It’s not just every weekend that visitors descend on the sleepy little town of Holmfirth. On weekdays as well, tourists and sightseers can be seen constantly walking the streets. The majority of them are there to seek out filming locations of their favorite TV sitcom “Last of the Summer Wine” that was filmed in the area. Once their day is done though, they need to eat, and begin searching for some of the best restaurants in Holmfirth.
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The problem here is twofold. As someone that has spent quite a bit of time in Holmfirth, I know that there are plenty of great places around to eat. I also know that sometimes, especially for a visitor, they can be hard to find. Then, you don’t know which are the good ones and which aren’t.
So here I have done the legwork, and just like I did with my recent article about the pubs in town, I have curated a list of what the locals all consider some of their favorite restaurants in Holmfirth. There are also included a couple of great cafes, so if you are only interested in getting a decent cup of coffee, then I also have you covered!
So here is my list of the best restaurants in Holmfirth!
Table of Contents
- Compos
- Sid’s Café
- Bengal Spice
- Cave
- Ribbles of Holmfirth
- Poppa Piccolino’s
- Harvey’s Bar and Kitchen
- The Old Bridge Inn
- The Wrinkled Stocking Tearoom
- The Winking Stag
- Ten Fourteen Bar and Steakhouse
- Summary
Compos
Compos is a little away from the center of town, but that doesn’t stop it from being a local favorite. For that matter, it has always been a favorite of visitors too, mostly due to the fact that it is named after one of “last of the Summer Wine’s” favorite characters.
Compos is a fish and chip shop that recently underwent a refurbishment. The majority of locals agree that since it reopened, the fare is even better than before. Fish pieces are large, with just the right amount of crispy batter. The chips are usually perfect, and overall the portions make up for the fact that you may pay just a little more than a chippie further down the road.
I love Compos, and personally have been back on a couple of occasions and not had a bad meal yet!
INTERESTED IN HOLMFIRTH? Then make sure to check out my FULL GUIDE to the town and surrounds by clicking HERE.
Sid’s Café
Another place made famous by the TV show, many visitors get a real kick out of being able to have coffee and a light meal in the same place as their favorite characters. In fact, the “Last of the Summer Wine” tour departs and finishes right out front. So Sid’s Café is the perfect place for a bite to eat.
It can be hit and miss at Sid’s as far as crowds go. I have been there on a Sunday morning with no one around, and yet only today I walked past and it was overflowing. I think this has a lot to do with the tours, and the start and finish times.
As for meals, the sandwiches are great, and most agree about that. Coffee is good too, and they even serve instant, just in case you aren’t the fancy type. Although not one of the best restaurants in Holmfirth, it is definitely one of the most popular.
If you stop by, think about giving the coffee and scones a go.
Bengal Spice
Bengal Spice is easy to locate on the B6106 just as you leave the center of town. It is an Indian Restaurant (if the name didn’t give it away) and has to be the best Indian food in town!
What surprised me most, besides the decent prices, is the huge menu. I have been to Indian restaurants that have menus less than half the size of Bengal Spice.
The quality of the food is amazing too. Out of interest I checked it out online, and it is hard to find a bad review, and that is incredible for a restaurant. Staff are friendly, and the restaurant itself is really nice and cosy.
Check it out if you are in town!
Cave
Cave is a beautiful, cozy café located in a very popular part of Holmfirth for restaurants and cafes. (several on this list are a few doors from each other)
One thing that I always take note of when I arrive in a new town, is where the crowd is. It’s the same for Pubs, Restaurants and Cafes. If the locals are packing it out, then it must be pretty good!
I noticed Cave right away for that reason. It always had people coming and going, and at any given time, on any day and whatever the weather, there were plenty of customers. So, I had to check it out.
The coffee at Cave is excellent. They seem to get it just right, and one thing I like is that they listen to their customers and are always fine tuning it. Even online, the owner will answer every single review on Google personally. I like that.
The food in Cave is also high quality, and they source their cakes locally from a magical baker, who turns out wonderful cakes that you are sure to fall in love with!
Ribbles of Holmfirth
I was recommended Ribbles first by a local who classified it as the best café in town. In a place that has many great cafes, I thought it might be a stretch.
Fortunately, I don’t think she was exaggerating. Ribbles has a constant flow of customers popping in and out, usually locals that are “in the know”. For visitors that find themselves dropping in on a whim, they are more than pleasantly surprised.
Ribbles is a rustic café set out over two floors. The staff are incredible, and the coffee sets the same standard. It is dog friendly, (actually more like dog welcoming!) and even though it is mostly known for its light eats and coffee, it also serves wonderful breakfasts and other meals of incredible quality.
Ribbles is also located right next to the Elephant & Castle pub. So if you are having a disagreement whether to visit the pub or café, try both!
Poppa Piccolino’s
Poppa Piccolino’s is rated by most as not only one the best Italian restaurants in Holmfirth, but one of the best they have tasted anywhere!
You can find it tucked away off the main street in a carpark just near Holmfirth Market, and you will probably spot it if you are driving up Hollowgate Street, although it is on the other side of the river. This confused me the first time, as I saw it there and didn’t realize the access was on the other side!
Poppa Piccolino’s does fantastic Pizza for a really good price, but the taste is what makes it outstanding. The pasta, starters and desserts are also amazing. So no matter what you order, you will not be let down.
The restaurant is very popular, and therefore can get quite crowded, so keep that in mind if you are looking for a romantic or quiet dinner!
Harvey’s Bar and Kitchen
Harvey’s Bar and Kitchen can be found right in the middle of town, directly opposite the main Bus Terminals. It is central, easy to locate, and has some really great food. Essentially, it is a pub, but what Harvey’s turns out is not just pub food. It’s better.
The building is an older building, consisting of 3 floors, but has a distinctly modern vibe. The staff are brilliant, and even if you are tucked away in a corner on the top floor, they will not forget you! The service is amazing.
The food is to die for, and with it being a pub, obviously the drinks are pretty great too. Special mention for their incredible Hanging Kebabs, Burgers and Cocktails.
For more information on Harvey’s Bar and Kitchen, check out my pubs in Holmfirth article HERE.
The Old Bridge Inn
The Old Bridge Inn is another place located right in the center of town. It is almost directly opposite Harvey’s with the bus terminal right in between. So anyone arriving, departing, or just passing through town are really spoiled for choice.
The Old Bridge is a really decent place to stay, drink, or enjoy the atmosphere. The restaurant though, is also one of the reasons that people enjoy stopping by. The staff are friendly and attentive, while the big winner is the size of the menu. There is an amazing amount of options no matter what your taste or dietary requirements, and choosing to eat at the Old Bridge Inn will give you a more than decent chance to please everyone in your party. Something that you may not get at many places in town.
The Wrinkled Stocking Tearoom
The Wrinkled Stocking Tearoom is one of the most quirky restaurants in Holmfirth by far. It is directly opposite “Cave” café, and if you are interested in “Last of the Summer Wine” you will be even more interested to know that is is actually a part of Norah Batty’s house.
The signboard out the front of The Wrinkled Stocking Tearoom is actually known to get people inside of its own accord. For others, and locals especially, it is the incredibly relaxing ambience, old fashioned vibe, and scattered memorabilia. And this is even before we begin talking about the food and drinks.
You will be hard pressed to order anything from the menu here and not be incredibly happy with it. The food is very highly rated, and is one of the many reasons that people just keep coming back. The tea and coffee is beautiful, and add to that that they offer unlimited free refills, well, what more could you ask for?
The Winking Stag
The Winking Stag is another place congregated around this part of town. Only a couple doors down from “Cave” and diagonally opposite “The Wrinkled Stocking Tearoom”, The Winking Stag is pretty easy to find.
This is essentially a bar, that is very popular with the ladies in particular for their long and incredibly tasty cocktails menu. What many visitors are not prepared for though, is how good the restaurant is.
The Winking Stag specializes in a Japanese menu. It is the best (and maybe only?) place in town to get good Japanese food. And when I say it is good, it really is! Their Gyoza gets rave reviews online, as does their pork belly Ramon. Add to this the fact that the service and staff are probably the very best in all of Holmfirth, and The Winking Stag is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered.
Ten Fourteen Bar and Steakhouse
Last but not least is the Ten Fourteen Bar and Steakhouse. As the name might suggest, if you are after a good steak while in town, then this is probably the best of the restaurants in Holmfirth to find it!
The Ten Fourteen Bar has a slogan that says “more than just a bar” and it could not be more true. They have a designated Steakhouse restaurant as part of the premises, and the menu here is amazing. I personally came from a country where it is hard to find a good steak, and Ten Fourteen delivered in spades!
To make it even sweeter, Ten Fourteen Bar and Steakhouse has special nights. Wednesday night is Steak night, featuring 2 x Rump Steaks and a bottle of wine, while Thursday night is Burger night! So if you are in town during the week, it’s definitely worth stopping by.
Summary
I hope you have enjoyed my roundup of the best restaurants in Holmfirth. Next time you are in town, give a couple a go, tell your friends, and make sure to bookmark this list for future reference.
Also, if you know of any others on this list that should be added, let me know. Feel free to comment below!
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