The Owl

Hill Top, Hawnby, Hawnby YO62 5QS
$$ English

Reservations

Business Info

  • Address: Hill Top, Hawnby, Hawnby YO62 5QS
  • Cross Street: Hawnby
  • Cuisine: English | European |
  • Cost: | Inexpensive
  • Category: Pub
  • Star Rating:
  • Reservations: Recommended
  • Dress Code: Casual
  • Meals Served: Lunch | Dinner |
  • Parking: Car Park |
  • Payment Options: VISA | MasterCard | Cash | Debit |
  • Corkage Fee: N/A
  • Phone: 01439 330180
  • Features: Full Bar, Hotel Dining, Outdoor Seating, Lounge / Bar, Free Wi-Fi, Tea Service,
  • Occasion: Child Friendly, Romantic Dining, Dining Alone, Business Dining, Meet for a Drink, Quiet Conversation, Special Occasion, Vegetarian, Date Night,

Photos

Events & Special Hours

Sunday Dinner
April 20, 2025 Dinner 17:00 - 20:30
Sunday Lunch
April 20, 2025 Lunch 12:00 - 14:30
Bank Holiday Lunch
April 21, 2025 Lunch 12:00 - 14:30
Sunday Dinner
May 4, 2025 Dinner 17:00 - 20:30
Sunday Lunch
May 4, 2025 Lunch 12:00 - 14:30
Bank Holiday Lunch
May 5, 2025 Lunch 12:00 - 14:30
Sunday Dinner
May 25, 2025 Dinner 17:00 - 20:30
Sunday Lunch
May 25, 2025 Lunch 12:00 - 14:30
Bank Holiday Lunch
May 26, 2025 Lunch 12:00 - 14:30
Closed
June 7, 2025 Closed

Business Hours

Reservations Available
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Wednesday dinner 17:00 - 21:00
Wednesday Bar Lunch 12:00 - 14:30
Thursday
Thursday Dinner 17:00 - 20:30
Thursday Bar Lunch 12:00 - 14:30
Friday
Friday Lunch 12:00 - 14:30
Friday Dinner 17:00 - 20:30
Saturday
Saturday Lunch 12:00 - 14:30
Saturday Dinner 17:00 - 20:30
Sunday
Sunday Lunch 12:00 - 16:00
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Customer Reviews & Ratings

4.66 out of 5 stars based on 452 votes

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 25, 2024
Sam F.
Service above and beyond for our Sunday lunch at the Owl. We all had the venison bourguignon from the specials board and asked if we could have it with the Sunday roast trimmings Alec checked with the chef and it was no problem at all. It’s the little things that make the difference. Food excellent and just the correct amount so no food waste

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 25, 2024
Darren B.
Lovely food, lovely location.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 11, 2024
Melanie H.
Much enjoyed our experience at The Owl. Attentive staff and good food with a great view from the dining room. We plan to return.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 06, 2024
Cara E.
lovely pub, our souffle was slightly overcooked but never mind, we will definitely come back.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 18, 2024
Andrew H.
First class all round. We’ll be back!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 10, 2024
Penelope E.
It’s always a delight to find a creative and different menu, well done! Everything was delicious and the service was exceptional.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 29, 2024
John H.
Very nice pub, excellent beer, wonderful food in a tasteful relaxed setting. Delicious breakfast and stunning views from the terrace. Lovely spot. Thank you.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 24, 2024
Philip M.
One of our favourite places in which to eat - anywhere.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 16, 2024
Lorna F.
Lovely food & staff

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 06, 2024
John B.
Excellent two night stay, with superb food and very comfortable accommodation. Only criticism was the poor quality of lighting in our bedroom (Rm 6) which did not provide sufficient light for nighttime reading.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 03, 2024
Stephen G.
Delicious food and a unique opportunity to eat local grouse. Starters and desserts excellent too. Good beer too.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 6/10
Value: 9/10
Oct 02, 2024
Peter F.
This was the best meal we have ever had here. Sunday lunch was superb. The staff were great and we’ll be back.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 27, 2024
Jeanne W.
A real find. We enjoyed excellent food from an interesting menu. The wine list was great with a range of wines by the glass. The pub itself is lovely with a cosy bar and comfortable dining room. Highly recommended.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 15, 2024
Paul A.
All very good - excellent friendly service, good beer, high quality food. For improvement - very little perhaps another fish option would have been nice for the mains.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 07, 2024
David/Pip S.
Excellent.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 01, 2024
Victoria N.
Excellent experience and beautiful place.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 14, 2024
Sharon H.
Our first visit and it won't be our last ! Beautiful setting! The food was excellent ! Highly recommend

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 31, 2024
Beverley W.
Delicious Sunday lunch. Beautiful surroundings. Excellent customer service. Can’t fault it at all.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Jul 18, 2024
Andrew G.
Amazingly lovely country inn. We know the team from Bantam. Pity not a little closer to Helmsley. But we will revisit. Food perfect - imaginative and high quality. Ambience a tiny bit dull and needs a little something…

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 24, 2024
Sophie S.
Excellent food in a wonderful setting, brilliant team.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 6/10
Value: 10/10
Jun 09, 2024
Jo H.
Couldn't fault it. Plus great for dogs.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 20, 2024
Linda S.
A lovely birthday celebration. Please don’t take any if this as any sort if criticism we had a lovely time and have voted for you in this years Good Food guide so very happy with our experience. Would like to have been able to eat the full food menu outside on a brilliantly warm sunny Saturday rather than the bar snacks. Can we be politely suggest that you consider reinstating the outside seating where it was before in what is now the smaller car park to maximise the sun in the afternoon, higher patio area went into the shade.Lots of people used to come for a drink and watch the sunset from that seating area.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 09, 2024
David C.
We have eaten at The Owl several times it is always excellent, but the food this time was the very best, in particular the hanger steak was perfect, so tender and full of flavour. Not a single weakness in the six dishes we had. Highly recommended.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 24, 2024
Serena R.
A warm welcome awaited us on arrival, prompt and efficient service, we will definitely be back. The food was delicious, an interesting menu made it tricky to choose!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Mar 23, 2024
Roger C.
Mash lacking taste and not hot Rhubarb lovely

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Mar 19, 2024
Anna S.
Delicious Sunday dinner! Relaxed atmosphere and really friendly staff. On the pricey side for Sunday dinner but the food was very good.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 11, 2024
Valerie P.
Our first visit to The Owl didn’t disappoint. The setting is beautiful and the atmosphere within the restaurant very pleasant. Very impressed with food and presentation, though there were two cod dishes, one on the specials menu. Service excellent. A suggestion would be to have some paper towels in the ladies’ loos!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 09, 2024
Helen P.
Great food & service, lovely venue. Worth the drive. We will definitely visit again.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 01, 2024
Kate H.
This was the first time I have been here and was taking an elderly friend who had a strong connection with the village some 70 years ago. She was taking me out for my birthday, which was on the 29th although we usually celebrate it on the 28th. What stood out was that we were exepected and welcomed accordingly. The environment is glorious. It's calm, warm, tasteful and welcoming. The food was wonderful. It was fresh and beautifully presented and served. We felt as if we were not just a table number, but customers who mattered. It's an excellent venue and we will thoroughly recommend it.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Feb 19, 2024
Marc N.
Amazing food. Great service. Small menu focused on making a few dishes absolutely perfect. Great building and atmosphere. Wine was more expensive than it needed to be, but that is the only criticism I can level at this restaurant. Amazing food. Really, very good indeed.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 14, 2024
Chris S.
The Owl dining room gives stupendous views over a deep wooded valley. Everything is priced individually at a fair price. You are not forced into over eating. We both loved the devilled kidneys,Barnsley chop and chicken consommé with dumpling. All cooked and served with a deft touch. Chocolate mousse pudding was a delight in its game bird themed cup. Two well stocked wood burners give the dining room and bar a welcoming warmth. Service was attentive and the wine list short but well thought out. The meals we had two breakfasts,two dinners and a lunch were very good. The only thing lacking was a pop of colour on the plate. Although the breakfast scrambled eggs were a delightful bright yellow. Keep up the good work Sam and your team

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 02, 2024
Rachel H.
What a wonderful evening we had at The Owl. It was a cold night but the warm atmosphere in the bar was a lovely start to the evening with a log burner giving out lots of heat. The dining room is nicely decorated and comfortable. The food was excellent. You could tell that the stock used for the Chicken Broth was a chicken carcass stock. The Venison Faggots were also excellent with a lovely gamey flavour. The Chilled rice pudding was so creamy. The others in my party also praised the food. We all felt that it was great value for money. The service was very professional and friendly. Overall an outstanding evening. We will be back soon and have been recommending The Owl to o friends. Many thanks to the staff.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 21, 2024
Kerry-Ann R.
Very special Birthday celebration in beautiful surroundings with delicious food!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 11, 2024
Stephen P.
Warm ,comfortable pub with very friendly and attentive staff with excellent food. Highly recommended.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 10, 2024
Jo W.
Great to see it open again. Well done Bantam for taking this lovely place on.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 07, 2024
Susan P.
Please may we come again!!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 02, 2024
David C.
The new owners have given this pub a fantastice new lease of life, great atmosphere and sublime flavours in the food. Very good value for the quality.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 02, 2024
Elizabeth F.
First time at The Owl under new management. Lovely contrast between a busy bar and peaceful restaurant with amazing views. Food was excellent - rib of beef. No starters so had room for dessert - also excellent. One slight criticism - roast potatoes were dry but against everything else really didn’t matter. Availability and friendliness of the guys now managing was also outstanding and a highlight of a memorable visit.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Dec 29, 2023
Paul H.
First visit after the Owl reopened. It was excellent - inventive lunch time menu, attentive and efficient stall and lovely ambience. Our only suggestion would be to add some sandwich options to the lunch menu for those that don’t want a more substantial meal. Highly recommended.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 14, 2023
James S.
Warm atmosphere during a winters night with plentiful ales and warm fires to welcome us. The food offering and demie very was excellent and we look forward to seeing how the menu expands throughout the seasons

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 13, 2023
Betty C.
Excellent, good food, wonderful service, nothing too much trouble. Lovely fire, pleasant surroundings.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 13, 2023
David K.
Quite excellent as always

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Nov 13, 2024
David A.
Sunday lunch, beautiful part of the country and a nice place to visit.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Aug 12, 2024
Nina B.
First time back after a few year’s absence and it was a positive experience, food was very well cooked and delicious; service timely and well done. Thank you.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Jul 29, 2024
Martin V.
Good to see the owl so busy. We had a very good table and tasty food. The waitress was welcoming and helpful.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
May 24, 2024
Rob B.
Lovely food, great service and oh what a view just a shame it was raining!

Overall: 9/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Apr 27, 2024
Bob B.
Having eaten at the Owl and at Bantam on previous occasions, both of which were on my favourites list, I may have had too high an expectation this time as I thought the menu a little less adventurous than I'd hoped. It was nevertheless very enjoyable and perhaps a little more time is required for things to settle in. I look forward to the next visit though!

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Feb 13, 2024
Jane C.
Lovely to see The Owl back open. Charming as ever.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Dec 06, 2023
Keith D.
This is great place to eat. The menu covers most tastes. The food was well prepared, well presented and delicious. The service was exemplary. The dining room itself is delightful. The only drawback our group commented on was that the plates weren't warm. I understand that The Owl has only very recently re-opened. I think they've made a great start and deserve to do well.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Nov 25, 2023
John R.
Only been open a few days.Maybe a little honing of service will improve things. The food was excellent as were the surroundings and the warm welcome. Great place in lovely countryside. We will be back with friends and have already spread the word.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Sep 27, 2024
Neil B.
The quality of the food was excellent. Our two main courses were plaice and partridge, both beautifully cooked. Our only criticism is the extra £5 charged for a side dish, chips etc, when neither main course was sufficiently substantial to serve without it. Seems a little mean.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Aug 20, 2024
Heather C.
Lovely restaurant with great views. The chairs are really uncomfortable for anyone with a slightly dodgy back - hard seats and upright wooden backs. This complaint may seem slightly unreasonable but comfort is an important component of dining for me! (I did get a cushion)

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 6/10
Jul 14, 2024
Kate H.
Could do with a better choice of vegetarian options, but what was provided was very nice. Not a cheap eat. Service was good.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 5/10
May 30, 2024
Paul S.
Overall food was very nice. A little on the pricey side but good quality. Ambience a little stale, no music. Good value pint and very nice local ale.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 5/10
May 24, 2024
Thomas R.
Great place where we had a lovely meal. Bit on the pricey side, but top quality food. Dining room was unfortunately slightly cold (had to keep jacket on) which impacted on ambiance. Got better once more guests arrived.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Feb 28, 2024
Mac W.
Busy Sunday Lunch service, food was good quality, meat a little chewy. Could have put more than one roast on the menu (only Beef rump) Beautiful setting for a traditional pub, overall a good experience, we will return.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 9/10
Jan 04, 2024
Louise D.
The music was a bit loud in the general bar area and not very ambient for a midday lunch gathering

Overall: 7/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 6/10
Value: 7/10
Feb 02, 2025
Keeley P.
We arrived to a lovely welcome friendly and a really warm feeling. We were told that a shoot would be in the bar for a couple of hours so it would be busy, no problem we went for a walk, came back to a very busy bar, which is where we were eating with our dogs, we couldn't hear each other as the bar was very noisy which did spoil our dinner experience. The food was delicious although did feel portion size didn't reflect the price, but very tasty. Breakfast was lovely and in the quiet bar a great end to the night away and again was delicious with a simple tasty choices. I realise it was not the fault of the owl our experience but maybe as we were the only ones eating in the bar an out of the way table in the restaurant might have been an option on this rare occasion. We will return out of game season

Overall: 7/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 5/10
Value: 7/10
Dec 06, 2024
Betsy G.
Coming into the dining room from the cosy wood burning stove bar was a disappointment. It was COLD. There was no fire and few diners. We asked to move tables so to sit by a radiator!

Overall: 7/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Aug 27, 2024
Vicky E.
We had a lovely quiet Sunday evening in the Owl. The food was delicious although we were a bit disappointed that a lot of food was no longer available by the time we arrived for dinner at 7.15pm - I think it must have been a bank holiday weekend rush before we arrived. The staff were great, really friendly and the pub itself is a really nice modern but traditional space to be in.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Feb 07, 2024
Mark C.
Sunday lunch was good but not exceptional. Service and ambience was very good. It was obvious a lot of money has been spent on the refit. We came for Sunday Lunch. Beef was good and pink. Roast potatoes weren't crisp/duck fat and obviously re-heated and a bit soft. Yorkshire pudding was too crisp and looked manufactured rather than home baked which it probably was. Could have done with another vegetable. Desserts were very nice. Wine reasonably priced.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 7/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Nov 28, 2023
Duncan C.
It has great potential. But very quiet as it's just reopened. I will recommend locals but with a caveat that it's early days and will be great if it keeps on improving.