The Water Rat — Restaurant in England

Popped into the Water Rat for lunch after a visit to Fountains Abbey and was really impressed. The welcome was muted but friendly and the atmosphere fairly quiet. We ordered drinks at the bar and opened a tab for food. Starters of garlic mushrooms and onion rings were excellent with the batter on the rings being exceptional, so light and crispy. For main course we ordered a Yorkshire wrap (large Yorkshire pudding wrapped around a beef stew type filling) which was excellent and too much food for that person. Chargrilled Hallumi was very good for our vegetarian option (there were several other options on the menu) and finally fish of the day which was a perfectly cooked haddock. Portions weren't over the top but having shared the 2 starters between 3 of us and a main course each, none of us felt that we needed desert. The service was very good being friendly, humours and attentive without being intrusive. Including drinks the bill was a very reasonable £55. We will be going back next time we visit Ripon or...

Just to say that I have had the best steak sandwich in the world here should be enough to get you here ( I should know, I've had a few!). A really worthwhile pub to visit with a good choice of drinks to choose from. Lovely warm atmosphere inside with outside seating and tables available. So asides from my steak sarnie, I have tried other dishes which are really tasty and the prices are reasonable. Very friendly staff with good service. The location is pretty good too especially when you can get to sit outside. Be warned though, it can get pretty busy here especially on a warm summers afternoon but it's worth it. Highly recommended.

Updated May 2019 - After a major refurbishment we decided to make another visit for the Sunday carvery. The food was again very good and the service friendly and with a smile. Reasonably priced with a small choice of starters as well as puddings on offer. Worth a...

Great with food allergy and intolerances. Lovely food. Great host. Great setting.

The kind owner was extremely welcoming (as were other staff), accommodating food intolerances as well as anywhere we have been. My partner has a nut allergy- all nuts had been taken off the premises (not sure if this is a temporary or permanent thing). Another member of our group is gluten intolerant- without prompting they served gluten free bread with the starter. This attention to detail was second to none. All main meal options suitable for an gluten intolerances were given in detail. In terms of COVID- a clear one way system was in operation and spacing of tables was sufficient. Sanitisation was ongoing at regular intervals and hand cleanser was readily available. We had a great table overlooking the river and were lucky enough to see a Kingfisher! Needless to say, I would thoroughly recommend...