North Yorkshire restaurant: Country eaterie gaining a growing reputation for great food and hospitality

This country restaurant is gaining a growing reputation for its food and hospitality – have you discovered it yet?

If you’re looking for a place to eat or to stay which offers beautiful countryside but with the comfort, elegance and exciting menu of a city restaurant then step inside The Feather and Beak @ Brickfields.

Acquiring Brickfields Farm in North Yorkshire was a lifelong ambition for Ian and Karen Auker. The couple had spent many a night planning and dreaming of a time when they could diversify and have a holiday cottage rental. When Ian’s work brought him to Yorkshire the chance came and they did just that.

Karen said at the time they were both working in high-pressure jobs and it was lovely to come home in the evening to see guests relaxing and enjoying a glass of wine in the cottage they rented out.

Then, in 2018 the opportunity came for them for them to take that dream one step further. They took over Brickfields farm in late 2018 – it was desperately in need of some tlc but they recognised its potential.

This is a restaurant that’s got people talking – from simple kitchen to bustling restaurant with an award-winning chef

In just under four years they have transformed it into an award-winning boutique bed and breakfast. It sits in 14 acres of naturally landscaped pasture, woodland, water and is just a fifteen minute stroll to the bustling Market Town of Kirkbymoorside. It was awarded Gold in the Yorkshire White Rose Awards for best bed and breakfast in Yorkshire in 2020, and was a finalist in the Eviivo National Tourism Awards “Hidden Gem” category in 2019 and in the Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards “Guest House of the Year” category this year.

Initially they offered a small menu for staying guests from Brickfields little “Hidden Kitchen” on a room service basis and then from within the dining room.

Karen said “In getting to know the local community it was very clear that there was an opportunity to develop a new restaurant to complement the local eating places.

Despite the ups and downs of 2019 and 2021, the “Hidden Kitchen” finally became The Feather & Beak and opened its doors to the local community in November 2021.

Check out this hidden gem of a country restaurant

Serving delicious freshly-prepared food, sourcing local produce and supporting local suppliers, including herbs from their little kitchen garden, the restaurant has grown in popularity.

Fine dining inside and out

The dining room itself is a garden-style room which is relaxed and comfortable, with 22 covers at one sitting.

This summer The Feather & Beak introduced relaxed alfresco dining, opening wood-fired ovens serving roasts, fish, steak, baked cheese and roast vegetable medley all outside on the beautiful terrace, where up to 18 people can be seated.

Love eating out? Put this exciting bistro-style country restaurant on your list.

Karen says they have loved the switch to working in the hospitality sector – despite its challenges.

“It’s a different industry sector but we are still working with people, meeting their needs, sharing stories and life experiences and despite recent challenges hitting the sector! Loving every minute.”

Meet Chef Geoff Smith

The man behind the Feather & Beak @ Brickfields kitchen is Geoff Smith.

His food shows the influences of his travels in Europe and the Middle East, as well as his passion for quality ingredients and classical training. His food includes brave seasoning producing delightful dishes with a modern twist.

Geoff learned his skills in well-known restaurants and hotels both in the city and on the coast, where he developed his enthusiasm for preparing fish and seafood paired with some unusual accompaniments like liquorice and grape.

Working through the ranks from chef de partie, sous chef to head chef and finally consultant chef, Geoff’s experience in the restaurant environment has led to an award-winning past achieving 3 AA rosettes, Michelin listing and numerous awards.

Now supporting the creative development of a unique dining experience at The Feather & Beak, he has created an eclectic bistro menu offering many of his signature dishes both from the kitchen and from the wood fired ovens.

What the guests say

Locals and guests alike love the surroundings – and the food. Here are some of their comments:

“Amazing menu, great atmosphere…wait until the word goes round. This place is going to get busy,” said Jan and Chris from Kirkbymoorside in 2022.

“A warm and welcoming atmosphere in a relaxed setting. We sat out on the patio, the staff were friendly and the food was great. Thank you for a lovely evening,” said Trevor Kane from Kirkbymoorside.

“Meal experience and candles simply awesome,” said Clare from Lincolnshire in 2022.

To read more about Feather & Beak @ Brickfields and to see a sample menu visit the website here. For further information or reservations please telephone 01751 433074.

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