Returning to Tickton Grange

I've written about the absolutely stunning Tickton Grange and its gorgeous Hide Restaurant before, but was recently lucky enough to visit for a second time. Let's be honest, following the previous visit the hotel had a lot to live up to! It had been completely flawless, with beautiful decor, faultless service and impeccable food.


This time we were staying in the recently refurbished Dearing Suite. I knew it was going to be beautiful, as the Tickton team really have an eye for tasteful furnishings that perfectly compliment the stunning period property. But when we opened the door, the sight before me literally took my breath away.

Four large windows bathing the room in light and offering stunning views of Tickton's gardens, absolutely beautiful wallpaper that perfectly matched gorgeous curtains, a plump sofa that just begged to be relaxed on, a carpet that made your feet feel loved, and to top it all off - a huge four poster bed.

The bathroom was equally breathtaking. Very simple, chic and modern, but classic. It was airy and as always with Tickton Grange - spotless. Not forgetting the gorgeous Noble Isle and Yorkshire Soap toiletries.

Waiting for us on our bed were handmade truffles, and a personalised note advising us of timings for dinner and breakfast.

It was hard not to feel utterly pampered, and all we had done so far was check in!

We chilled out for a little while (having spent the day exploring York and indulging in retail therapy), and then had a quick shower (powerful, and fluffy soft towels) before heading down to the lounge bar ready for dinner.

Enjoying a glass of wine, we perused the delicious menu and made our choices, being looked after by Esther, a young girl we had met last time we had stayed and who had remembered us. She was polite, friendly, and made us feel entirely welcome.

Shortly afterwards we were led through to the restaurant, being given a cosy corner table that offered us a fantastic view of the rest of the room from our own quiet little nook.

Initially we were brought an amuse bouche of chilled leek and potato soup. I can't lie - I felt a little dubious! But it was a taste sensation. Seasoned to perfection, delicious and utterly moreish, served with locally baked bread that was also absolutely mouthwatering. I was sad to finish it!

But this sadness was soon forgotten when my stunningly presented ham hock terrine arrived. It was beautiful to look and, and tasted even better!

Closely followed by fillet steak which had been cooked faultlessly; I could have eaten it with a spoon. Served with a sharing pan of fresh, green vegetables, and we ordered a side of chips too. In typical Tickton style these weren't just chips, they were large, handcut and flavoursome chips which had been cooked to perfection and just given the lightest dusting of salt. Heaven.

For dessert, I opted for the Coffee Gourmand - a tasting platter of several of the desserts from the menu, served with an espresso (although I was able to swap this for an americano, as espresso leaves me wired!).

Of course the dessert came looking like a work of art. I enjoyed date pudding with apple sauce, fruit leather, homemade blackcurrant marshmallow, liquorice ice cream, lemon crowdie... If I'm honest I think every dessert from the menu featured in there somewhere but I was not complaining!! Absolutely delicious, moreish, perfect... I'm running out of superlatives.

The service was, as with our last visit, faultless. Friendly, professional staff who seemed genuinely happy in their work and knowledgeable about the menu. They were on hand the second you needed anything, but there was no sense of being watched or of them loitering in anticipation of you asking for something.

I should also add at this point that there was a wedding taking place that same night. The only way that you would know this however, was that there were a few people around who were clearly dressed for the occasion, and a tractor parked outside that looked as though it had been used as the wedding car (how novel!). There was no impact whatsoever on the level of service the restaurant guests received, no delays, and no noise transfer from the party.

After enjoying the last of our wine and coffee, we headed upstairs to bed feeling well and truly spoilt. And that bed! So wonderfully comfortable, I was fast asleep within seconds and slept through until morning - something that is pretty much unheard of.

In the morning we showered and headed down to breakfast, where again we were welcomed and shown to our table. We ordered from the menu, opting for a full "Yorkshire Breakfast" and fresh coffee, and then enjoyed fresh fruit, toast, pastries and yogurt from the buffet table while we waited. Everything was delicious, locally sourced, and there was even honey from Tickton's own beehives.

As with the night before, service was perfect, the food delicious, and we were just that comfortable level of full where you don't need anything more, but equally you don't need to sleep it off.

Back to the room to finish packing, before a wonderful walk around the beautifully kept gardens in
the sunshine, and then checking out before saying a VERY sad goodbye.

It has to be said, this wonderful hotel is an absolute gem - it's no wonder they picked up the "Remarkable Hotel Accomodation" award in the 2016 Visit Hull & East Yorkshire REYTAs.

I can't recommend Tickton Grange enough, I'm forever mentioning it to friends, family and basically anyone who will listen! It's one not to be missed, and you absolutely must pay a visit - even if it's only to sample the incredible menu in their Hide Restaurant.

Check it out - you won't be disappointed!

Thank you so much to Maggy and the rest of the Tickton team for another wonderful experience.

L xx