We were looking for a place for lunch in Ripon at the end of last September. We tried to use tripadvisor to find one although it wasn't an easy task because our smartphones often lost connection in the town somehow. Anyway, it took extra time but we decided to try The Royal Oak - score 4.5 based on about 750 reviews.The place looked like a pub, but they offers a large number of food choices on the menu. J had a kind of duck dish. He said it was ok.
I ordered Pie & Mash - beef cheek and onion pie with mash, gravy and smashed root vegetables. I thought the filling of the pie was kinda flavorless. It could be brighten up with some herbs and spices. The pie dough was actually not so bad, though. My favorite part was smashed root vegetables.
It was a beautiful fall day. In the morning, we visited Fountains Abbey, one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England. Stunning.
The abby, founded in 1132, is now a part of 18 century-designed Studley Royal Water Garden. After we got enchanted by the beauty and majesty the ruins, we strolled along water and on the hill in the garden.
The garden was very impressive! Ah, we didn't have time to see Deer Park... I am sure there will be next time.
