You may remember how much I enjoyed Amber’s Restaurant in Harrogate, which opened in April after a £500,000 revamp.

It was also one of the reasons why I jumped at the chance to try out their new Sunday lunch menu.

Often when you do reviews you take a dining partner with you, but since I don’t have one, the Cedar Court kindly agreed I could take Mum and Dad instead.

Now, the Cedar Court Hotel is one of several Cedar Courts in Yorkshire and is a highly-rated 4-star hotel on Park Parade, overlooking the majestic Stray.

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We arrived just before 1pm on a wet Sunday and parked up in the large car park. Remember to put your vehicle number plate in the desktop computer at reception for the free parking.

The friendly and efficient staff showed us to our table, which featured comfortable and elegant settees, as well as chairs.

Mum and dad’s first reaction was remarking on the high ceilings and the colours of the restaurant, which aim to recreate the elegance of 1920s Yorkshire.

“The place is so beautiful,” said Dad, “probably the nicest dining room I have ever been in.”

The menus were given over and they promised a contemporary take on traditional British Cuisine, featuring Roasted Sirloin of Hereford Bred Beef, Roasted Loin of Easingwold Pork, chargrilled chicken breast with all the trimmings.

Two courses can be had for £26 and three courses for £32.

(Image: NQ)

They often complain about the cost of living but Mum and Dad remarked this did not seem too dear, considering the food and the décor, compared to what they had paid this month for a 65th Wedding Anniversary Dinner at a village gastropub near our Tockwith home. They added it also seemed better value than the pizza restaurant in York I had also taken them to just the day before.

Indeed, the conversation turned to what it might cost to stay the night. And though it varies from day-to-day, I have seen some websites charging as little as £60-something for a Sunday, which seems a bargain, considering the quality of the place. Of course, Fridays and Saturdays cost considerably more.

We were presented with a lovely bottle of Merlot (£26), and though he’s no expert, Dad remarked the wine was good- and it was deliciously smooth and a bit fruity. Indeed, despite saying they would only have a little, both Mum and Dad would later help themselves to more.

We also enjoyed a bottle of sparkling Harrogate Spring Water and Dad also had a small beer.

With the starters, I enjoyed a duck liver and orange parfait featuring a delicious and smooth pate and a delightful fruity chutney, served with a bit of salad, balsamic and olive oil.

Mum enjoyed the Beetroot and Caraway Smoked Salmon, served with spiced pineapple, crispbread shard and citrus cream. It was ‘lovely, 10-out-of-10’ and since there was plenty, I was able to enjoy a slice and it was.

(Image: NQ)

Dad also enjoyed his “very good” parsnip soup, which came with bread and a herby butter.

Other options available as a starter include confit chicken, wild mushroom and shallot risotto rice cake, braised beef cheeks, summer salad and a baked Camembert to share.

As well as traditional roasts, mains options also include braised beef cheeks, pan fried sea trout, Roasted vegetable and mixed nut roast, and Orzo pasta with Yorkshire Fettle (a creamy cheese suitable for vegetarians).

After a break came the mains, with Dad having the beef, which was piled high on the plate.

 “They give you a lot. It’s like little steaks,” he said happily.

Mum said her lamb shoulder was “tender, well done and well worth the wait.”

I had the pork, which contained more than enough crackling, which I always enjoy.

This was served with side dishes of vegetables and cauliflower cheese.

We agreed the portions were tasty, tender and generous and “they are not skinny at all.”

A pile of beefA pile of beef (Image: NQ)

Mum and dad were stuffed, even if I helped both out with some of their meat.

If only there had been some paper napkins for them to discreetly take some slices home for tea! It’s quality linen napkins instead!

I was quite stuffed too, but I fancied finishing off with some cheese just to take the taste of the mains away and so we could give dessert a mention.

There were three great wedges of Fountains Gold Cheddar, Harrogate Blue and Flat Capper Brie. They came with crackers, celery, fruity chutney and grapes and all were gorgeous, even if I could eat it all.

Other dessert options include layered tiramisu cake; clementine tart; rich, dark chocolate marquise; elderflower and lemon pannacotta; hot, caramelised banana bread and a selection of locally-produced dairy ice creams.

By now it had just turned 3pm and it certainly made for a leisurely and luxurious lunch.

However, could they have delivered it a little faster? One of the servers did apologise. They all did their best, were friendly, charming and efficient. Was the hold-up in the kitchen?

Nonetheless, we had had a great time, a superb meal in the most beautiful surroundings. The 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor are deserved.

So we left content and made our way to Sainsbury’s with plenty of time before heading home. The Harrogate Sainsbury’s is as good and big as the one at Monks Cross.

For those who do live in Harrogate, in the HG1 and HG2 Postcode, they can join the Friends of Amber’s Club and earn a 20 per cent discount for Sunday Lunch, amid other privileges.

As for me, I wonder what will be on the Amber’s Menu for Christmas!