Check out The View at The Coniston (Skipton)

Reviewing a glamorous restaurant isn’t as easy (or relaxing) as it once was. Gone are the days when Lucy and I would rock up, sink a couple of aperitifs, and then simply soak up whatever the evening threw at us.

Now with our five-year-old son and six-week-old daughter in tow, it’s more about ensuring we have enough room around the table for the pram and a bucketful of toy soldiers. So, we swapped our preferred 8pm reservation for a 6pm slot, and fell into The View restaurant in Skipton, ready for action, during a short, rainy break during the Easter holidays.

The View is the aptly named flagship 1AA Rosette restaurant of The Coniston Hotel Country Estate Spa which is set within 1,400 acres of beautiful woodland and parkland. The hotel celebrates the best local Yorkshire produce, as well as the stunning local scenery. And it’s easy to see why.

What a view it was!

Handily seated by one of the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, surrounded by a stylish décor that pays homage to Yorkshire as much as the food, our five-year-old could barely contain his excitement as he admired the view and spotted that the bright sky had thoughtfully conjured up a rainbow just for him that ended up smack bang in the middle of the lake in the hotel grounds.

The adults were far more impressed, however, with the chic yet relaxed space from which to both admire the landscape and enjoy a bottle of White Zinfandel, Discovery Beach, USA (£26).

Had it been a few degrees higher, we may well have opted to settle into the covered terrace and alfresco dining area, as it was, I was dragged around the restaurant by the 5-year-old to peruse the colourful wall paintings and impressive centrepiece open fire.

And then came the food. The brainchild of Head Chef, Thomas Robertson, who has plied his trade for seventeen years, with a healthy portion of that time spent at Chapter One, the Michelin-starred Modern European restaurant on the outskirts of London.

I kicked off proceedings with a superb Chicken Terrine, Black Pudding, tangy Piccalilli, and Toast (£11). Whereas Lucy was in the mood for fish, so opted for the Salmon Mousse Tartlet, Sous Vide Prawn Salad, Fennel, Dill, and Balsamic, which didn’t disappoint. (£12).

Having traipsed through a sodden farmyard and endured a children’s soft play area hours earlier, we needed energy, and we needed meat. As usual, when given the opportunity, I chose well with the lamb. Lamb Rump, Garlic, Spring Cabbage, BBQ Cabbage Puree, Charred Broccoli, and Thyme Jus (£28). Whereas Lucy pushed the boat out with the tender Venison Cushion, Rhubarb Chutney, Red Onion Tart, Carrot, and Juniper (£27).

Needless to say, dessert was a given, and Robertson’s team’s creative flair shone through via their Rhubarb & custard (£10). Custard Panna Cotta, Puff Pastry, and Poached Rhubarb.

Now if you’re thinking the menu isn’t particularly child-friendly, fear not. Our five-year-old thoroughly enjoyed his Mac n Cheese starter, followed by an enormous Sausage and Mash main, finished gleefully (and incredibly messily) with a Chocolate Brownie and Ice cream. All from the kids’ menu at a very reasonably priced £13 for three courses.

So, whether you’re staying over in North Yorkshire or not, The View restaurant is well worth the visit, come rain or shine. You never know, you might even find a pot of gold if you’re really lucky.