The Nelson Inn reopened its doors earlier this week and we were lucky enough to be invited down by owner Sam for dinner. I met Sam a few weeks earlier whilst she was recruiting for staff, and got so excited about hearing all her plans. A traditional country pub welcoming all the family is what she promised, and they’ve certainly delivered.
When they say all the family, they really do mean it. We took our 10 month old puppy, and as we entered the pub we were welcomed by one of staff who said “Welcome to Battersea Dogs Home!” . There were so many dogs there – I absolutely loved it – so did little Buster! We got showed to our table and given a bowl of water and a little dog treat for Buster.
To say this is a warm, welcoming pub is an understatement! Log fires ✅ , cosy decor ✅ and the friendliest staff I’ve come across in a long time ✅ . The space is huge – a bar area, dining area – with a more formal raised dining area (no dogs allowed up there!) plus a beer garden to die for! Roll on summer – they’ve thought of everything, including the Great British Weather – plenty of covered seating too! And rumour has it they’re waiting on a very special delivery this week – a huge tractor for all the kids to play on! See you in the beer garden folks – about 5 months time?!
The kids menu was brilliant, all the kids favourite and some. It was almost like a mini adults menu – with mini fish pie really standing out to me. All reasonably priced, my daughter went for the fish goujons – a great sized portion! Needless to say, my daughter ate it all!
Hubby and I went all out with starters and mains – Prawns and Pork for me, Squid and Burger for him. Again – prices I felt were really reasonable, starters from around £6 and mains starting from £15.25. The food was delicious – and always a big plus in my eyes – the portions were on the Yorkshire side (big!). The menu changes regularly and is very seasonal – so much choice. My pork was exquisite. Everything is cooked to order and home made. I was blown away at the quality – I’ve paid far more fin other restaurants and they weren’t nearly as nice as this.
The food is ridiculously good, as are the drinks – I spotted some great cocktail specials – but I think what really makes The Nelson Inn such a hit – are the staff. Everyone of them were lovely – really engaging, very knowledgeable (big bug of mine when you ask for recommendations and the staff know nothing about what they’re serving!) and most of all just seemed like a really lovely bunch of people.
We were pretty stuffed after our starters and mains, but I realise the things I have to do for you guys, so I took one for the team and asked to see the dessert menu! Loved their small puddings and hot drink section – the perfect way to finish the meal. The white chocolate trifle was AMAZING!
I’ve been waiting a long time to find a country pub near Harrogate that ticks all my boxes, and I’m pleased to say I’ve found it! Welcome to Harrogate The Nelson Inn – looking forwarding to the next visit!
Reviewed by Harrogate Mumbler November 2022
Disclosure: We were gifted our dinner however we pinky promised to only write a truthful account. Phew, we really enjoyed them, otherwise that could have been awks!
