Ashwood House, Harrogate

Places To Eat

Joe Rigatoni

Joe Rigatoni is not your average Italian pizzeria. For starters, the Queen once owned this large, detached building in the centre of Harrogate. Just around the corner from Ashwood House, ir's a lively, bustling kind of place with an open kitchen and hard marble surfaces which help to create the vibrant atmosphere for which it's known. It can cater for close to 200 people over three floors and there's a balcony overlooking the conference centre. Fish is a speciality here, as are the lobster and spare ribs, but they also do all the pizza and pasta favourites you would expect.

3 Ripon Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SX, T: 01423 500071

Courtyard Restaurant

Right in the heart of Harrogate's historic Montpelier district, the Courtyard Restaurant is housed in a former livery stables and is in walking distance of Ashwood House. In summer, the cobbled courtyard comes into its own and makes a great spot for al fresco dining. The contemporary and cosmopolitan British menu has earned the restaurant an AA rosette and is complemented by a 70-bin wine list. Private parties and corporate events for up to 35 people can be arranged.

1 Montpellier Mews, Montpellier Street, HG1 2TQ. T: 01423 530708

Chez La Vie

Located in the heart of Harrogate, Chez La Vie is a classic French restaurant with the easy style and informality of a Parisian bistro. Weekdays they offer a great-value set lunch and early bird dinners are served Monday through Saturday. Also choose from a la carte and table d'hote menus as well as blackboard specials.

92 Station Parade, HG1 1HQ. T: 01423 568018. W: www.chezlavie.com

Bowers Bistro

Bowers Bistro is candlelit and cosy, this charming 45-cover Harrogate bistro opened at the back end of 2004 and was awarded an AA rosette in 2007. The food is Modern British with a global influence -- starters range from £4-£6 and might include Seared tiger prawns with a sweet chilli coriander butter sauce; mains are around £12-£18 for dishes such as Char-grilled beef fillet medallions with potato rosti, sweet pepper ratatouille and Madeira jus. There is also a discounted Menu Du Soir midweek and a regular Steak & Wine evening on Thursdays. Bowers is also open at lunchtimes serving a new Light Luncheon menu.

31 Cheltenham Crescent, HG1 1DH. T: 01423 565806.

W: www.bowersbistro.com

La Tasca

Harrogate's intimate La Tasca has a wonderful outside terrace that's the perfect spot for summer dining. Expect authentic Spanish decor, many Spanish-speaking staff and a menu that includes 33 different types of tapas, paella and lots of quality Riojas. Even the San Miguel is the authentic Spanish-brewed variety.

1 John Street, Harrogate, HG1 1JZ. T: 01423 566333

Lords Restaurant

Situated in the most picturesque part of Harrogate and just minutes from the exhibition and conference centre, Lords Restaurant serves classical British cuisine in the most traditional of surroundings. Dishes such as fillet of beef and honey-roasted belly pork as well as fish and game are enjoyed in a clublike environment of crimson upholstery and dark wood walls adorned with 19th-century cricketing prints. The wine list here extends to 80 bins. Lords is available too for group bookings and corporate events.

8 Montpellier Street, Harrogate, HG1 2TQ. T: 01423 508762

Drum & Monkey

The Drum and Monkey fish restaurant has been a Harrogate favourite for 30 years and is renowned among residents and visitors for its top quality seafood and the intimate, informal character of the interior. Signature dishes, consistently based on the freshest, finest seafood have earned a loyal following with lobster, Dover sole, oysters, halibut and sea bass delivered daily. The Drum and Monkey is one of just 50 restaurants outside London to feature in the prestigious Tatler Guide. The layout is over two floors and features the charming original features of the downstairs bar and eating area and a spacious upstairs restaurant.

5 Montpellier Gardens HG1 2TF. T: 01423 502650

W: www.drumandmonkey.com

Salsa Posada

The Salsa Posada is Harrogate's only Mexican restaurant and serves up a truly enjoyable authentic Mexican feast. Whether you choose nachos or guacamole, burritos or chimichangas, you can be sure that it will be delivered to you freshly cooked and piping hot in real Mexican style. While you wait, sit back and enjoy a refreshing Mexican beer, wicked cocktail or saintly smoothie as you absorb the Mexican décor in our lively and friendly restaurant. For a true Mexican experience finish off your meal with a tequila slammer, and if you're brave enough, you can even drink the worm!

4 Mayfield Grove, HG1 5HB. T: 01423 565151.

W: www.salsaposada.co.uk

Harrogate Brasserie

Harrogate Brasserie restaurant is popular and the quality of food is reflected in the fact that the Brasserie restaurant has been awarded an AA Rosette for six years running. Something else which makes the restaurant a popular choice is the great value for money that it offers. All ingredients are fresh and meals are prepared on the premises by our team of dedicated chefs. Evening menu is available to early diners on orders before 7pm at £ 11.50 (2 courses) there after at £ 15.00. In additional to the black board specials, there is always a two or three course fixed price menu available. Vegetarian options are always available. Together with a wide choice of wines and local brewed beer, our bar and restaurant are a great place to spend a relaxing evening.

26 - 30 Cheltenham Parade, HG1 1DB. T: 01423 505041

W: www.brasserie.co.uk

Damn Yankee

Established for over 30 years The Damn Yankee has built its fantastic reputation serving the locals and visitors to Harrogate freshly prepared American Food and plenty of it! Choose from homemade burgers and finger-lickin' ribs to juicy steaks and authentic fajitas. While you wait for your meal, sit back and enjoy a refreshing beer, creamy milkshake or nice-but-naughty cocktail in the lively yet intimate surroundings of the Damn Yankee. The walls of the restaurant are adorned with memorabilia and images from The States, making The Damn Yankee Experience one never to forget!
They cater for all, from individual diners to big parties and also offer a great value Kid's Menu and several vegetarian options.

4 Station Parade, HG1 1UE. T: 01423 561424.

W: www.damnyankee.co.uk

B.e.d

If you’ve always wanted to spend the whole night or evening in Bed and still wanted to be at the 'in' place… well now you can. Whether dressed to the nines or jus’ in jeans and a T-shirt, you will always receive a warm and inviting welcome to a place that gives you fab food, loving service and a smile by folk who love what they do.

They offer three separate floors… a bar area on the ground floor and and two separate dining rooms. Visit their fun and quirky website to view their fun, quirky and delicious menu.

24 Kings Road, Harrogate, HG1 5JW. T: 01423 568600.

W: www.bed.ltd.uk