North Yorkshire: best outdoor dining spots

After months of isolation, we’re all looking forward to seeing friends and family once again.

The chance for some fun and indulgence is hugely appealing after the recent national lockdown – but many of us are choosing to ease back slowly into our previous pace of life.

Even as indoor hospitality opens up again, the trend for al fresco dining shows no sign of slowing. Outdoor restaurants provide the opportunity to catch up over a coffee and cake, or to enjoy a lingering lunch, in the fresh air.

The new Orchard restaurant at Grantley Hall, which opened on May 7, is the ideal setting to enjoy some superb hospitality outside. Set under a beautiful sailcloth marquee, a vintage Airstream takes centre stage on the West Terrace, with views of the West Lawn towards the River Skell.

Bookings are not essential, and the hotel welcomes guests who would just like to enjoy a relaxed drink or two, meaning spontaneous meetings can happen once more.

The menu is perfect for sharing with friends whilst enjoying a choice of seasonal cocktails and fine wines, or you can sip a cup of Yorkshire tea accompanied by a slice of delicious cake before taking a stroll around the grounds.

Choices range from tasty cream teas to grilled lobster with fries, green salad and garlic butter. Or why not try the mouth-watering hot spiced crispy chicken salad with black fig, cucumber, honey and mango, or a warm salad of juicy chargrilled sirloin steak, harissa, black quinoa with spring onions and enoki mushrooms?

“After the success of our outdoor terraces last summer, The Orchard is a brand new casual drinking and dining destination here at Grantley Hall,” says hotel manager Andrew McPherson

“We’re certainly seeing that the demand for al fresco dining is continuing, with people often preferring to meet outside when they can, particularly when it’s a heated and covered space like The Orchard.

“We are delighted to be welcoming people back again in a safe and reassuring way. It’s the perfect spot for a coffee and a chat, or to treat themselves after months of cooking at home.”

The Orchard is one of three fully covered and heated al fresco dining options at Grantley Hall to help us all put the pressures of zoom calls and home-schooling behind us.

Each offers a different view of the hotel’s gorgeous grounds and formal gardens: the freshly revamped EightyEight Terrace is located next to the serene English Heritage-listed Japanese Garden, with creative dishes that blend local Yorkshire produce with Far Eastern flavours.

Or why not head to The Norton Courtyard for a British bistro-style menu showcasing seasonal local delicacies from the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. As well as signature dishes like smoked salmon and Whitby crab or Waterford Farm pork fillet and belly, there is a tempting choice of delicious cocktails to enjoy including a signature gin and tonic with botanicals from the Grantley Hall kitchen garden, garnished with rosemary, dill, and edible flowers.

The Orchard is open seven days a week and food will be served from noon to 8.30pm. Drinks will be served until 10pm.

Alfresco dining at Grantley Hall can be pre-booked by visiting the website, emailing [email protected], or calling 01765 620070.