Passionate, authentic and enthusiastic are just a few words that spring to mind when thinking about The Terrace at Hollins Hall in Killinghall.
Perhaps they more accurately describe Dave Suttill who heads up this independent restaurant just a few minutes’ drive north of Harrogate town centre. The term ‘hidden gem’ is bandied about such a lot these days, but this is a restaurant worthy of the phrase.
The drive down to Hollins Hall is beautiful with convenient parking right outside the front door.
Dave is from an event and rosette background, so he knows his stuff, but most importantly, he is a people person. It’s apparent all the staff here want to ensure everyone is warmly welcomed, happy and made to feel special. In fact, whilst we sat perusing the menu, I was confused to see two plates containing a sizable lobster carried past me. I hadn’t seen this on the menu but apparently this had been specially ordered by a customer in advance and their wish had been granted. It is rare to see such an accommodating venue. On this note, we got to discussing various events they host here, from small weddings (they can host 55 for a sit-down meal) to funerals, birthdays and christenings. The venue can be exclusively hired and makes a perfect setting with stunning views. The well-presented interior and vast outdoor space make it very appealing. You won’t find restrictive set menus for events either. If you have a favourite meal, they will more than likely be able to accommodate you.
Sam and I visited The Terrace for the first time on a Friday evening. There were quite a few tables taken when we walked in, from young families to more mature couples. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. Sam started with Beetroot Salad, pickled baby onions, feta and pistachio (£6.95), followed by a perfectly cooked and tender pork belly, pink lady apple purée, glazed baby carrots, hazelnut, roast chicken wing sauce, green vegetables, (£15.95).
I started with Roast Chicken Ballotine, pickled mushrooms, confit garlic (£7.95), followed by their fish special of the evening which was, king prawns, clams, mussels and chorizo, all served in the most divine, tasty meaty broth with warm crusty bread (£14.95).
To satisfy our sweet ‘tooths’ we ended with White Chocolate Mousse, pistachio, orange, honeycomb (£7.95), and summer fruit pudding, almond, clotted cream ice cream (£7.95). Everything was made in house from the mousse to the rich, mouth-watering clotted cream ice cream. I could easily have managed second helpings of the latter had the earlier portions not been so generous.
The Terrace really is the polar opposite of mass-produced food that is so readily found in so many restaurants nowadays. Their wine menu, just like their food menu, was succinct and all about quality. Again, I couldn’t argue on price. Just £22.95 for a bottle of prosecco, and the full and crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Bishop’s Leap I enjoyed was a very reasonable £25.95 for a bottle. I am always keen to have a gander at the kids’ menu as often, when I eat out, they will be with me. You won’t find any frozen fishfingers on the menu, all the usual offerings for the small people here are made from scratch, in house. This is always a pleasant finding as so often the kids’ menu can be a disappointing afterthought.
Just before leaving, we were hearing about a new menu which will be available around the time you are reading this. Clearly developed with the same love and attention as the one we ordered from. Doing their bit to support the local community, they have a drop of fresh fish every morning from Hodgesons and all their meat comes from Kendalls and Sykes House Farm.
The Terrace is open Monday to Thursday 9am-4pm, serving breakfast from 9-12 followed by lunch 12-2 and cakes (homemade of course) and afternoon tea until 4pm. If you fancy dinner, they open until 8.30pm Friday and Saturday but I am told I need to return to experience their amazing Sunday lunch served from 12-4pm. I might just do that very soon indeed.
Contact us
The Terrace at Hollins Hall
Lund Lane, Hampsthwaite,
Harrogate HG3 2GP.
Tel. 01423 623533
or 07809 264464 to book.