The story
In the North Yorkshire village of Harome, The Pheasant Hotel is a country retreat that takes its food seriously. The kitchen, led by Head Chef Adam Westgarth, delivers Modern British cooking built on local and seasonal ingredients. The hotel’s own kitchen garden supplies much of what lands on the plate, lending an earthy, authentic feel to every dish.
The dining room balances classical and contemporary touches, with a less formal conservatory and a terrace overlooking the village duck pond. The cooking is described as skilful and knowledgeable, with a classical base and a modern twist. The wine list ranges from classic Old World bottles to New World discoveries, each chosen to complement the menu.
The Pheasant’s culinary credentials have earned it 2 AA Rosettes and a spot in the Michelin Guide as a Recommended restaurant. The property also holds 3 AA Red Stars, a mark of exceptional quality across the whole stay. In 2024, it was named Small Hotel of the Year at both the Visit York and Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards.
For a lighter lunch, the Market Menu returns in 2025 – a seasonal, locally sourced offering that changes monthly, served Monday to Saturday. Whether it’s a full dinner or a midday bite, the approach is consistent: proper Yorkshire hospitality, done well.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
In recent years, the charming Pheasant Hotel has suffered from a lack of leadership in the kitchen. The appointment of Adam Westgarth as head chef has changed all that and returned the Pheasant to its rightful place as one of the top dining rooms within our Most Exciting Food Destination of 2024: Helmsley and the Howardian Hills. Three miles south of Helmsley, Harome is better known as home to the estimable Star Inn, but the Pheasant with its comfortable public rooms, a sunny terrace overlooking the village duck pond and 16 bedrooms, can easily hold its own with a contemporary menu of accomplished dishes taking top-quality ingredients from its own 3000-acre Ravenswick Farm Estate at nearby Kirkbymoorside. There's a tasting menu and an indulgent carte, but sandwiches in the bar or the midweek menu offer a more affordable approach.
2 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence
Location
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