Celebrate Summer at The Cleveland Tontine with their new menu and al fresco dining space

Cleveland Tontine review written by YFG’s Lucinda Hurst

Forget keeping up with the Jones’, it’s The Cleveland Tontine you need to keep up with. After an interior revamp during lockdown, the Northallerton restaurant and hotel recently put the finishing touches on their latest project, the Tontine Stables.

The former stables have been transformed into a stunning outdoor space for dinner and drinks. Decked out with rustic furniture, fire pits and plenty of nods to its heritage. You can picture yourself indulging in a few drinks, on warm summer evening with friends. Rain or shine, the canopy allows you to make the most of the outdoors, and there are plenty of photo ops to suit the social crowd.

Every good renovation deserves a party, and so we arrive ready to raise a glass. The Cleveland Tontine decide to launch their renovated courtyard with a bang, as a procession of drummers wearing horse heads join the party. Not to be outdone, the saxophonist plays from his mount (a rather sizeable horse statue), and the DJ keeps the feel good soundtrack going all evening.

There’s something about sunshine on a Friday evening that makes G&Ts nonnegotiable. Luckily for the non-drinkers, there’s a zero alcohol Sea Buckthorn gin by Bax Botanics, which turns out to be a triumph. So much so, it’ll have you willingly volunteering as the designated driver. There’s a generous supply of Yorkshire’s own Masons gin, and fizz by the case, so no chance of a ‘dry’ evening.

Canapés are dished out by the team, giving a preview of what’s on offer from the new ‘Stables Snacks’ menu. The selection of small plates are just waiting to be enjoyed with a glass of wine or an ice cold beer. Sunshine is optional, but olives are essential.

Award-winning seasonal menus

The Cleveland Tontine is part of the Provenance Inns Group, responsible for Harrogate favourite The West Park Hotel, and York’s Punch Bowl at Marton cum Grafton. Recently crowned ‘Best Food Offer’ at The Publican Awards 2022 for their high quality, seasonal plates, it’s no surprise the menu is calling my name.

With the drummers looking ready to cause some mischief, we take our cue and head inside, to the two AA Rosette awarded restaurant. On any other night (weather permitting) you can enjoy the full restaurant menu out in the Tontine Stables courtyard, but launch night is all about the party, so the wonderful waiting staff lead us inside to our table.

Browsing the wine list, there’s a selection of big hitters to choose from. It’s a Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough for me, and a lighter, Italian Pinot Grigio for him.

The new summer menu more than ticks the box when it comes to dietary restrictions, from fresh Tuna Steak to an intriguing vegan Wellington, made with beetroot and a plant-based black pudding.

Out come the starters

We tuck into the vintage Cheese Soufflé, served on a bed of carrot and fennel (at its best this time of year). It’s finished with toasted pine nuts and a baked cheese crust, both very welcome additions for their contrasting textures.

But it’s the Korean Fried Chicken that we’re fighting over, with its sweet yet spicy Gochujang sauce, and Asian slaw on the side. We agree we’d happily eat it twice over.

Seasonal twists on classic dishes

We’re still talking about the Korean Chicken when the mains arrive. The Fish Pie is a refined take on comfort food. There’s a seafood bisque in place of the usual white sauce, and it’s packed with monkfish, salmon, cod and king prawns.

The Yorkshire Wolds Chicken Breast is artfully plated, on the bone, topped with crisp chicken skin. The seasonal greens practically sing with colour, nestled alongside parmentier potatoes. The chicken sauce is enjoyable enough, but it’s the black garlic aioli that’s the hero of this dish, reduced right down and masterfully swirled around the plate.

Something sweet to finish?

We just about have room for pudding. The texture of the Lemon Verbena Panna Cotta is spot on; impossibly light, with just the right amount of wobble! Crushing the biscotti and tucking in, the flavour from the citrus herb holds its own, walking the fine line of subtlety without getting lost to bolder flavours.

The Sticky Toffee Pudding does exactly what it says on the tin; plenty of thick, glossy sauce is poured over a sizeable square of sponge. And who can resist the contrast of warm pudding and cold ice cream, especially when said ice cream is Northern Blºc’s brilliant black treacle flavour? Certainly not us, as we polish off the remaining sweet spoonfuls, thank the team for a wonderful evening, and head for home.

Final thoughts

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be on the lookout for the best spots to enjoy the sunshine, and the good news is, The Cleveland Tontine ticks all the boxes. They are now taking reservations for The Stables courtyard, for dining, drinks, and private hire, so book your table and get ready to celebrate the Summer in style.

The Cleveland Tontine, Staddlebridge, Northallerton DL6 3JB – www.theclevelandtontine.com

Cleveland Tontine review written by YFG’s Lucinda Hurst

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