The Pipe and Glass Inn, South Dalton
Review Date: 24th May 2024
I have been eyeing this restaurant for a long time, and the wait has finally come to an end. It was my first visit to a Michelin-starred restaurant, a dream I've had for a very long time. Today felt like a dream come true.
Dad and I set off on my first Michelin adventure on a gloomy, overcast day—though you might expect a brilliantly sunny day for such an occasion, nothing could dampen my spirits. As we pulled off the motorway, the scenery transformed from town to country. We spotted the sign to South Dalton down a farmer's narrow country lane, winding through gentle fields with a breeze rustling the crops. We pulled into this postcard-perfect village, reminiscent of the scene in "The Wizard of Oz" when Dorothy opens the door to reveal the colourful and vibrant land of Oz. I told my dad to slow down so we could appreciate the beauty around us.
South Dalton is idyllic, all the plants, bushes and trees - everything trimmed to perfection. As we turned onto the lane where the Pipe and Glass Inn is located, it felt surreal. The inn slowly came into view, and my dad hit the brakes to admire its beauty. I was in awe; it was like something out of a storybook—magical.
As we pulled into the car park, we stepped out into the fresh country air and gazed at the rolling hills of lush green fields, home to Belted Galloway cows, which I had never seen before. Gorgeous creatures.
Upon entering the inn, I wasn't sure what to expect. A Michelin-starred restaurant, fine dining, a posh village—I envisioned a fancy maître d' with a curly moustache and a tuxedo, asking if we had a reservation from behind a podium. But no, we were greeted by the loveliest, warmest staff you could imagine. Proper Yorkshire folk.
I felt at home.
The Menu
I studied the menu for weeks beforehand, unable to make up my mind because I wanted to try everything. This beautiful, simplistic, classic menu teased me with a glimpse into the world of fine dining. I was particularly intrigued by the menu, which celebrated the local area's best produce, especially from around Yorkshire. The dishes had a familiar feel, making them approachable and recognisable. I wanted to try something new but also something I knew I would enjoy before delving into more adventurous flavours, which can sometimes intrude on the experience and lessen the enjoyment. But not this menu, I was happy and really excited for the adventure ahead.
Starter
Dressed North Sea white crab meat, carrot and coriander salad, roast lemon puree, cobnut flatbread
One dish that caught my eye was the Dressed North Sea white crab meat, served with carrot and coriander salad, roast lemon puree, and cobnut flatbread. I wanted to try something a little new, as I mentioned before, but with a sense of familiarity. This dish was really light and fresh. Ribbons of carrot with fresh coriander provided a tangy yet earthy sweetness. The dressed crab was creamy and slightly salty. The plate featured two styles of puree: a sweet, tangy roast lemon puree and a green, earthy puree. Each bite of the crab and carrot salad, paired with the different purees, offered a delightful variation in flavour. It was really exciting. The cobnut flatbread was perfect for scooping up the moreish dressed crab. I was so happy with this starter.
Main
Pipe and Glass fish pie,
parsley mash, cheddar crust, brown shrimp, pickled fennel salad
One dish that I couldn't resist was the Pipe and Glass fish pie, served with parsley mash, cheddar crust, brown shrimp, and a pickled fennel salad. This dish offered the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. The fish pie was a harmonious combination of tender fish, enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. The parsley mash added a fresh, herby note, complementing the savoury pie filling. The cheddar crust on top was beautifully golden and provided a delightful crunch with each bite.
The addition of brown shrimp brought a subtle sweetness and briny flavour that elevated the dish. Accompanying the pie was a pickled fennel salad, which provided a refreshing contrast. The crisp, slightly tangy fennel cut through the richness of the pie, balancing the overall flavour profile perfectly. The salad was one of my favourite things about this dish—I had never had fennel before, and it blew my mind. Every bite was like the fresh sea hitting your palate.
Each bite was a delightful play of textures and tastes, making it a truly amazing dish.
Dessert
Lemon curd parfait, caramelised puff pastry, black pepper tuile, meringue ice cream
For dessert, I indulged in the Lemon curd parfait, served with caramelized puff pastry, black pepper tuile, and meringue ice cream. This dish was a masterpiece of of flavours and textures. The lemon curd parfait was wonderfully tart and creamy, offering a refreshing citrus zing that was perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the caramelized puff pastry. The pastry added a delightful crunch, contrasting beautifully with the smooth parfait.
The black pepper tuile added an unexpected twist, its subtle spiciness enhancing the overall flavour and adding an layer of depth. The meringue ice cream was a revelation—light, airy, and with a delicate sweetness that tied the entire dessert together, I was absolutely obsessed with this ice cream. One of the best I’ve ever eaten. The combination of tart lemon, sweet pastry, spicy tuile, and creamy ice cream was a symphony of flavours that left me thoroughly mesmerised. One of the best desserts I’ve ever eaten.
Afters
Selection of 4 petit fours
To finish off our glorious meal, we were served a selection of 4 petit fours. Unfortunately, I can only comment on one because my dad pinched the other three! I had the flapjack. It was soft yet crunchy, sweet but not overly so. Although I didn't quite catch the exact flavour from the waitress, I heard something about pumpkin…. My dad was obsessed with the fudge and marshmallow, his comment being a typical dad comment, "Yeah, Very nice." Thanks, Dad, for your elaborate description! It was a lovely way to conclude our fantastic dining experience.
Overall Review
Atmosphere: The atmosphere at Pipe and Glass Inn had a rustic feel to it—traditional, cozy, and low in light. This ambiance made the experience even more comforting.
Service: The staff were warm and friendly, proper Yorkshire folk. It felt like we had just walked into their home. Everything they did for us was no bother. At one point, I just wanted to get on the sofa, have a cuppa, and chat with them—they were that friendly and nice!
Food & Drink: The menu celebrated the local area's best produce, especially from around Yorkshire, and you could tell—they celebrated it well. The food was incredible. From the first bite to the last, it was a sensational journey. You can see in my glowing review above of each dish how much I enjoyed it. I just wanted to do it all again. The flavours, the textures, the sweet, the creamy—they all worked for me. I was so content.
Value: Considering the quality of food, service, and atmosphere, the value was excellent. For a Michelin-starred restaurant, I expected the bill to be much higher, but it was a pleasant surprise when the total for two came to around £140.
Overall Experience: An exceptional dining experience that exceeded all expectations. From the warm, welcoming staff to the exquisite dishes, every aspect was perfect. I highly recommend the Pipe and Glass Inn for anyone looking to indulge in a memorable experience.
★★★★★
“Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.”
— Auguste Escoffier