The Pickled Sprout Harrogate Review

The Pickled Sprout Harrogate Review

Uncertainty hangs in the air like the fog the day of our visit. However, some venues have taken it upon themselves to make the best of a bad situation. The Pickled Sprout in Harrogate is one of them. Located centrally, steps away from the stunning Harrogate Stray parkland, The Pickled Sprout underwent a half a million-pound refurbishment over lockdown. The interior has been given a feel of botanical opulence and floral luxury, with a modern European menu revamped to include a mix of both healthy and indulgent options. As well as a multitude of vegan dishes, and a juice and smoothie bar, all-encompassing the restaurants’ new healthy-but-luxurious ethos. This new direction for the Pickled Sprout is a welcome addition to the Harrogate dining scene.

The Pickled Sprout’s Location

An easy five-minute walk from both Harrogate bus and train stations, The Pickled Sprout couldn’t be any more central. Situated on the pretty cobbled John Street. A lively area studded with independent boutiques, restaurants and cafes. The frontage is classy, understated and does a surprisingly good job of concealing the grandeur within.

Style

The restaurant boasts high ceilings, bespoke art, plush velvet seating and botanical touches such as the wallpaper and stunning suspended floral ceiling. Together with a private dining room which seats up to 20 guests for a more intimate experience. The whole restaurant oozes elegance and style. There are also plans for a fifth-floor function room which will be available for weddings and other events, with panoramic views out over Harrogate and The Stray. The Pickled Sprout would be the perfect place for a date night, a special occasion, or a meal with family or friends. There really is something here for everyone.

Service

We were expertly looked after by restaurant manager Chloe. Professional, warm and affable, she recommended some wonderful dishes for us to taste, and was always on hand whenever we needed.

The Pickled Sprout Menu

The menu showcases a great selection spanning bar bites, starters, mains, lighter lunch options a tempting assortment of sides and desserts. Executive Chef Richard Ferebee (previously of The Fat Badger) and his team clearly have the expertise necessary to wrangle more than a few dishes.

Starters

A perfectly portioned starter of toasted Chevre goats cheese arrived crowning a ratatouille of tomato, pepper and courgette, with a touch of pesto. What could have been an overload of creamy goats’ cheese, was tempered by a garnish of frisee lettuce, whose bright sweetness cut through the rich cheese perfectly. Our second starter, ham hock served with a generous slice of sourdough and mustard mayo, was peppered with crunchy pickled vegetables – cornichons, onions, shitake mushrooms – the acidic tang tamed by melt in the mouth meat.

The Main Event

The main course of pan-seared Sea Bass, milky white and flaky perfection, bathed in a piquant tomato and saffron broth, and surrounded by cubes of leek & potato, and mussels – little bombs of sweet-salinity. The recommended side of perfectly al dente tenderstem broccoli was a thoughtful accompaniment.

Our second main, a monolithic chicken kiev blanketed in crunchy breadcrumbs, had us amazed at its size, but was cooked beautifully. A cascade of silky, aromatic garlic and parsley butter oozing out of its middle. The accompanying sides of a German potato salad meant this isn’t a dish for the dieters, indeed the dressed leaves on the side are more there for aesthetics than health. However, for a dish of pure indulgence, it can’t be beaten.

Desserts

Saving room for desserts is a must in my book, and I’m so glad we managed. Unctuous sticky toffee pudding, light-sponged and soaked with deep, sweet caramel, came piggybacking a quenelle of vanilla ice cream. Whilst a Sicilian lemon tart, zingy and mellifluous, was elevated to exceptional levels with the addition of a brûléed top of melted sugar, bringing texture and complex caramel notes. Garnished with fresh raspberries and crème Fraiche, it was the perfect end to the meal.

The Pickled Sprout’s drink selection

Our host for the afternoon Chloe gave some expert recommendations to complement the food. A Marlborough sauvignon – vibrant and refreshing with tropical fruit notes, and a Spanish rioja – earthy but light, with hints of spice and red fruits. The addition of the fresh juice bar, Pure Soul, is a perfect option for the health-conscious, or those who simply want a delicious non-alcoholic drink. Three types of plant milk have vegans covered, I can’t think of a better place to visit for either an indulgent night out or for that post-drinks detox we all promise ourselves!

The Picked Sprout Harrogate Review Final Thoughts

Overall, our experience was wonderful. Faultless, friendly service, confident, competent cookery, and lavish surroundings make The Pickled Sprout a welcome addition to the Harrogate dining scene. The team have clearly gone to every effort to make any visit feel special. It’s been a tough year all round, seeing restaurants bouncing back from adversity reminds us how much the hospitality industry is the backbone of our social lives and how the smaller independent restaurants go the extra mile to deliver excellent customer service. People just want to eat, drink, and distract themselves from time to time. The Pickled Sprout is the perfect place to do just that, and I for one, am so pleased they’re here.

Location: 1 John St, Harrogate HG1 1JZ – www.the-pickled-sprout

The design of The Pickled Sprout has been created by leading hospitality and leisure design agency, JMDA Ltd, based in Yorkshire.

The Pickled Sprout Harrogate Review, written by Ruby Anne-Blair

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