GOURMET BOLTHOLES

Food and Travel January 2008

ROUND-UP OF NEW EATING OUT VENUES

Rachel Truman enjoys a royal feast, Lea Teusher hangs out in Harrogate and Jill Starley-Grainger finds peak perfection.

THE BALMORAL

HARROGATE, YORKSHIRE

The Balmoral Hotel is a trendy boutique hotel with bold wallpapers and funky furnishings. With exposed brick walls and modern red sofas, it would be more at home in London than genteel Harrogate. But here it is towering over a leafy street, a few minutes from the town’s gardens and spas. The impressive century-old mansion hides an exciting cocktail bar and laid-back but stylish restaurant. Cocktails are both seasonal and adventurous. The restaurant is the place to be to tuck into all-time favourites. Think prawn cocktail, coq au vin and Ceaser salad but with a distinctly fresh and modern twist. Steak comes cooked to perfection with chunky chips and lovely sauces; lemon tart is a tangy treat. Upstairs the contemporary but classic touch continues in the rooms where four poster beds and antique wardrobes face plasma screens.

Foodie diversion: Stop for a slice of cake at the original Betty’s Tearoom (01423 502746: bettys.co.uk)

Details: Double rooms from £110 excluding breakfast. The Balmoral 16-18 Franklin Mount Harrogate (01423 508208: balmoralhotel .co.uk)

Come here for: urban trendiness in genteel Harrogate.