Shibden Mill Inn
Mastering the menu
Chef Darren Parkinson’s passion for locally sourced ingredients shines through his menus from breakfast through to supper. Start the day with breakfast in the lofty upstairs dining room where you can ring the changes with a Nettlenipper cheese omelette, or stick to the trad full Yorkshire, complete with Darren’s homemade black pudding. The lunch menu, served in any of the warren of beamed, cosy rooms downstairs might start with the likes of risotto of girolle mushrooms, rabbit leg and lovage fritter (with a recommended glass of Sangiovese) or homemade Penny loaves with piccalilli, mojo verde and balsamic onions, which goes down a treat with a glass of Shibden Ale. Onglet of beef, braised in red wine and served with turnip and Denholme honey purée is a typical main course, but non meat-eaters are well looked after too, with the likes of broad bean risotto or luxury fish pie. Sunday lunches bring in the crowds for traditional roasts and children get their very own mini-menu.
On the menu
Partridge and chestnut pie, pickled red cabbage, cherry purée and grape chutney £7
Shibden homemade penny loaves, piccalilli, mojo verde & balsamic onions £6
Roasted rump of Yorkshire lamb, lamb’s breast and tongue fritter, Jerusalem artichoke, pickled girolle mushrooms and mint reduction £19
Yorkshire Moor pheasant, ham hock & black pudding faggot, caramelised apples, creamed cabbage, cider sauce and game chips £17
Poached rhubarb pannacotta, crumble & rhubarb schnapps £6
Sunday Roasts
Roast loin of free-range pig, homemade black pudding & crackling, seasonal vegetables, dripping roasties, creamy mash, Yorkshire pudding and homemade gravy £13.95
Roasted ribeye of Yorkshire beef £13.95
Vegetarian nut & date roast £12.95
Foodie Extras
They get the importance of a hearty breakfast here, and served upstairs in the attractive dining room, the most important meal of the day isn’t just for residents. If you’ve been out for an early morning walk, drop in and choose from fresh fruit, homemade muesli, local honey or the full Yorkshire (including local sausages, bacon and Darren’s own black pudding). There are several Benedict options as well, including one with Yorkshire cured ham. If you skipped breakfast, or maybe burned a few calories on the hills, return for one of their mighty fine afternoon teas to tide you over until dinner.
Time to Eat
Breakfast: 7am - 10am
Lunch: 12 noon - 2pm
Afternoon Tea: 3pm - 5pm
Dinner: 5.30pm - 9.30pm
Local, local, local
Meat: Alan Walker, Sowerby Bridge; Russell Hume, Boroughbridge (www.russellhume.com)
Game: Yorkshire Game (www.yorkshiregame.co.uk)
Fish: Neve Fleetwood (www.nevefleetwood.co.uk); Hodgson, Hartlepool (www.hodgsonfish.co.uk)
Cheese: Pextenement, Todmorden (www.pextenement.co.uk); Yorkshire Fine Cheeses, Shelley (www.yorkshirefinecheese.co.uk)
Vegetables: First Choice, Bradford (www.firstchoiceproduce.co.uk)
Real ale: Little Valley Brewery (www.littlevalleybrewery.co.uk)
Behind the bar
At the pumps is a brew made especially for the pub and a bunch of local heroes such as Stod Fold’s Gold, Black Sheep Best Bitter and Little Valley Brewery’s Organic Withens Pale Ale (from just down the road). Manager Glen Pearson has been in post since day one and is justifiably proud of his wine list which includes an impressive 20 to choose from by the glass. Glen sources his wine from Cellar 28 in nearby Rastrick and the broad, cosmopolitan list includes some interesting and exclusive labels.
Time at the bar
12 noon - 11pm
Book a room at this inn
David Hancock says
The Best Bits
Old mill in tranquil location in secret valley,
Halifax, over the hill, is a world away
Interesting, well-priced menu – eat big or small
Attractive, luxurious bedrooms – all different
Pretty streamside terrace for alfresco eating
Fabulous walks from the door
What’s the Damage?
10 doubles £115-£149; suite £195
Inn Places Perk
Free Room Upgrade if Available and a complimentary newspaper at breakfast
What Else?
All credit cards taken
Private dining facilities
Alfresco dining
Parking
Gongs
Waitrose Good Food Guide; Michelin; Good Hotel Guide; AA 5 Star Inn & 2 Rosettes