Wensleydale Pantry — Restaurant in England

Staff were stressed when we visited but that does not excuse the servers attitude to me when I questioned my order. I ordered two sausage sandwiches, one with black pudding and one with bacon as well as two latte coffees. When asked if I wanted salad I said no but I wouldn't mind some tomatoes, she replied I'll just do two salads it's easier. The total bill for these items came to £22 not a cheap snack. While waiting for the sandwiches to come I examined the bill to find the sausage sandwiches alone had cost £5.50 each, with an additional £1.50 for black pudding on one sandwich and an eye watering £3.95 extra for two small rashers of bacon on the other sandwich. Confusingly, looking at the menu, those two rashers of bacon were priced at £3.90 if ordered additionally to eggs on toast meals. I approached a staff member who attempted to justify to me a few of the reasons why they charged the unbelievable sum of £9.45 for a sausage and bacon sandwich with salad. I honestly felt like I was being lectured as not only did she explain the ingredients were locally sourced, she went as far as justifying the cost by telling me the rates were £1800 per month too. To her credit, she did offer to reduce the bill and refund £1.50 for the salad I had not ordered but not before insisting I had ordered this as she'd heard me herself. She heard my son in law at my side say he would have whatever it comes with. It needs to be pointed out that she was not the one taking the order at the time either. I sat down to wait for my order to arrive....it came with salad !! The quality of the sandwiches were superb but the price and quantity far outweighed the value for money. They were obviously stressed as the cafe was closing at midday for a function and food was being hurriedly prepared, clingfilmed and placed on tables at one end of the cafe area. Not a chilled environment and not something I would expect at 9.45 in the morning but in this instance, not my problem. One other point to make is that upon ordering, we were given our coffees which, had we waited to have these with our sandwiches, they would have been cold, so, nothing to "wash down" the sandwiches with. I do not recommend this place and only tried it as my usual haunt was closed for a family holiday. My preferred stop is Penny Garth cafe literally yards up the road opposite the fish shop. In there I can purchase a wholesome sized sausage and bacon sandwich for exactly £5.50...no salad and no frills but served in a timely fashion and always...

Based on reviews we had read we decided to visit Wensleydale Pantry and my wife and I were not disappointed . The restaurant is on the first floor accessed by a not too steep a staircase. We did not see a lift or alternative access so persons in wheelchairs or persons with limited mobility would not be able to get into the restaurant ...however I may be wrong ?

The atmosphere was warm , the decor and furniture is a cross between a quality retirement home and a well maintained working men's club...but that's not a criticism..it's set up to be functional and comfortable for the clientele.

We arrived on a Sunday around mid day and it was already busy with tables reserved and people arriving from the street below on a regular basis , which proved how popular this place is.

The food choice is extensive and can be chosen from on table menus and then ordered at the kitchen counter. The order was taken by a charming Italian lady who although rushed off her feet was welcoming and polite.

We had Sunday lunch ..My wife the beef dinner myself the lamb . The wait for food was not long and was woryh the wait. The portions were very, very good and importantly tasted amazing and the food was hot...not always the case this day and age! .. One tiny criticism, maybe one more slice of meat wouldn't have gone a miss! Especially as the prices, although we're reasonable , they were not at the low end of Sunday lunch prices found in pubs or moderate priced restaurants ..Although full I squeezed in homemade Bakewell tart and custard for pudding...again, very good ..

The overall experience was very good and I would definitely recommend a visit! ...We shall be returning for sure..although I'm sure by its popularity our custom would not be...

Firstly a bit of local knowledge I gleaned. It is owned by a local farming family and much of the meat comes from their own farm and many of the customers are farmers. Think a 'reet fill!

The Pantry is above the SPAR shop also owned by the same family. It is best described as a brightly lit function suite that serves home fare in large portions. There is a bar and a canteen style servery though my food was brought to the table. It is clean but lacks any real character or ambiance.

The food is honest and homely with good quality meat buried under a mountain of veg and gravy. The staff are efficient though not what you would call effusive and even less so with locals.

The atmosphere is a bit stark but the bright lighting and function room furniture don't help and some of the decorations are domestic and look out of place.

The food is not cheap but the quality of the meat is first rate and you get a good fill for your money.

Worth going on market day [Tuesday) to get a sample of local Dales culture.

If you are a visitor to Hawes I would recommend you go just to see real people in a real setting and know it is all genuine. No faux hipster bollock here!

If you are local I suspect you have...