The Moorcock Inn - Richmondshire

Most stories exist as an arc, not a circle. There is a beginning, a progression, a cast or crew, a list of experiences, a change of minds and a resolution down the line. Some you hope won’t end but see that, without an ending, their existence as stories is diminished, unfinished, like an 80s song that fades out oddly. So it really should be with the best restaurants. I’ve approached the Moorcock at various times of year since 2018 but always managed to pitch up on New Year’s Day, often as the Pennines roll and heave beneath a pummelling of rain. Its welcome is an arm round the shoulders, removing, for a time, a damp, heavy coat and the rest of your world. There’s no hurry, no pushing for validation, no pleading stares when you turn up bedraggled, with your own leftovers for your messy kids, a filthy dog, or a hangover. Alisdair and Aimee, and their brilliant and plentiful team, have fed and watered who knows how many guests and left them feeling wanted, not needed. The food and drink need no headstone. Those who’ve admitted either to their bodies will hold them in their memories for many moons, but as to what happens to the hands that made or carried or uncorked or poured them we probably shouldn’t ask just yet. Their tale is nearly over and its authors have others to tell in other places. Let’s be grateful we could get lost, for a time, in the pages of this one.

My husband and I popped in here on our way back from a weekend in Leeds. We were quickly shown to our table and provided with the days menu. I let them know I was pregnant and the chef provided me with an overview of the options safely available too me. We had pork belly, halloumi topped with walnut, cheese and leek crepe, beetroot and radish salad and wood fired potatoes. All were beautiful. We also opted for the nougat and shortbread dessert. It's a real pity this place is closing as we would love to have visited again if we were back in the area. We also popped up to the little shop and bought a few bits to take home with us.

Visited for a birthday meal. Unique and varied dishes, all of which were delicious. Great ambience, great service, good quality wines. What more can you want?

We were visiting family in Walsden, my son booked the table based on reviews. We were not disappointed, the staff, food decor perfect. All the dishes were innovative, tasty and we'll presented. Perfect.

We have been meaning to visit this fabulous inn for sometime and given the fact they are moving on in January we simply had to go. We booked a hotel nearby as it’s a four hour round trip and boy was it worth it. From start to finish it’s fantastic the service is excellent and the eclectic fantastic dishes live up to their reputation as one of the country’s best gastro pubs the food is largely vegetarian with an ever changing menu. The beers and wines are great with lots of choices even a page dedicated to saki . Upstairs is their shop where you can buy the made in house crockery amongst other items. On this visit we ordered six dishes but would probably do four next time and we can’t wait go you’ll love it .