Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax
Review Date: 7th July 2024
Another review, another gloomy day.
We embarked on our next adventure, traveling west down the dreary M62. You might expect rays of sunshine and the glistening summer sun hitting the road, but instead, we were greeted by a cloudy, overcast day. This seems to be a common occurrence this summer.
The journey started off grey and monotonous, but as we pulled off the motorway, the scenery began to change. We descended into the rolling hills around Halifax, where the luscious green, mountainous landscape transformed my mood from boredom to awe. The beauty of this journey was like a rollercoaster ride—up and down steep hills, around blind corners, until we found ourselves lost in a charming little village. One way. Narrow roads. Blocked paths. U-turns. Three-point turns. Around and around we went, eagerly desperate to find Shibden Mill Inn. By this point, we were rather hungry.
Finally, we slowly approached a quaint little white building that looked both charming and familiar. As we pulled into the car park, we could see this charming building surrounded by dark green foliage and towering trees over a little stream that sat by the inn.
Upon entering the inn, we noticed an outdoor garden where you could sit and enjoy food, weather permitting. However, on this occasion, we remained inside to avoid the miserable drizzling rain.
Inside, the inn was exactly what you would expect from an old-world establishment: low ceilings, exposed beams, and dim, low lighting. It was cozy.
The Menu
To prepare myself for the meal ahead, I decided to look at the menu beforehand. I think we all do this when we go somewhere new. I had geared myself up for a specific meal, but when we were given the menu, it was completely different from what was presented online. This was rather disappointing as I had hyped myself up for my preselected meal. It really threw me off, and it took me a while to decide.
As it was a Sunday, I knew I needed something rich, carb-y, and dense. Sundays are a good day for hearty meals. Sunday roasts are one of my favourite meals of the week—anything doused in gravy, and I'm sold.
Recommended by the Michelin Guide and an AA Two-Rosette, I was rather excited to try this cosy little inn’s menu.
Starter
Pork Cheek Terrine, Celeriac Remoulade, Burnt Apple Ketchup, Pork Fat Brioche & Chive Butters
Something unusual for me, I’m not a massive pork fan but I thought I’d give this a go. Absolutely obsessed with the brioche, its crust was so flaky and flavoursome. It was like and it was a delightful vessel for the terrine and burnt apple ketchup. I felt like the presentation could of been a little more interesting. Maybe some micro herbs or something to make it look more inviting. But overall I was quite happy with this dish.
Main
Roasted Sirloin of Beef, Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Puddings, Vegetables and Gravy
I was rather excited for a good Sunday roast, especially with my favorite meat being beef. I felt quite giddy when I saw the waitress approaching with our main course. However, when we received the dish, I was disheartened.
The beef was served medium-rare, which is to my liking, but it was a bit fatty, which was a slight disappointment. However, the Yorkshire pudding was excellent, offering a perfect balance of light and fluffy with a slightly crispy exterior. The gravy was not rich or overpowering; it had a mild flavor that was somewhat underwhelming and was too thin for my liking. The roast potatoes, though flavorful, could have been a little crispier to provide that extra satisfying crunch.
We also received sides of Cauliflower cheese and red cabbage. I am not a fan of either, but I did try the Cauliflower cheese, and I think I am slightly converted after trying it. The cheese sauce was super sharp, creamy, and rich, making it an unexpectedly delightful addition to the meal.
Overall, it was an okay Sunday roast. While there were some standout elements, like the Yorkshire pudding, other aspects, such as the fatty beef and less-than-crispy potatoes, left room for improvement.
Dessert
Baked Chocolate Cheesecake, Hazelnut and Tonka Bean Ice Cream, Salted Caramel Sauce
For dessert, I decided to opt for a baked chocolate cheesecake. It sounded reminiscent of a Ferrero Rocher—rich and indulgent. The presentation was rather basic, but the flavors made up for it. The ice cream had a really rich, toasty flavor that complemented the extremely decadent chocolate cheesecake.
The cheesecake itself was a little dense and a heavy portion to finish with. For a dessert this rich, a smaller portion would have been more appropriate, as it could easily have been shared between two people. I also felt that the ice cream could have been a simpler flavor, like tonka bean or plain vanilla, to balance the richness of the chocolate cheesecake. The current pairing, while delicious, added to the overall heaviness of the dessert.
Overall, I enjoyed this dessert, but I felt like I needed a nap straight after it!
Overall Review
Atmosphere: The atmosphere at Shibden Mill Inn was cozy and inviting. I preferred the downstairs area for its rustic charm, while the modernized upstairs section felt a bit underwhelming in comparison. Walking through the charming downstairs part of the restaurant set high expectations that the upstairs couldn't quite match.
Service: The staff were nice but didn’t seem particularly interested. They provided basic service without much flair or personality, which left the experience feeling a bit impersonal.
Food & Drink: The menu was promising, but I was slightly disappointed by the mismatch between the online menu and what was actually offered. You would expect them to keep this up to date on their websites and social media. The food itself was okay, but it needed a bit more artistry and tender love and care to really stand out.
Value: The value was really good for three courses, at £40 per person. This pricing felt reasonable for the overall experience.
Overall Experience: Overall, Shibden Mill Inn offered a relaxed, cosy experience. However, there is room for improvement, particularly in the service and presentation. Despite these, the value for money was good. I would like to try their regular menu or even their tasting menu to give them another chance. For a Sunday experience, though, I was slightly disheartened.
★★★★★
“Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.”
— Auguste Escoffier