Yorke Arms, Ramsgill-in-Nidderdale

A couple of years ago this was the Good Food Guide's Restaurant of the Year. Having looked at maps to plan our route I had feared that the roads would be difficult, as it looks a little inaccessible, being at the far end of a reservoir in the dales, but I needn't have worried. The five mile road from Pateley Bridge was bendy but never too narrow. It has a Michelin star. Based on our experience, we think it deserves two. The surroundings are as beautiful as can be, the service was wonderful and the meal was a delight from beginning to end.

Parmesan Tartlet

Bread

Rabbit and Langoustine

To begin there was an amuse-bouche while we were still in the bar of parmesan tartlets and home made potato crisps. The tartlets were quite exceptional and Mary still looks back on them as the highlight of a meal full of highlights. There was another amuse as soon as we entered the dining room of a vegetable presse, which was intensely in both colour and taste. The home made bread (five different varieties) was plentiful and very fresh. Eventually we reached our starter. I had a rabbit and langoustine thing, while Mary had an Onion Tartlet. Both wonderful. The langoustine in mine made me wonder why this shellfish is not in every restaurant all the time, it had so much freshness and intensity of flavour.

Duck

The main course did not follow its usual pattern, as this time Mary had the Beef while I had Duck. Mary did not think the beef was the finest shed ever had, but it was good nonetheless. The duck was accompanied by gooseberry and another fruit I can't remember. Excellent.

Dessert for me was a pressed grapefruit thing with white chocolate ice cream and a peanut brittle. Three things that sound as though they shouldn't go together. Well, I enjoyed it anyway. Mary had cheese and biscuits. The cheese selection was expertly explained, and some of the biscuits were homemade (I think).

This restaurant has gone to near the top of our all-time favourites list, and we plan to return for my birthday meal later in the year.