Apparently The Old Vicerage restaurant is the only one in Yorkshire to possess a coverted Michelin Star. Has any one experienced the place? If so what was it like? How does it compare to some of Sheffield's other respected eateries eg. Thyme, Nonnas, Blue Room Brasserie? Interested to hear your thoughts as I'm thinking of taking my girlfriend there for her birthday.

Originally posted by Tubthump
How does it compare to some of Sheffield's other respected eateries eg..... Nonnas......

Typo ?

In case you weren't being ironic Nick 2, Nonnas is the Italian on Ecclesall Rd now temporarily famous for having once employed Roberto from Big Brother. I quite like the place.

I know where it is, it's the fact that you think the food there is good that shocked me.

If you like the food in Nonnas you won't like the Old Vicerage.

I haven't sampled the Old Vicarage but know plenty of people who have been and have heard only good reports.

Lunchtime is cheaper than evenings and as far as I know the food is to the same standard.

Only one minus....... if you have a hearty appetite this might not be the place for you.

Been there once, had a nice meal.. what more can I say? Just been looking at some old threads and I can it see it's not really liked on this forum. But, your beautifully dry and willfully cutting sarcasms aside, I'm more interested to hear what people have to say about The Old Vicerage than to revive old discussions.

Thanks mo, that's more of what I was lookin for. My last post was directed at Nick2

I have eaten at Nonna's a few times and always had lovely food. The atmosphere, particularly at lunchtime is very authentic Italian. I don't like it in the evening though when it's full of people gawping at what you are wearing.

The new bakery that they have just opened is great too, some of the tastiest bread I have eaten.

I think you are being unfair Nick and shouldn't put things about dolmio sauces unless you have seen the empty jar. Some very good restaurants use microwaves.

Anyway this was about The Old Vicarage. It's not really like the others you mentioned more 'country house' style. The food is excellent and Tessa Bramley still keeps a firm grip on what is going on in spite of supposedly taking a back seat. It is quite expensive but a lot of people think it's worth it. Look at the website www.theoldvicarage.co.uk to get an idea of the style.

Have you been to Greenhead House at Chapeltown? Unbeatable IMO. Fantastic blend of inspired cooking, the best service I have ever had anywhere and value for money. You need to book months in advance for a Friday or Saturday evening but it's worth the wait.

It is quite expensive but a lot of people think it's worth it.

In your opinion, is it worth the money? Cheers for the tip about The Greenhead House- will try it.

Removed Dolmio reference pending proof.

Old Vicarage is nice, but the portions are realy small and the wine is very expensive.

Yes it was worth it.

Yes, It is quite expensive, but you get what you pay for.
If you are a true foodie you will love it!
Tessa pretty much runs front of house and is very welcoming to all guests.
The wine list is exellent & if you are not sure what to drink, they will always help you pick one to accompany your meal.

We try and go 2-3 times each year, and experience the seasonal changes in menu.

how long has this place been open?

I have lived near ridgeway for over 10 years and not heard of it before!

Originally posted by LoopyLou
how long has this place been open?

I have lived near ridgeway for over 10 years and not heard of it before!

Yeah, Ive lived in the area all my life now, but didnt know about it untill I started getting interested in food! - I guess its not the type of place that needs to advertise, kind of exclusive but not in a snobbish kind of way.

Does anyone know if it's still retained it's Michelin star?

It still has a Michelin star as far as I know, I'm sure it would have been news if it was taken away.

But to correct your original post, it's not the only restaurant in Yorkshire with one.

Old Vicarage is very good and on a different league to anything on offer at Nonnas.

If going to a Michelin starred restaurant is important to you, then I would head for Fischers at Baslow which imho is very,very special and better then Teresa Bramley's place. they are both excellent though.

Originally posted by Greenback It still has a Michelin star as far as I know, I'm sure it would have been news if it was taken away. You're quite right Greenback, Pool Court at 42 in Leeds has one. I think the Old Vicerage is the only one in South Yorkshire, or am I wildly wrong?

Originally posted by Tubthump
You're quite right Greenback, Pool Court at 42 in Leeds has one. I think the Old Vicerage is the only one in South Yorkshire, or am I wildly wrong?

Yeah, you're right as far as I know. In the rest of the county there's also the Star Inn at Harome, North Yorkshire, the Devonshire arms in Skipton and Venn in Hull (I think) who have a star each.

I had a bad experience there.
Tessa seemed to take a dislike to our group. , When we were giving her our orders, as I started to speak she looked at me with disgust and said "I'm taking the ladies first".

I am not disputing this is the correct etiquette (although it wasn't something I was aware of before), but when you are paying £70 per head, you don't expect a school teacher style ticking off. It changed the mood instantly.

We were served our first course at 10.30pm (after being left in the sitting room from 8.30 which was the time of the reservation).

The food was excellent, but by that time my blood sugar level was so low I'd have enjoyed eating my own shoe.

I prefered Fischers much more. I also love The Terrace in Hathersage (although I must admit bias as I do work with them).

Originally posted by LoopyLou
how long has this place been open?

I have lived near ridgeway for over 10 years and not heard of it before!

I would say for more than 10 years.

It is quite secluded, behind lots of trees and down a winding drive. On LHS as you go down towards Ford.

It is very discreetly situated and you could easily drive past it without knowing.

I've never been to the Old Vicarage, but I'd love to go.

Friends of mine who have been say 'the food is excellent, but it is very expensive and really the sort of place you would go to only for a special occassion'

I've heard that Sola (North Church Street) is also excellent for stylish drinking and dining, as is the Wig & Pen (Campo Lane).

Take a look at the Old Vicarage website (http://www.theoldvicarage.co.uk/)

Re places up North has Winteringham Fields (south of the Humber) still got theirs, it's supposed to be an awesome place to have a meal.

.........................

I was once taken there for lunch by someone celebrating their birthday and they paid....

I found it a little bit disappointing, there was only one other table occupied so the atmosphere was quite cold and I cannot remember much about what I ate, except that I thought it was more average than superb.

I would like to give it another try as I think we must have caught it on an off day.

Originally posted by Tubthump
Apparently The Old Vicerage restaurant is the only one in Yorkshire to possess a coverted Michelin Star. Has any one experienced the place? If so what was it like? How does it compare to some of Sheffield's other respected eateries eg. Thyme, Nonnas, Blue Room Brasserie? Interested to hear your thoughts as I'm thinking of taking my girlfriend there for her birthday.

I don't know the old vicarage. I suspect it conatins an old vicar and we all know whatb they are capable of.

My advice is give up your girlfriend and become a monk. Forget about girls and embrace the celebate life instead.

ps i am a very sinister person:suspect:

Originally posted by pete_jim
Re places up North has Winteringham Fields (south of the Humber) still got theirs, it's supposed to be an awesome place to have a meal. It certainly is. Mr Schwab is an absolutely fabulous cook, as his five AA rosettes and two Michelin stars testify! A strange collection of buildings to be honest, but the menu and wine list deserve those Michelin Stars. :thumbsup: It would be a shame if they do sell up as they keep threatening to. Website (http://www.winteringhamfields.com)

The Old Vicarage? Well I've only been a couple of times and found it to be very good, but not really up there with the best. It feels a bit dated, both the food and the decor! The TV chef thing just doesn't impress, and I would rather have the chef n the kitchen than front of house. Max Fischer is forgiven on this count because...

Fischer's still rates it for me though! Never disappointed, always deeply impressed. The huge bill just never feels painful at the end of the meal.
Fischers website (http://www.fischers-baslowhall.co.uk)

The Old Vicarage is Michelin star, the food is equisite and behind the scenes is prepared well however for it works out at about £100 for the meal and then wines/drinks on top of that, for a couple to have a decent meal, you would be looking at about £140.

Originally posted by slimsid2000

My advice is give up your girlfriend and become a monk. Forget about girls and embrace the celebate life instead.



Wow, thanks for the advice. You have no idea how much your comments have changed my life forever. Shortly after reading them, I went home, dumped my girlfriend, shaved off all my hair, donned some monastic robes and prepared myself for a new life. I decided to go one step further than your suggestions of celibacy, making the ulimate sacrifice by removing my "crown jewels" altogether. I won't bore you with the gory details, but I thought you'd be pleased to know that not only has the process given me new clarity in my meditations, it also won me automatic inclusion into the National Eunuch Choir with whom I am currently touring the US.

Who'd have thought two sentences posted on a website forum could spread such positivity. Slimsid2000, I really can't thank you enough

Went to a wedding reception there the food cannot be faulted but the atmosphere is a bit stiffled. TThe staff not encouraged to engage in chat with the customers, I don't think they are even allowed to smile

Originally posted by Tony
It certainly is. Mr Schwab is an absolutely fabulous cook, as his five AA rosettes and two Michelin stars testify! A strange collection of buildings to be honest, but the menu and wine list deserve those Michelin Stars. :thumbsup: It would be a shame if they do sell up as they keep threatening to. Website (http://www.winteringhamfields.com)

You are right. Winterringham Fields is absolutely wonderful and only an hour from Sheffield.
Sadly, however, Mr Schwab and his wife retired this summer and although the head chef is reputedly still the same we will have to wait and see how things pan out.
Michelin usually withdraw their rating when a new person takes over, so next year Winterringham will lose its stars.
Watch this space, as they say.
I like The Old Vicarage, but the atmosphere is often warmer at Fischers.
Do let us know what you choose and how it turns out!
Don't do the monk thing!

Ah, I'm obviously a bit out of touch - it was earlier this year when I last went, and he was certainly in the kitchen that day.

It will be interesting to see what happens.

After much consultation, we decided to go the whole hog and book ourselves into Gordon Ramsays on Hospital Rd in London. :nod: I think we'll do The Old Vicerage next year.

Wow, that will be special!
I have heard that you can't book more than a month in advance and that therefore you have to be on the 'phone as soon as they open exactly one month before you want to go. Is that right?
Do let us know what you order and what it is like.
Truly envious!

last time i was at the old vicarage the it was very expensive for tiny portions . we had to sop off on the way home for chips and curry sauce as we were still hungary

I have been to the Vicarage but a few years ago on Valentine's Day. It was fabulous.

My only draw back is the fact that you can't dance on the tables after a few good brandys!!! Great, great food - no atmosphere. Infact dont speak whilst eating. Dont let "one off" either. Dont think about third world poverty or anything really associated with "The Poor." Feel humbled, I did. And very very full.........

It is special.

Originally posted by pete_jim
I have eaten at Nonna's a few times and always had lovely food. The atmosphere, particularly at lunchtime is very authentic Italian. I don't like it in the evening though when it's full of people gawping at what you are wearing.

The new bakery that they have just opened is great too, some of the tastiest bread I have eaten.

I think you are being unfair Nick and shouldn't put things about dolmio sauces unless you have seen the empty jar. Some very good restaurants use microwaves.

Anyway this was about The Old Vicarage. It's not really like the others you mentioned more 'country house' style. The food is excellent and Tessa Bramley still keeps a firm grip on what is going on in spite of supposedly taking a back seat. It is quite expensive but a lot of people think it's worth it. Look at the website www.theoldvicarage.co.uk to get an idea of the style.

Have you been to Greenhead House at Chapeltown? Unbeatable IMO. Fantastic blend of inspired cooking, the best service I have ever had anywhere and value for money. You need to book months in advance for a Friday or Saturday evening but it's worth the wait. Where is the Greenhead House at Chapeltown ?Id like to try it.