Called in here this evening after reading last two reviews. This place had rather a nostalgic air for me as we had many family picnics in the 50's at the top of the Glen, having come by bus from Keighley (I now live in Cheshire) and had a ride on the tramway up to the top. But I had never been in the pub or adjoining tea room. By car its not the most accessible place, you either have to do it from Baildon Village or from Eldwick. Strangers to the area should use a sat-nav !
Orderd a pint of Harvest Gold bitter (3.9%abv) £2.80 and was shown to the table by a pleasant mannered an chatty young lady, who brought the menus, enough to choose from but so extensive it takes ages to read .
Now there was something you rarely see, Potted Shrimps (£4.95) and I decided to stay fishy and have the battered Haddock for main (£8.95)
Before they were served , a different young lady, also pleasant mannered, brought a lovely chunk of Olive bread, which must have been either home made or from a local bakery.
The shrimps arrived as expected in a small pot of dill butter, and four good sized pieces of excellent wholemeal toast and some green garnish. Thoroughly enjoyable. The fish arrived with proper home cut chips and a too small pot of mushy peas, too bright green in colour to have been home made the proper way and therefore must have been from a tin.
The fish itself was well cooked , but was let down by the batter, a rather pale batter with a floury texture, I suspect from vegetable oil based batter mix. Yes it was crisp on the outside, but had a soft partially cooked floury layer on the inside adjacent to the fish. Not dark ,crisp and from beef dripping like the one time local Harry Ramsden used to serve at his nearby establishment in nearby Guiseley (alas Ramsdens chain now are but a shadow of their former self). I left most of the batter.
Was a bit tight on time so declined a dessert. Bill was £16.70.
I saw a good variety of other food passing by and it all looked pretty good, so maybe I have to revisit and try something else, but something should be done about that batter !
Another small criticism, could you offer better quality table napkins. Paper is fine but not so flimsy as the ones you are using.
I stay a couple of days nearly every week in the area so should get the opportunity, and will happily review again. read more