5 of the Best Themed Restaurants in Yorkshire
26 Oct 2024
If there’s one thing us folk in Yorkshire don’t do in moderation, it’s food! We’re talking hearty portions, rich flavours, and an experience that sticks with you longer than a mug of Yorkshire Tea! From the wild, rugged moors to the bustling cities, there’s a wide array of eateries serving everything from traditional British fare to more adventurous offerings. So whether you’re lucky enough to be a local or just visiting, the culinary scene here is as varied as the landscape!
As dedicated Yorkshire foodies here at FoodNoise, we’ll be taking you on a journey across this glorious county, exploring five distinct restaurants that each bring something unique to the table. So, loosen your belts and get ready to dive into the delicious world of Yorkshire dining as we begin with one of our team’s 5 of the best themed restaurants in Yorkshire.
Billy Bob’s Parlour – A Slice of Americana in North Yorkshire
Our culinary journey starts at Billy Bob’s Parlour in North Yorkshire. If you’re a fan of retro Americana, this place is going to be right up your alley. Walking into Billy Bob’s is like stepping into a time machine. The décor is pure nostalgia, with checkered floors, vinyl booths, and neon signs that wouldn’t look out of place in Grease! A 1950s-style diner and ice cream parlour that feels like it’s been plucked straight out of small-town USA and dropped into the Yorkshire countryside. The staff are dressed in classic diner uniforms, and the menu is packed with American comfort food classics. The burgers here are the star of the show—juicy, flavourful, and stacked high with toppings. So whether you go for the classic smashed beef patty or something a bit more adventurous like the Range Riders Chilli burger BBQ, one of our favourites, you’re in for a real treat! But the real highlight at Billy Bob’s is the ice cream. They’ve got a huge selection of flavours, from classic vanilla to more unusual options like peanut butter and jelly. And the milkshakes? They’re thick, creamy, and served in those iconic stainless steel cups that make everything taste just a little bit better. You can have it in a cone, a sundae, or even as part of a towering banana split that’s big enough to share if you’re feeling generous! A sweet treat that’s the cherry on top of a fantastic dining experience.
The Arnage – A Pit Stop in West Yorkshire
Next on our culinary road trip is a restaurant that takes inspiration from a somewhat unlikely source, the world of motorsport, along with being one of the best restaurants in Yorkshire is The Arnage in Leeds. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a décor that’s a mix of retro chic and modern elegance. Think checkered floors, leather booths, and vintage racing posters adorning the walls. Named after the famous corner of the Le Mans racing circuit, The Arnage offers a dining experience that’s sleek, stylish, and just a tad fast-paced!It’s the kind of place where you can imagine 007 himself pulling up in an Aston Martin and ordering a Martini, shaken, not stirred, of course. The menu at The Arnage is all about classic British cuisine with a contemporary twist. The chefs here have a knack for taking familiar dishes and revving them up a notch. Their fish and chips are a prime example featuring crispy batter and chunky chips …and we can vouch that they are the perfect balance of soft and crunchy! The motorist pie is a hand-down chequered flag winner! Tender beef encased in flaky pastry served with a rich, velvety gravy that’s so good you’ll want to drink it by the pint. But what really sets The Arnage apart is their attention to detail. Everything from the presentation to the service is precise and polished, making it an ideal spot for a special occasion. And if you’re a fan of desserts, seriously don’t miss a chance to sample their sticky toffee pudding. A real classic that’s been fine-tuned to perfection as many of our team can testify!
Calico Jack’s – North Yorkshire’s Pirate Paradise
Now, when you think of pirates, you might picture rum, treasure, and the occasional “arr!” What you might not expect is a restaurant, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Calico Jack’s, the place where swashbuckling meets supper. Walking into Calico Jack’s is like stepping onto the set of Pirates of the Caribbean. There’s nautical décor, weathered wood, and even the odd skull and crossbones! But don’t worry, the atmosphere is far more “family fun” than “dead men tell no tales.” The staff are dressed as pirates, and they really get into character, adding a playful vibe to the whole dining experience. As for the food Calico Jack’s is all about big flavours and even bigger portions. Their menu is a treasure trove of Tex-Mex delights, with everything from loaded nachos to sizzling fajitas. And don’t even get us started on their cocktails. The Cubra Libra’s are fruity, potent, and the perfect way to end a meal. Just be careful not to have too many, or you might find yourself singing sea shanties all the way home. We highly recommend the Texas Rack, a feast fit for Blackbeard himself that’ll have you licking your fingers and reaching for another napkin.
The Old Lamp Room – Cosy Charm in West Yorkshire
The Old Lamp Room is a super cosy, welcoming restaurant located in the picturesque village of Cottingham, East Riding and is the kind of place where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy some truly comforting food. The Old Lamp Room is all about rustic charm. The interior is warm and inviting, with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and soft lighting that makes you feel right at home. It’s the perfect spot for a lazy Sunday lunch or a romantic dinner for two. The menu here is focused on traditional British fare, with a few international influences thrown in for good measure. Using local butchers, fish merchants and produce from Chef Wendy’s allotment, the menu changes with the seasons. Our taste testers raved about the slow-cooked lamb shank – tender, flavourful, and served with creamy mashed potatoes and a rich red wine jus. It’s the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs and warms you from the inside out. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, their duck and bacon salad is a revelation. It’s fresh, tangy, and packed with flavour, proving that salads don’t have to be boring. And whatever you do, save room for dessert. The sticky ginger pudding is the stuff of dreams – warm, spicy, and served with a dollop of clotted cream that’ll have you scraping the bowl clean.
Jurassica – A Prehistoric Feast in South Yorkshire
Now, let’s take a trip back in time – way back. Jurassica, located in South Yorkshire, is a restaurant that’s part theme park, part dining experience, and 100% fun. That’s right! This place is all about dinosaurs. So if you’ve ever wanted to dine in the shadow of a T-Rex, this is your best chance. Jurassica is a hit with families, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s designed to look like a prehistoric jungle, complete with animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar – throughout your meal. It’s the kind of place where you half expect to see Jeff Goldblum lurking around a corner, ready to warn you about the dangers of playing God. The menu is surprisingly varied, offering everything from burgers and steaks to vegetarian options. But if you’re going to eat here, you’ve got to go all in and order the Dino Feast. This platter is packed with all sorts of carnivorous delights – think ribs, sausages, and chicken wings – all served with a dino-mountain of fries. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve earned your place at the top of the food chain. And for the kids (or the young at heart), there’s the Dino Dig dessert. It’s a chocolate fondue with marshmallows, fruit, and a little “dinosaur dig” area where you can excavate chocolate fossils. It’s messy, indulgent, and exactly the kind of fun you expect from a place like Jurassica.
The Wrap…
There we go, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty British classic, an American-style feast, or something a bit more adventurous, you’ll find it all in this beautiful part of the UK. So next time you’re in Yorkshire, be sure to check out these five must-try restaurants – you won’t leave hungry!
Find out more about Yorkshire’s must-try restaurants and Michelin dining in our other helpful guides and news!