Is Horto still amazing? Well, as the opening headline in the Yorkshire Post states – Horto offers some glimpses of culinary magic in the elegant surroundings of Rudding Park.
I had worried about the departure of Head Chef Murray Wilson (see my rave review from 2017), his absence I thought would be felt keenly. So was it? Let’s say they may have been big boots to fill, but they fit chef Callum Bowmer and the brigade around him, none of whom are over 26 years old. Hats off to Rudding Park for trusting these young guns, it may not have been 100% perfect but it sure was close.
From the Yorkshire Post August 2019
What excellent news that one of my, and I suspect the rest of Yorkshire’s, favourite hotels scooped a significant award last month. Rudding Park, near Harrogate, won Independent Hotel of the Year at the Catey Awards, the Oscars of the catering and hospitality industry. I was headed to Horto, one of its two restaurants, as there has been a bit of a shake-up with the departure of head chef Murray Wilson.
Try as I might, I have asked what happened, but there is a silence at Rudding and outside surrounding his leaving. Much was made of Murray’s food and relationship with Rudding’s outstanding kitchen garden and gardener when Horto opened in 2017. My review was glowing not least because finally, the hotel had its longed-for fine dining restaurant and a unique one at that. Seasonality, freshness and creativity was the focus, and it worked.
So if you want to know if Horto is still amazing, read on.
Horto, Rudding Park Hotel, Follifoot, Harrogate HG3 1JH. 01423 871350.
Open: Wed to Sun 7 pm with last orders 8.30 pm, pre-booking advised.
Dinner for 2 with 4 glasses wine, £149.00
Food 4/5
Welcome 5/5
Atmosphere 5/5
Prices 4/5