Take a taste tour of France in Yorkshire

IF you are a lover of all things French, what do you miss most about your last visit across the Channel?

The atmosphere of the rustic bistros and the vineyards with their beautiful scenery will no doubt be memorable, as will the food and wine.

Francophiles, and lovers of good food, will then most certainly find a way to revive the holiday memories at the Butchers Arms, Hepworth.

Set in the beautiful Pennine countryside, the village pub uses the best Yorkshire produce to create a fantastic French flavour. Each dish created by head chef Mark Hogan, who opened the pub with partner Caroline Kimber in April last year, is a result of his extensive time living in France.

Recently, diners’ taste buds were transported to the Dordogne in the sud ouest with the five-course Taste of Perigord special event. Forthcoming events include an evening of classic French fish and seafood dishes with Soiree de Fruits de Mer on September 16, at £35 per head, and a wine tasting event on October 7.

Talking about the events at the Butchers Arms, Caroline said: “Our ‘Tour de France’ wine event covered wines from the Alsace, Burgundy, Rhone, Languedoc and Loire Valley, guests enjoyed food pairings and the chance to compare our range of food matches; this was followed in July with a Bastille Day celebration.

“The events at the Butchers give guests a chance to really experience the different cuisines throughout France and explore the different ingredients and cooking styles across this vast country.

“The events always include specially matched wines from the region. The next wine tasting, which will be ‘Worldwide Reds’, is taking place on October 7 and is booking up fast.”

The daily menus are bursting with French flavours, with the likes of the starter of gambas aux pastis – king prawns flambéed in pastis with a chive cream sauce, popular in southern France. For main, typical French dishes include confit of local duck leg, served with green beans and sautéed potatoes and Toulouse sausages grilled and served with a Puy lentil casserole.

However, you can also find an Oriental influence, thanks to Mark’s adventures in South East Asia. A Thai curry is always on the menu, along with a Thai banquet hosted every month – a tasting menu of 11 dishes for £27.50. The next one takes place on August 26.

English classics also rub shoulders with French favourites, with the bar menu including fish and chips and beef and ale pie. And, on a Sunday, you can expect traditional roast beef and Yorkshire puddings.

A Menu du Jour, based on seasonal French flavours, is offered at £14.95 for two courses and £17.95 for three.

High quality is key to each dish, thanks to the superb fresh Yorkshire