We were delighted with the latest review from Leeds Guide, below is an extract of the article that appeared in Leeds Guide 2 April 2008.

"CragRats Brasserie isn't actually anywhere - its on the road between Holmfirth and, well somewhere else.  This excellent restaurant is well worth finding.

The restaurant sits alongside the A616 - it's a fine old stone building with commanding views over the Yorkshire countryside and a really spacious car park.   The garden area outside must be a great place for a sandwich on a warm spring day, but this was an evening in March and inside was the place to be.  Through the door, the Brasserie is immediately inviting - a comfortable bar area, with room to sprawl, and a tinkling grand piano.

The food is a mixture of styles.  Steak and ale pie and battered haddock find a place on the menu alongside butternut squash tagine and saffron red mullet.    For the starter, I took the carpaccio of tuna, in lemon dressed rocket.  The tuna is practically raw, served in thin slices - a delicious and very light first course.   My partner went for home made chicken liver parfait, wrapped in proscuitto, with toasted brioche, served with red onion and brandy jam.    This offering came in generous portions, and proved as tasty as it sounds.

For main course, my companion opted for slow-braised lamb shank on buttered mash potato, with roast baby onion and home made mint sauce.  The meat was deliciously tender, and the mint sauce was in a class of its own.  The sweet caramelised onions were a perfect accompaniment.  

For me, the saffron red mullet was irresistable.  It comes on a bed of chilli spiked puy lentil cassoulette and topped with tempura battered whitebait.   The first was excellent, lightly seared and flavoursome.  Green beans with pine nuts and parmesan made a perfect accompaniment.

The desserts continued the theme of modern and traditional dishes, although we didn't feel quite brave enough to tackle the spotted dick with custard and jam.   My partner ordered a lemon cheesecake with fudge and strawberry syrup and creme fraiche.  It was just the right, light tangy finale after the generous main course.

We finished the meal with an expresso and cappuccino, chosen from a wide range of the coffees and teas available.

Sometimes a fine restaurant is let down by the quality of its 'faciliites'.  Not here - I'd rather spend a night in theirs than in some hotel rooms I have known.

The service was prompt and attentive, without rushing - the delivery of the courses was nicely timed, making a good meal better.

CragRats Brasserie is a fine experience and well worth seeking out.

Review by Brian Hackett, Leeds Guide, April 2008