ask Michelin chefs to pick their favourite places for a budget meal where they live. We have rounded up our two entries from North Yorkshire – where two of the country’s top chefs have restaurants.
Michelin-starred chefs Michael Wignall, from The Angel at Hetton in Skipton, and Shaun Rankin, from Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, recommend…
Ye Olde Naked Man in Settle
Michael says: “If I ever go cycling with the kids on the mountain bike this place is on one of our routes. We go over the tops – it’s 12 miles over the tops of the Yorkshire Dales – then drop into Settle. I’ve always taken the kids there, whether that’s for a hot chocolate and cake or sandwich. It’s so nice, really popular (for good reason), and right in the middle of Settle, a lovely little town. If I’m on my own on the road bike and do a big cycle, say 30 to 50 miles, it’s on the way home and just before a horrific climb in the area – 20% gradient – I stop at The Naked Man and psych myself up for it. Even my friends stop there for caffeine and a bite to eat before the last journey. It’s in a great location, opposite the market square and a traditional, old-school place that I love. The food is very reasonable, and the service is brilliant.”
Paradise Food, at Daleside Nurseries
Michael says: “The chef here is lovely, and we go back a long way. It started as a pop-up at a garden centre, and is now a full-time restaurant. They’ve had a really colourful career, a great chef, which is reflected at Paradise. They’re hard working and have core values that I really respect, and I just love coming here for a great meal. It is super popular.”
Rind, at Courtyard Dairy
Michael says: “This is just over the tops, out of Settle and towards the Lake District. They are very famous and do our cheese for us. The team is super passionate, and a few years ago extended the cheese shop and built a pizzeria (among other things, like a museum). It is so good here, very cool and the views are just stunning. Our restaurant manager is Italian, and even she raves about it. That’s when you know it’s good. The toppings are a bit different, and it’s only 15 minutes away so we do visit often.”
Blue Lion, East Witton
Shaun says: “North Yorkshire is bountiful in its selection of brilliant places to dine and we’re incredibly lucky to have so many eateries on our doorstep. My first recommendation is a traditional country pub nestled within a picture-perfect village in the Yorkshire Dales. Enjoy a scenic walk through the surrounding countryside before stopping off for lunch – their light lunch menu includes personal favourites such as croque madame with a rocket salad and Black Sheep-battered fish and chips.”
Oliver’s Pantry, Ripon
Shaun says: “If you’re heading in to explore the characterful charm of Ripon, a trip here is a must. They do great coffee alongside a delicious all-day brunch, an array of sweet treats and their seasonal lunch menu packed with fresh homemade dishes.”