The Star Inn at Harome

While eating out is one of our favourite things to do as a couple, it isn’t often that we get to try out a Michelin star restaurant, so we were both really excited to experience what The Star Inn at Harome had to offer. As Dom had researched and booked the restaurant, I hadn’t thought much about what to expect aside from a really well made meal.

Upon arrival they handed me a gluten-free version of their summer tasting menu which instantly endeared me to them; oftentimes places can adapt dishes to suit a gluten-free diet, but few are so prepared and allergy-aware as to present you with a printed version of their GF menu. The dishes on the Tasting Menus and the seasonal A la Carte Menu were all incredibly inviting, and our excitement got the better of us; wanting to try everything on offer, we chose the full Summer Tasting Menu.

From top left clockwise: the dressed Whitby crab stick, the gammon, egg and pineapple, the Lindisfarne oysters with gooseberries, and the lamb belly hotpot

Over the course of a few hours we got to enjoy eleven perfectly prepared dishes, from a sumptuously rich cauliflower cheese heaped with black truffle shavings, to a somewhat confusingly moreish white chocolate and mushroom ‘magnum’ ice cream. Our palettes got a full tour of the flavours of Yorkshire, from the seashore to the Dales, with every ingredient carefully considered and each course elegantly styled. We particularly enjoyed the waiters sharing the inspiration behind certain dishes with us; storytelling always elevates the theatrics of a good dining experience.

White chocolate and cep ‘Magnum’

As a gluten-free diner, I was exceptionally pleased to be so well included in the experience. The only dish that I decided was unsuitable for me was an optional extra; the signature dish of The Star since 1996. While they offered a gluten-free version of this, the original is centred around locally made black pudding which unfortunately contains gluten. I wasn’t too disappointed though, as there was an abundance of incredible dishes for me to enjoy I didn’t feel that I had missed out.

Although there really wasn’t a weak link in the entire menu, our favourite dishes were the Gammon, Egg and Pineapple, the Braised Lamb Belly Hotpot, and the Cherry Soufflé with Bitter Hot Chocolate Sauce. The cherry soufflé in particular was a masterpiece; although I was incredibly full by the point it was served, I couldn’t help but eat every mouthful. The lavender ice cream provided a perfect light, floral balance to the richness of the cherries and chocolate; I could eat this pudding every day for eternity and not get bored.

Oakchurch cherry soufflé with bitter hot chocolate sauce and lavender ice cream

Under the leadership of local owner and chef Andrew Pern, The Star manages to masterfully balance the comfort of gastropub hospitality with elegant, award winning food. As an enthusiast for seasonal and local produce, I was blown away by the creativity and flavour presented by The Star chefs, it is clear to see why this establishment is so well loved and respected.

On reflection, we should perhaps have gone with the smaller tasting menu, but we were easily seduced by the offerings of the full Summer Tasting Menu and didn’t want to miss out on anything. Our FOMO led to an incredible and inspiring dining experience, courtesy of Andrew Pern and the team at The Star. If you are a gluten-free diner looking for an exceptional restaurant experience, I can’t recommend The Star highly enough. We left with full stomachs and empty wallets, but it was worth every penny.