Gimbals

Gimbals is a mesmerising neighbourhood bistro in Sowerby Bridge run by talented husband and wife team, Simon and Janet Baker.

This playfully eclectic restaurant has a Spanish bent – think fig, Serrano ham and melted taleggio bon bons with a Pedro Ximenez dressing. But you’ll also find Persian and North African influences in dishes such as spiced lamb kofta with a cashew nut pesto. True, it doesn’t hang together on the page, but in real life there’s a sense of a chef having fun at Gimbals.

Dishes are nothing but surprising and generous; a trio of (not so) petites desserts, for example, could include apple and Pedro Ximenez raisin turnover, a sharp lemon tart and fragrant mango sorbet.

Decor soars beyond quirky (gilt mirrors, flags, disco balls) and ceramic birds flutter among gaggles of regulars.

To drink, hand-harvested Hebridean kelp is the signature botanical in the Isle of Harris gin; take the opportunity to sprinkle extra ‘sugar kelp’ water into your G&T for an out-of-body (and out-of-Sowerby Bridge) experience at this one-off in the Calder Valley.

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