Market Town Charm, Essential Food

Situated right in the heart of the town overlooking the main square, Chapters has an enviable location and a locally renowned reputation.  Housed in a wonderful listed building dating back some 250 years, the proprietors have struck a successful balance of contemporary and comfortable with the decor.  You have a choice of informal dining in the cute brassiere or an altogether grander affair in the restaurant.  Whichever you fancy, leave a little time for an aperitif in the pretty wine bar before your meal.

Crathorne Hall can be found in the sweet hamlet of Crathorne just outside Yarm.  This beautiful hotel serves exceptionally good food, and you have the choice of 3 lovely rooms to dine in.  The Leven Restaurant has stunning views over Leven Valley and is the more traditional of the dining rooms; if you fancy a lighter bite in less formal surroundings then go for the Drawing Room or Nancy Tennant Lounge.  Weather permitting, head out on the terrace for a bit of Al Fresco fun. 

Set amongst beautifully manicured grounds, Judges is on the outskirts of the town and has a fabulous local reputation.  The building itself is lovely and has a relaxed elegant style in each of the dining rooms.  For special occasions opt for the Dom Perignon Room; a private dining experience in the belly of the wine cellar for up to 8 guests, 

Around 10 miles south of Stokesley towards the A19, the Tontine is a fabulous place to come for dinner.  Owned by restaurateurs the McCoy brothers, the ambience in the restaurant is all about faded elegance, ‘a bit like a bordello’.  An eccentric mix of dark wood, shutters and chandeliers, the critics love this place as much as the many celebrities who have eaten here.  Where North Yorkshire meets France...

This café has a good local reputation and is usually packed to the rafters during the weekend.  You can have breakfast, lunch or dinner here – they have a particularly good twilight menu from 5pm which is always a good option if you’re planning a night on the tiles later. 

The holder of a Michelin star and winner of Egon Ronay’s Gastro pub of the year, this cosy piece of thatched heaven is the perfect backdrop for a romantic tryst or family get-together. Dating back to the 19th Century, the current proprietors Andrew and Jacqui Pern have taken the Star to new heights. You can book a table in the restaurant or simply turn up and sit in the bar; the same food is served in both.

If you had to design the perfect tea-room, we’re pretty sure this is how it would look.  Think pristine white table cloths, warm wooden floors, creamy oak panelling, duck-egg blue walls and a beautiful Pattiserie nestling in the corner.  The sandwiches here are excellent, as is the service.  The classic cream tea is particularly good.

This boutique, stylish hotel is set around a glamorous outdoor pool and has a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere to just escape into.  The food here is fantastic, and like the Star Inn the chefs make good use of local produce; try the pan roast sirloin of Yorkshire beef or the slow cooked Yorkshire pork belly.  There is a choice of 3 menus; the set menu, the a la carte or the tasting menu, and you can dine in the restaurant or sit by the pool if the weather is good.  The Feversham is also a good choice for lunch as well if you fancy something a little bit special.