Fletchers

Tucked away at the back of Grantley Hall, in a cosy low-ceilinged dining room, Fletchers feels immediately familiar. It could be the warm welcome from a team who are rewarded for their years in tenure - so are mostly experienced - or it could be the comfortable banquette seating and deep armchairs surrounded by wood panelled walls and low slung beams. Whatever the components in this exacting formula, it’s a winning one.

Apparently there’s a guest who stays at Grantley Hall 300 days of the year and has only ever eaten in Fletchers, despite there being multiple other options, and it’s not hard to see why. There’s no choice paralysis when you are faced with old friends you know and love; a list your eyes can quickly run over and settle on something. The menu is wholly and wonderfully unchallenging, instead leaning into tried and tested classics to easily win favour.

Starters are old school treats like properly chopped steak tartare and plates of duck liver pate. But it’s the mains where the kitchen’s skill is fully demonstrated. Our côte de boeuf comes singing of smoke from the Josper grill, blushing the whole way through, with gorgeous little frills of golden fat all around and the bone proudly presented on top in a theatrical fashion. Sides are generous and individually portioned so that there’s no fighting over the last chip here, and deep gravy boats of finely tuned peppercorn and bearnaise hold enough sauce to sink a ship.

While there is an impressive wine list on offer, there are also great softs. A sparkling tea is the favourite of owner Valeria Sykes we hear. It’s light and fresh, and looks the part of you’re in search of an alcohol-free Champagne alternative or - like in our case - are faced with a drive after lunch.

If you weren't looking down the barrel of a speedy departure we can imagine Fletchers would easily swallow up a whole afternoon without you noticing. It’s the type of place where the team and the surroundings make you feel so at home you might find yourself booked in for lunch and still there at dinner.

Located on the Queen Anne wing of the seventeenth-century Grantley Hall Hotel, Fletcher’s is an all day brasserie-style restaurant serving classic French, British and European-inspired dishes made from quality local produce. The Grantley Hall Hotel is located near Ripon in North Yorkshire on the banks of the River Skell.

The Grade II building was built to house the Norton family and in 2019 reopened as a luxury hotel. In its current form, the hotel includes a state-of-the-art spa including a cryotherapy chamber, 3D bone density scanner, underwater treadmill and snow and steam rooms. Along with Fletcher Restaurant, the hotel is home to the Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin restaurant and an apres-ski bar.

Fletchers gives an intimate impression, with wood-panelled walls and Tartan upholstery evoking the history and extravagance of the venue. The room has a view of the manicured garden and a terrace space ideal for summer aperitifs.

The Fletchers menu begins with a large selection of starters including classics such as a cheese souffle, steak tartare, and native lobster thermidor. Mains include local pot roasted pheasant with choucroute garnie and fondant potato; chestnut and mushroom risotto with Wiltshire truffle; and a classic beef Wellington. Guests can also choose from a selection of Josper grilled options including wagyu beef, lobster, and Himalayan salt-aged sirloin. Sides include heritage potatoes, truffled mash, and dauphinoise potatoes.

The dessert selection is an art form in itself, showcasing sophisticated patisseries and the skills of Head Chef Craig Atchinson’s team. The offering includes Madagascan vanilla creme brulee served with pistachio amaretti, Varlhona chocolate with 100% roasted hazelnut paste, and a selection of British artisanal cheeses with quince, spiced chutney and oat biscuits. Guests can also select a seasonal four-course set menu with wine recommendations from the thirty two page list.