The Carpenters Arms Felixkirk Review

The Carpenters Arms Felixkirk Review

The Carpenters Arms at Felixkirk is an award-winning traditional village inn with rooms, located on the outskirts of the Market Town of Thirsk. The inn specialises in bringing its guests high-quality food, drink, service and surroundings with a traditional bar, superb private dining room, Garden Room restaurant, outdoor terrace overlooking the Vale of York and 10 en-suite bedrooms. 

Where is it  

As the name suggests The Carpenters Arms sits comfortably in the picture-postcard village of Felixkirk. Just a few miles from the Market Town of Thirsk. The village itself is perfectly placed between the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, so anyone looking to explore the beautiful countryside the region has to offer need look no further.  

What’s on the menu  

As part of The Provenance Inn’s group of restaurants and hotels, The Carpenters Arms works closely with the Yorkshire’s best suppliers and producers to ensure the finest ingredients arrive into the kitchens and onto the menus. Alongside showcasing the region’s finest ingredients, The Provenance Inns Group own one of Yorkshire’s most exclusive private gardens, St Johns Mount. With a team of 8 full-time gardeners, growing all the fruit, veg, herbs and flowers to supply the group’s kitchens.  The Carpenters Arms being only 5 minutes away means the field to fork ethos could not any more abundant.  

What we ate 

The classics British menus at The Carpenters Arms offer a great range of dishes to suit all tastes, with a good few vegan and vegetarian ones too. Both the A La Carte and the Specials menu had us completely torn what to order as each dish sounded delicious. After much deliberating we opted to start with the heritage beetroot salad and ham hock terrine.  

The mixed leaf salad,  hiding a generous chuck of light, creamy goats cheese, together with ribbons of chargrilled courgette ribbons, a scattering of granola then finished with a delicious elderflower vinegarette.

The ham hock and black pudding terrine was another perfect starter and a generous portion, served with a selection of pickled vegetables in a sharp piccalilli dressing to balance the dish.  

 
With mains came another tough choice. Opting for a pan-fried fillet of halibut, perfectly cooked and served with fresh broad beans, samphire, a rich creamy sauce and a lavish spoonful of caviar to finish. 

Our helpful waitress was on hand to offer assistance for the second choice of main, advising her favourite had to be the ox cheek. We went with her advice, and an expert choice it was. The huge hunk of braised beef simply fell apart at the slightest touch from a fork. Served with buttery roast garlic mashed potato, glazed carrots and onion skins. General pub food this is not. Such attention to detail and fabulous ingredients expertly cooked, means any meal here is a real treat.  

If we can offer one piece of advice, ensure you arrive with a healthy appetite. Not only is the food available the finest quality, but there are also healthy portions to be had. Plus a very delicious dessert menu to work your way through.  

With ample choice for lovers of sweet or savoury puddings, we opted for one of each. Firstly a fabulous looking Chocolate Delice that I’m happy to report tasted just as good as presented. Served with rich, creamy chocolate sorbet and white chocolate coated honeycomb. All sat on a bed of sharp, fruity peach chutney. Chocolate lover’s heaven.  

Those with a more savoury palate, never fear, the cheese board selection from West Yorkshire’s award-winning Cryer and Stott was worth the trip alone. Featuring a great selection of the finest local cheeses together with a few world cheese award winners to match.  

And to drink  

As this is above all else a country pub the selection of the best local hand-pulled ales is second to none. However, The Carpenters Arms Champagne and wine list can more than match any of the region’s fine dining restaurants with their extensive selection, with many served by the glass. For cocktail lovers, there’s also an extensive and innovative cocktail menu. Perfect for sunny days in their beer garden with sweeping views over the rolling hills of the Vale of Mowbray.  

Overall thoughts  

If you’re looking for a countryside hideaway to explore the great outdoors or simply looking for a relaxing foodie escape, The Carpenters Arm should absolutely be your number one choice.  

With cosy open fires in the winter, to stunning views from the tiered terrace, perfect for a spot of al fresco dining in the warmer months, together with 10 contemporary en-suite bedrooms to ensure your visit to The Carpenters Arms is an unforgettable experience.  

Find out more about The Carpenter’s Arms Felixkirk
Book a Table
Carpenter’s Arms, 1 Church View, Felixkirk, Thirsk YO7 2DP – 01845 537369

Carpenter’s Arms Felixkirk review written and photographed by Jonathan Harris

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