what a great tasty bite. from the moment we came to the moment we went, enjoyed every minute. sitting at the kitchen table and being able to speak with james and all its amazing chefs have just added the experience. everyone was relaxed, friendly and extremely knowledgeable and eating has made us look in texture, taste, servier suggestion and absolute love to blow away detail, but I think that is why they have 2 michelin stars! although all the portions are small after 15 curses they are full and I can not believe that some of the preparation starts 2 or 3 days before they arrive. the breakfast was also amazing. I don't know how to taste simple food as well. james them and their team are ult...
The story of chef patron James Close at Raby Hunt is a remarkable one, though veteran chefs with Michelin issues might wish to look away now. Three years ago, James was searching for a new career, having till then been involved in the world of professional golf. When a local Inn came up for sale, the Close family decided to buy it and, passionate about food but a novice to professional cooking, James manned the stove in the kitchen, where he was taught to cook bistro dishes by his mum, a former hotelier. His dad meanwhile ran the front of house in what was now a full and proper restaurant, with them somewhat bravely having decided not to go down the gastro-pub route. More recently, the...rea...
this place is not a flash in the pan. even if james close is practically dressed and only cooked for a few years, its eating is confident, passionate, immaculate. Therefore his Michelin star was renewed last month, still the only one in the northeast, and why he won our 2013 north east restaurant of the year and best fine dining awards. james is constantly experimenting and improving. I first checked the raby hunt in the year, and although I was very impressed, and gave him a rare 6-star battery, I reported the strange weak. a few weeks ago, women diner and I returned to the lunchtime after darlington (it's only half an hour away in train), and james had...read more
best service I ever had. absolutely amazing standards. eating is another level and a taste feeling. wein pairings were great. the breakfast was brilliant. maintained for nutritional requirements with ease. the rooms were fantastic and the champagner at the arrival was a great note. this place is a literally 10/10.
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There is something truly delightful about beautifully presented dishes prepared by a talented chef. I believe it’s the ease of not having to make a decision (and feeling envious of others' food choices), as well as the shared experience of enjoying the same meal with a group of people that I truly enjoy.
The first proper dish was easily one of the best things I've ever eaten, an all-too-rare plateful of flawlessly prepared components working together to create a whole that tastes as if it has had magic dust sprinkled over it. Cylinders of rich liver parfait came wrapped in wafer thin sheets of eel.
Suckling Pig: loin, celeriac, apple – James’ food philosophy is ‘Inspired by simplicity’, the classic combination of clean flavours showed this off to the full. The skin was to die for… so wonderfully crisp.
This was our 2nd visit and it didn't disappoint. Outstanding food, fabulous matched wines and incredible service throughout. One of the best dining experiences in the UK.
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my 50th birthday last Friday. the food was amazing and the service was absolutely what made this experience something special. Thank you.
We were invited here after texting friends to go for a meal out.
