The Stone House Hotel in Hawes is a rustic, welcoming gem
I was kindly invited to stay and sample its many delights, and whilst I have stayed at many splendid locations, the Stone House Hotel seemed a step above.
I arrived in Hawes on a grey wet Saturday at the end of February.
But even in such bleak weather, the Yorkshire Dales, and Wensleydale in particular, always looks beautiful.
And even in winter there are plenty of visitors enjoying its delights.
Having read good reviews about The Chippie, I fancied fish and chips for lunch.
Alas the restaurant was full, but I was able to get a take-away and sit on a seat a short walk away. And yes, they were good, highly recommended.
Hawes has plenty of independent shops, and one had a sale on, and I bought some shoes for a very good price.
I enjoyed a half a pint of beer from the Wensleydale Brewery in the characterful White Hart Inn, before setting off to the nearby Hardraw Force, which is behind the Green Dragon Inn.
You pay Β£4 to get in, but you can see the paths have been maintained well, and even in drizzle, the view is still worth it and it is not too far to walk.
Well, I had to have a pint afterwards, and the Green Dragon was packed with character, including oak beams and a log fire. Popular it was too and the Old Perculier went down beautifully.
It was time to head to the Stone House Hotel, just a few minutes away, which I had kindly been invited to review as itβs guest.
This Edwardian property has been a hotel since 1981 and after former London lawyers Joe and Holly Hobson bought the place in 2022, they have been busy taking it to new heights.
The hotel has 24 rooms, a 50-cover restaurant, log fires, beautiful oak-panelled walls, extensive gardens and great views.
Google awards the venue 4.9 stars out of five based on 397 reviews and Tripadvisor awards 4.8 stars out of five, ranking it the number one hotel in Hawes.
Last year, the Stone House Hotel was the only hotel in the Yorkshire Dales to receive a Visit England ROSE (Recognition of Excellent Service) Award. This added to other well-deserved awards.
So expectations were high and they were met, with friendly and efficient service as I checked in.
My room was at the end and was large with stunning views of the dales.
The interior had an upmarket, rustic and traditional charm.
The massive bed was comfortable and the wifi was easy to log onto and worked well too.
As the weather was grim outside, I thought I would enjoy such comforts for a few hours.
Even though it was still winter, the hotel was full and the only times available for dinner were 6.30pm and 8pm. Since I had had fish and chips, I took the latter option.
I waited in a lounge area outside the restaurant as requested and was then taken to my table in a newish extension.
The menu changes daily to reflect what freshest foods are available, so it was a little different to the sample menu posted on the hotel website.
Trusted local suppliers are listed covering the butcher, dairy, seafood and ice cream.
Two courses are Β£43 per person and three courses costs Β£49 per person.
You start off with complimentary home-made bread served, which featured a couple of different types and was very pleasant.
Service was quick and my pork belly with carrot jam and a chorizo emulsion soon followed.
This was the tastiest and most tender pork belly I can remember and the jam had a nice tangy, citrussy taste, to boost the flavour of both.
Other options included mushroom soup, smoked mackerel pate, and a pea mousse.
For mains I went for the lamb rump with broccoli puree, minted peas and a red wine juice. This came with mashed potatoes and chantenay carrots. I also ordered a dish of honey roasted carrots and beets (Β£4.50).
Other options included duck breast, poached salmon and Tarragon polenta.
Again, I cannot recall lamb ever being as tender and soft. It matched well with the minted pea and jus and I savoured every bit of it, nothing wasted. The roast vegetables were roasted to perfection, the mash was deliciously creamy and the chantenay carrots were lovely and soft.
I had to leave some carrots to make room for dessert, settling for lemon posset with seasonal berries. Other options included treacle tart, sticky toffee pudding or a fresh fruit salad.
The berries were a delight and the posset was the perfect light way to finish off a top class meal.
This was all washed down by a smooth and flavoursome bottle of Spanish tempranillo (Β£30).
The Stone House Hotel has an extensive wine list and as well as the favourites has more interesting offerings, including the Solaris NV sparkling wine from Dunesford, near York.
I could have finished with a complimentary tea or coffee, but instead I took my petit four and wine glass to sit by the log fire for a while. I enjoyed its warmth and soaked up the pleasant, relaxed atmosphere for half an hour until heading back upstairs to bed, promptly falling asleep and sleeping well for the night.
Next morning saw breakfast and once again, service was prompt and friendly and I was soon enjoying croissant, coffee, bacon, scrambled eggs, a mushroom, toast and marmalade.
The sausage seemed particularly good, meaty with a fine balance of herb. What a shame the butcher that makes it was not open on a Sunday or I would have called for more.
I savoured my room for an hour or so more, reluctant to leave its comforts, and after checking out, headed to the Wensleydale Creamery. You can do a tour but I just went to the shop, tasted some cheeses and bought two.
I then headed towards Leyburn, this time on the northern side of Wensleydale. Again, despite the grey and drizzle, the scenery was superb.
In Leyburn, I parked outside the excellent Campbellβs of Leyburn, which has a fine butchery and range of wines and spirits. There, I bought an unusual type of ham requested by my elderly father.
I then noticed a sign saying βThe Shawlβ which a friend had advised me, offered a fine walk and views. I just walked ten minutes or so for the view and it was good.
I then headed to the Wensleydale Brewery to try a couple of its ales and both halves were good, and the taproom soon began to fill-up.
It was then time for home and I reflected on a great, relaxing weekend, with great food in top class surroundings. It was certainly a treat to recommend and a cut above the many wonderful places I have stayed in before.
Joe and Holly Hobson can be proud of what they and their excellent staff have achieved in this most recommended venue.
And as we move into Spring, with lambs, blossom and hopefully better weather, a visit to the Stone House Hotel and the Dales will be even better!