RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Restaurant | Harrogate | England | United Kingdom
Culinary highlight in Harrogate
The restaurant at "RHS Garden Harlow Carr" in Harrogate, England, is a culinary highlight amidst one of Britain's most impressive garden landscapes. It is located in the heart of RHS Garden Harlow Carr, a 58-acre botanical paradise operated by the Royal Horticultural Society, renowned for its innovative plantings and relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant is part of a larger dining offering that also includes a branch of the famous Bettys Café Tea Rooms and a small kiosk. Since the RHS took over the garden in 2001, following a merger with the Northern Horticultural Society, the area has steadily evolved, with the culinary facilities playing a central role in the visitor experience. The restaurant itself is housed in a historic building, originally constructed as the Harrogate Arms Hotel in 1844, and after years of use as a Thai restaurant and a lengthy closure, it was renovated and reopened by the RHS in 2024.
Modern British cuisine in garden
The restaurant's menu reflects a modern British cuisine that heavily relies on fresh, seasonal ingredients, many of which come directly from the kitchen garden at Harlow Carr. A particular highlight is the "Roast Chicken with Herb Butter", a succulent chicken enhanced with aromatic herb butter and served with garden-fresh vegetables – a dish that perfectly embodies the connection between garden and plate. Equally popular is the "Harlow Carr Vegetable Tart", a savory tart featuring a variety of seasonal vegetables, impressing with its light, buttery crust and the intense flavor of the fresh ingredients. For a sweet ending, the "Lemon Posset" stands out, a creamy dessert with a zesty freshness often garnished with berries from the garden beds, offering an elegant lightness. The drink selection includes a wide range of teas – a nod to the Bettys tradition – as well as homemade lemonades and a small but fine wine list featuring British and European wines.
Sustainability in gastronomy
The ambiance of the restaurant is a successful blend of historical charm and modern elegance. The building itself, constructed of sturdy sandstone, preserves details such as high ceilings and ornate windows that hark back to its past as a hotel, while the renovation by the RHS has created a bright, airy atmosphere. Large windows offer splendid views of the surrounding gardens, including the lush main beds and the Queen Mother’s Lake, making dining a visual delight. In the summer, a terrace beckons, ideal for al fresco dining, while in winter, the cozy interior with warm colors and natural materials invites guests in. The proximity to the gardens and the integration of plant motifs in the décor enhance the feeling of dining amidst nature.
Historic restaurant with charm
The service is another plus point of the restaurant. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about both the menu and the site's history, enriching the visit. On busy days, such as during the numerous garden events like the Harlow Carr Flower Show or seasonal festivals, it can get crowded, but the service remains efficient, ensuring guests do not have to wait long. The restaurant is family-friendly and offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a day in the gardens, whether after a stroll along the Streamside Garden or a visit to the Plant Centre.
Restaurant with garden view
The RHS Garden Harlow Carr Restaurant places a strong emphasis on sustainability, reflected in the use of ingredients from their own kitchen garden and collaboration with local suppliers. It is a place that translates the RHS philosophy – promoting garden art and environmental awareness – into the culinary field. In addition to main courses, it also offers a selection of light snacks and cakes ideal for a break during garden exploration. The integration of Bettys as an additional option in the garden provides a wide range of culinary experiences, with the restaurant itself standing out for its slightly elevated cuisine and direct connection to the site's history.
