Hang out
Grantley Hall is the hangout of all hangouts – particularly this summer with a number of stunning drinking and dining destinations lapping up the luxe landscape that surrounds the Grade II* Listed site.
The ‘wow-factor’ starts at the entrance gates. Greeted with a smile and guided along the sweeping drive, wrapped in enchanting woodland along the River Skell. Picture-perfect Yorkshire at its very finest.
Grantley Hall is grand, gracious and guarantees something special – whether you’re here to drink, dine, stay or enjoy the spa. Each and every space is breathtakingly beautiful; from the ornate corridors and the elegant Main Hall, to the Gatsby-style Norton Bar and the vibrant EightyEight Bar & Restaurant, everything from the interiors to the service is second-to-none.
New this summer is The Orchard, a laid-back drinking and dining destination set within a stunning sailcloth marquee with views of the manicured gardens to the back of the hall.
Decked out
The Orchard takes marquee dining to a whole new level. Think sweeping views across the lawns, twinkling orange trees, fur throws and plush white sofas to sink into with an after dinner drink as the sun sets over the gardens.
It’s elegant, it’s refined, but it’s also incredibly warm and inviting. It offers a sumptuous space to enjoy balmy afternoons or summer evenings in the hands of some of the best hospitality in the north.
Whether it’s a luxe lunch with friends, an Aperol Spritz as day turns to night, or date night with a loved one, The Orchard offers laid-back dining with vibrant food and colourful cocktails to match.
The marquee is in-situ on the West Terrace, boasting beautiful views of the grounds, which set the backdrop for our evening in the summer sun as we get ready to tuck into a glorious Grantley feast.
Sip
This is the place to be for summer sipping in style. The menu is packed with seasonal cocktails, fine wines, beers, spirits and champagne for those celebrating something special.
Our pre-dinner drinks arrive in the form of a Cosmopolitan (£15) and a Virgin Hibiscus Bellini mocktail (£8) for the designated driver. Fresh, seasonal cocktails, perfect for sunny season.
As supper is served, we move onto wine, and it’s a bottle of the Kuki Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (42) that seals the deal for us – light, zippy and a wonderful sip to wash down with any seafood dish.
Don’t forget to check out the Grantley Punch – summer specials packing in plenty of sunshine flavours, from elderflower and lemon, to pineapple and Rhum Clément. £45 will get you either the Waterfall or the Lakeside punch pitcher.
With a number of spirits, beers, ciders and soft drinks also available, there’s something for everyone when it comes to sipping in style at The Orchard this summer.
Food matters
The Orchard’s menu is all about celebrating vibrant summer dishes – with trademark Grantley flair.
Think flavour-packed sunshine food, using the best produce on the doorstop. Proper Yorkshire ingredients, with a lively, Mediterranean twist. Fresh, feel-good flavours are expertly crafted on to a short and sweet menu, with everything from nibbles and salads, to seafood and sweet treats.
The fairly brief menu is a breath of fresh air – plenty of choice without feeling too overwhelmed. The perfect recipe for laid-back dining.
You’ll find a number of summery salads – perfect for starters or lighter mains, nibbles including fresh bread, olives and hummus, and mains covering farm, land and sea – everything from sirloin steak and spiced crispy chicken, to hot smoked salmon, roast spiced sea bream and roasted squash.
Those with a sweet tooth can choose from a number of delicious desserts, as well as a daily changing ‘sweet treat’ offering and ‘Cream Tea’ for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
What we ate
We kick things off with the Chargrilled Tenderstem Broccoli with Blue Cheese and Miso Dressing, topped with Hazelnuts, which can be ordered at starter size for £12.50 or £25 as a main course. It’s one of the best starters we’ve had. So simple, yet so tasty.
Our dinner date opts for the Heritage Beetroot, Yellison Farm Goat’s Cheese, Savoury Granola and Mizua (£12.50 starter/£25 main). A beautifully colourful dish packing in plenty of fresh, summer flavours.
It’s the Whole Grilled Native Lobster for the main event (£50) – served with drool-worthy fries, green salad and garlic butter for dripping. Delicious.
We sweeten the deal with Crème Brûlée (£9.50) served with amaretti biscuit, and the Chocolate Tart (£12) served with milk ice cream and chocolate dentelle. The crème brûlée is a light and easy-going end to the meal, while the chocolate tart packs a rich punch, perfect for proper chocolate-lovers.
The Orchard is open 7 days a week, Monday – Thursday (12pm – 6pm) Friday – Sunday (12pm – 8.30pm).
