Where are the best places to eat outside in Harrogate & the surrounding areas?
“Al Fresco”- Italian for ‘out in the cold, has been a term that us hardy Brits have been hearing more frequently this month. As consumers, we will do anything to be back out dining and drinking once again, even if it means putting on some extra layers and borrowing a blanket or two!
Alfresco dining is on the rise & has been providing a solution for our restaurant & bar independents around Town to reopen their doors to the public once again. COVID-19 has been forcing us to reinvent our urban spaces, making them far more open and pedestrianised to encourage custom again.
So, where are the nicest places to eat outside in Harrogate? Here at FSS we thought it would be handy to have a little list of our top places to alfresco dine-in Harrogate & the surrounding areas.
The Boars Head, Ripley
https://www.boarsheadripley.co.uk/
Within our list, it was an absolute necessity to include The Boars Head at Ripley. Set in the grounds of the 14th-century Ripley Castle, this quaint hotel & eatery is 4 miles from the town centre. A stunning location with outside dining, fabulous food & exceptional service.
After al fresco dining you can take a stroll around the fabulous Ripley Castle and grounds bringing outstanding beauty & history to the eye. This village pub holds so much character it is most definitely one of a kind & well worth a visit.
Tannin Level, Harrogate
https://tanninlevel.co.uk/
Tannin Level is a hidden gem within the delightful town of Harrogate. For 35 years, this staunchly independent eatery, has proudly showcased the best food that our great county has to offer. From light lunches and delicious sandwiches, pre-theatre dinners and a legendary early bird, through to the full A La Carte experience, The Tannin Level offers something for everyone. The food is modern British, using only the very best seasonal ingredients, locally sourced wherever possible.
Tannin Level’s outdoor dining is comfortable. The area is an ideal people-watching spot, tucked away and slightly lowered from the main level of the town, this al fresco dining experience has the best of both worlds.
SASSO, Harrogate
https://www.sassorestaurant.co.uk/
SASSO, Harrogate, renowned for delivering the most amazing fresh pasta, this award-winning independent Italian restaurant is a no-brainer for dining in style. Italian cuisine simply does not get better than this.
Dining outside at SASSO’s is divine! With a fabulous marquee & outdoor heater for warmth, the space is very comfortable.
Rudding Park, Harrogate
https://www.ruddingpark.co.uk/dine/alfresco-dining/
For us here at FSS, having Rudding Park on our list of top locations to al fresco dining was a must. Dining with Rudding Park is not just about exceptional food, it is about an exceptional experience. The team at Rudding go above and beyond what is expected to ensure that you leave the fabulous location feeling truly satisfied.
Whilst al fresco dining at Rudding Park, there are a few options available to you. The perfect spot is The Clock Tower. Guests can relax on the large south-facing terrace and have a delightful meal followed by a walk in the outstanding gardens.
Guests also have The Breeze House available to them, this location combines style and comfort outdoors. Whether an exclusive breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, The Breeze House can accommodate up to eight guests and offers the perfect solution for a unique outdoor dining experience.
The West Park Hotel, Harrogate
https://www.thewestparkhotel.com/
We couldn’t forget West Park Hotel. With a newly extended outdoor dining space with cover and heated spaces for the colder days, West Park most definitely had to make the cut!
The experience at West Park is second to none, with attentive service, superb seasonal & local food & an incredible drinks selection, West Park really has got their customers covered (and quite literally with the new al fresco dining area)!
La Feria, Harrogate
https://laferiarestaurants.co.uk/
Of course, we included Harrogate’s favourite Spanish restaurant- La Feria. Some say that this beautiful terrace on Cold Bath Road is the best place to be in the whole of Harrogate when it comes to dining in style.
If you like tapas you will fall in love with this extremely popular spot. The La Feria terrace has well and truly become ‘the place to be’ in Harrogate, which is why you will definitely have to pre-book your table!
The Pickled Sprout, Harrogate
Time to try somewhere new? The Pickled Sprout, Harrogate opened its doors in December. Located within The Yorkshire Hotel, The Pickled Sprout offers a new lease of life to the town of Harrogate. Led by Executive Chef, Richard Ferebee, the dining at this incredible restaurant is unbelievable, we can assure you that your taste buds will be more than satisfied.
Al fresco dining for The Pickled Sprout was a must, with balconies and outdoor dining overlooking the town of Harrogate, there is plenty of people watching to be done!
The Fat Badger, Harrogate
https://www.thefatbadgerharrogate.com
The Fat Badger, fancy al fresco dining in your own private pod? At Harrogate’s favourite pub you can do exactly that!
The Fat Badger offers an unforgettable unique dining experience, in the middle of the Montpellier Quarter, The Fat Badger couldn’t be more central if they tried. With local cask ales, exciting cocktails, fine wine & award-winning, modern British food, visiting The Fat Badger is a must!
William & Victoria’s, Harrogate
https://www.williamandvictoria.com/
Having Harrogate’s longest running wine bar on our list was vital. William & Victorias is one of the best-loved independent restaurants in the area. Offering classic dishes that celebrate Yorkshire’s produce served in the friendliest, most welcoming environments.
William & Victoria’s jumped onto the al fresco dining bandwagon in order to reopen their doors, the new covered pergola has proved very popular to their long standing customers.
Grantley Hall, Ripon
https://www.grantleyhall.co.uk
Sitting proudly within our list, we have the breathtaking Grantley Hall. Grantley Hall is a hidden jewel found in the Yorkshire Dales, offering four indulgent restaurants, including Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, and three stunning bars.
Having just launched The Orchard- a magnificent new outdoor dining & drinking space, Grantley Hall was inevitably going to be near the top of our al fresco dining list. Situated on the charming West Terrace and set within a sailcloth marquee, The Orchard offers a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy exquisite food & drink.
The Bear at Carriages, Knaresborough
https://www.thebearatcarriages.co.uk/
Another new restaurant to add to our outstanding list is The Bear at Carriages- an independent, family-run gastropub based in Knaresborough. Whilst enjoying a drink and a bite to eat on the terrace, you can overlook the unique railway.
Becoming famous for it’s wood-fired chicken, The Bear at Carriages is most definitely becoming the new ideal place to be.
Now that you have read through our list of top alfresco dining locations within and surrounding our delightful town of Harrogate, we would love to know whether or not you agreed with our suggestions! If you do visit any of the wonderful eateries on our list and are as impressed as us then do get in touch, we would love to know what you think about our fabulous outside dining restaurants.