Banyan, A Treemendous Experience In Harrogate

Apparently the Banyan tree spreads out its branches and is well grounded. That description could easily apply to the Banyan eating and drinking chain. It has several locations throughout Yorkshire, and if our visit to the Harrogate branch is anything to go by, the popularity of the place also seems to be well grounded.

As Boris announced the second lockdown, it felt like something we cherished was about to be taken away from us yet again. You cannot help but feel the deepest sympathy for all the staff in the hospitality industry, particularly the team at Banyan in Harrogate. I got the impression that they all actually wanted to be there as they were a friendly bunch providing a first class service.

As our temperatures were taken at the door, the QR code scanned and sanitiser applied, we were shown to our booth. There are other seating configurations too, but somehow it always feels more cosy in a booth.

The food menu has as many options that Boris has had at his disposal over the last few weeks. Mind you, we were more likely to be guided by our stomachs than guided by the science!

My classic French onion soup, as a starter, came finished with a toasted crouton with Parmesan on top - thick and tasty and full of onions, it was just what you needed to warm you up on a stormy autumn night.

My partner choose the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers - drizzled with satay sauce and caramelised peanuts, the succulent starter apparently tasted as delicious as it looked.

I opted for the Steak and Ale Pie for my main: Swaledale rare beef in a rich dark pastry served with a selection of greens and gastro chips. It came piping hot with gravy on the side which confirmed I had made a good decision.

My partner went for the Thai Red Curry served with butternut squash, sugar snap peas, red peppers, spring onions and cashew nuts in a creamy, spicy coconut sauce, served with rice and a choice of either chicken or king prawns at £12.95 or £14.95 respectively. It was a copious serving that was just as hot as any curry you might eat in Bradford.

It was a surprise to be able to have proper custard with my Bramley Apple and Bramble Crumble, as most places these days can’t be bothered making custard. A very sweet temptation.

My partner's cheesecake had a firm base with a creamy and rich topping, not too tart and not too sweet.

If you need something to look forward to post lockdown then Banyan in Harrogate is worth looking at, and going on our experience, I am sure the staff will be pleased to see you too, who knows - they might even welcome Boris!

Banyan Harrogate. 3-4 John Street, Harrogate HG1 1JZ
https://www.banyanbar.co.uk
/bars/harrogate