The Fleece At Addingham Gets A New Fleece Of Life

I was discussing with my friend the other day the relationship between what you eat and what you weight. I said it was simple really - you just need to get the balance right between what you eat and the right amount of exercise.

He believes me now that he has a new manual job that involves a lot of heavy lifting - he lost 11 pounds in the first two weeks.

Imagine my surprise when I discover that our server at the newly re-opened The Fleece in Addingham (and under new management) is studying to be a Dietitian! Like the rest of the staff I met she was very friendly and attentive offering a professional service.

Addingham has more than its fair share of dining places considering the village is so small. To stand out from the competition you have to offer something different and The Fleece seems to have found a regular clientele with the simple recipe of offering great tasting food in comfortable surroundings, with a menu that is bespoke to Addingham. You can dine outside in front of the pub too if you wish, which seems to be a sun trap from mid-afternoon.

The Fleece’s traditional and well-stocked Tap Room, serves a selection of local ales including Timothy Taylor, Ilkley Brewery and Black Sheep and their all-day menu offers a choice of freshly prepared British classics and Sunday Roasts. Think Yorkshire Cheese Fritters, Steamed Mussels, Pies, Fish & Chips, Syrup Sponge with Proper Custard and Lamb Cutlets.

The Head Chef is Halifax born Will Bonfield whose grandmother inspired him to get into cooking.

It was fitting, then, that Betty Spensley, 93, following over a year of shielding, was The Fleece’s first guest to mark their re-opening with a glass of champagne – and a tasty plate of Lamb Cutlets specially prepared by her grandson.

Chalkboards display the soup of the day along with seafood specials which seem to be very popular as they only buy a few portions of each and when it’s gone it’s gone.

The Yorkshire Cheese Fritters priced at £5.50 are enough to be shared as a starter - a strong cheese taste prevails served with a tangy Piccalilli and a fresh salad.

They seem to have come up with some different mains such as Goan King Prawn Curry, Goosnargh Chicken and the vegetarian Miso Aubergine along with firm favourites such as a Steak Burger and 28 Day Dry-Aged Beef served as a 12oz Rib- Eye on the bone or a 8oz Fillet.


Portions are huge - my Pot Pie was a meal in itself. Goosnargh Chicken and Ham Hock served as the name suggests in a pot came in a light pastry served with green beans, though I swapped for peas and Hand Cut Chips. Priced at £15.50 it was served piping hot like all our choices.

On a Sunday they serve a large Sunday lunch with a choice of meats from Chicken Breast, Pork Loin or in my sister's choice Sirloin of Beef served with Roast and Mashed Potatoes, seasonal vegetables, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire pudding and a jug of some of the best gravy you will have tasted, all priced at £16.95.

Our newly found dietitian friend assured us that we had most of the colours of the rainbow on our plates.


Desserts start at £3.50 and include a very sugary steamed Syrup Sponge served with proper custard which makes a change from the usual dollop of ice cream that seems to suffice in a lot of other restaurants these days.

The five cheese selection came with among others a ripe Camembert, a runny goats cheese and a chalky Lancashire. At £11.50 you would have to be a serious cheese lover to order the selection though you might prefer the three cheese selection priced at £7.50 - all come served with chutney, grapes and crackers.

After already walked my recommended 10,000 steps earlier that day I felt confident that the calories consumed in my meal would soon be burnt off.

A great experience all round.

The Fleece, 152-154 Main Street, Addingham LS29 0LY
Telephone 01943 830397
https://the-fleece.com/