Harrogate Mama – Harrogate Blogger | Your go to Mama guide dining

If you’re anything like me, the idea of a proper night out—good food, a glass of something lovely, and chats with the grown-ups—sounds like heaven. So let me tell you about when I went to the private dining Pie Night at The General Tarleton, because it’s one to know about for next time you’re planning a Mama night out!

A hidden gem just outside Harrogate

I don’t know whether you’ve been to The General Tarleton since it was bought by the Tommy Banks group in August 2025? It sits just between Harrogate and Knaresborough, and it’s one of those places that feels like a real find. It’s a beautiful old coaching inn, but with a fresh, modern feel—and with Tommy Banks and his team at the helm, the food is definitely a step up from your usual pub dinner.

We went along for a private dining Pie Night, and it felt like such a treat from the moment we walked in.

Cosy, candlelit and properly relaxing

You know when you walk into a room and instantly feel yourself relax? That was this.

The table was set with a gorgeous candelabra, giving off that soft, warm glow (very flattering lighting, always a win!), and the whole space felt intimate with lovely floral arrangements adorning the long table.

It’s the kind of setting that would work well for a birthday or a special celebration with family or friends. It’s tucked upstairs away from the main dining which makes the space very self contained, cosy and intimate but still with plenty of natural light and high ceilings!

The menu (yes, it was as good as it sounds)

Executive Chef Aled Williams created the evening’s menu to celebrate one of the best British, pub classics, showcasing the General Tarelton’s signature ‘mega pies,’ alongside other dishes on their menu.

And this wasn’t just about pies—it was a full dining experience, and every course felt really special without being over the top.

We started with snacks:

Venison tartare with a crispy juniper hash brown
Winchester, leek and chive croquettes – this was my fave!
Served with a glass of Pol Roger Champagne (because everything tastes better when you start with champagne!)

Then the starter:

Crispy cod cheeks with crushed peas, lemon and warm tartar sauce

Fresh, light, and one of those dishes that stays with you, I’m still thinking about now!

Main course:

Steak and Guinness Pie; the show stopper of the evening.

Feast your eyes on this delectable delight!

Skrei Cod Wellington with baked potato mash and seasonal veg

We learnt that Skrei Cod is only available for a few weeks of the year, it’s a Norwegian fish. So if you’re lucky enough to see Skrei cod on a menu (like in that Cod Wellington), it usually means the chef is showcasing something seasonal and high-quality. It’s one of those little upgrades that turns a nice meal into something a bit more memorable. Which it totally was!

Dessert :

Sourdough treacle tart with plums and crème fraîche ice cream

Sticky, sweet and just delicious.

Perfect for private dining or a special occasion

What really stood out is how ideal this would be for a group. If you’ve ever tried to organise a meal out for a birthday or celebration, you’ll know it can be a bit… stressful.

This felt easy. The private dining space, the set menu, the lovely atmosphere—it all just worked. No worrying about noise, no rushing, just a really enjoyable evening.

So if you’re planning something special, definitely have a look at their private dining and events options—it’s such a good shout.

Don’t forget Sunday lunch…

Even if you can’t make an evening event, I’ve already got my eye on their Sunday lunch. Think proper roast dinners, all the trimmings, and that cosy pub vibe—perfect for a family treat or an easy weekend plan.

Keep an eye on their events

One of the best things? They’re always putting on different events—like themed nights and special menus—so it’s worth checking what’s coming up if you fancy something a bit different from your usual dinner out.