The Wensleydale Pantry

Firstly a bit of local knowledge I gleaned. It is owned by a local farming family and much of the meat comes from their own farm and many of the customers are farmers. Think a 'reet fill! The Pantry is above the SPAR shop also owned by the same family. It is best described as a brightly lit function suite that serves home fare in large portions. There is a bar and a canteen style servery though my food was brought to the table. It is clean but lacks any real character or ambiance. The food is honest and homely with good quality meat buried under a mountain of veg and gravy. The staff are efficient though not what you would call effusive and even less so with locals. The atmosphere is a bit stark but the bright lighting and function room furniture don't help and some of the decorations are domestic and look out of place. The food is not cheap but the quality of the meat is first rate and you get a good fill for your money. Worth going on market day [Tuesday) to get a sample of local Dales culture. If you are a visitor to Hawes I would recommend you go just to see real people in a real setting and now it is all genuine. No faux hipster bollock here! If you are local I suspect you have already been.

A gem of a cafe on the high street with a very welcoming and warm atmosphere for the discerning motorcyclist, cyclist, trekker or tourist alike. Don't let the narrow entrance and stairs put you off, as once at the top it opens up into a large and spacious room with friendly staff offering a variety of fare.

As other have said (so many times) this is a little gem that doesn't rip you off, excellent quality and quantity. Lovely owner. We went for breakfast and the local fire officers were having breakfast before the Sunday parade - beepers went off and they were gone! A fantastic community that really deserves the respect and sensible tourism. The food was hot, tea and coffee in large portions and hot, all drinks sensibly priced. Worth a visit. Worth a tip.

Based on reviews we had read we decided to visit Wensleydale Pantry and my wife and I were not disappointed . The restaurant is on the first floor accessed by a not too steep a staircase. We did not see a lift or alternative access so persons in wheelchairs or persons with limited mobility would not be able to get into the restaurant ...however I may be wrong ? The atmosphere was warm , the decor and furniture is a cross between a quality retirement home and a well maintained working men's club...but that's not a criticism..it's set up to be functional and comfortable for the clientele. We arrived on a Sunday around mid day and it was already busy with tables reserved and people arriving from the street below on a regular basis , which proved how popular this place is. The food choice is extensive and can be chosen from on table menus and then ordered at the kitchen counter. The order was taken by a charming Italian lady who although rushed off her feet was welcoming and polite. We had Sunday lunch ..My wife the beef dinner myself the lamb . The wait for food was not long and was woryh the wait. The portions were very, very good and importantly tasted amazing and the food was hot...not always the case this day and age! .. One tiny criticism, maybe one more slice of meat wouldn't have gone a miss! Especially as the prices, although we're reasonable , they were not at the low end of Sunday lunch prices found in pubs or moderate priced restaurants ..Although full I squeezed in homemade Bakewell tart and custard for pudding...again, very good .. The overall experience was very good and I would definitely recommend a visit! ...We shall be returning for sure..although I'm sure by its popularity our custom would not be missed 😊😊..

Unless you’re staying in a hotel / BnB, this is one of the only places you’re likely to get a bacon sandwich before 9am in Hawes. I was down for training and pleased it was recommended. The coffee was very nice and reasonably priced. I think there’d be a better market for take out sandwiches first thing, and I’d have gone more if the quality was better. I’d change the bread rolls for larger ones and get some paper sandwich bags rather than squashing them in foil. However, despite that, it tasted great.