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All 43 Ripon Restaurants »

THE WATER RAT

24 Bondgate Green | 24 Bondgate Green, England
01765 602251
Ranked #14 of 43 restaurants in Ripon
4.0 of 5 stars 29 Reviews
Price range: INR732 - INR1,351
Cuisines: British
Dining options: Reservations
Restaurant details
Dining options: Reservations
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29 reviews from our community

82% Recommend
    13
    11
    3
    2
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
North Yorkshire, UK
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2012 NEW

While I suspect most locals are familiar with Ripon's pub The Water Rat, for outsiders it's a bit off the beaten track. But half the fun is getting there - from the Market Square head toward the Cathedral and stroll through the lovely Cathedral grounds to the far corner of the grounds, then follow Agnesgate to the pedestrian bridge over... More

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Ripon, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012

Perfect for sitting outside when the sun is shining, or warm and cosy in the conservatory looking at the river. Brilliant deals on a Weds. Good atmosphere. More

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Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012

We had not been here for years but thought we would give it a go now that work on the weir is completed. Arrived on a Friday evening around 7:30 hadn't booked, it was busy but a few tables available, we chose to enjoy a view of the river. Menu is full of pub classics, we chose fish and chips... More

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rickjones83, Owner at THE WATER RAT, responded to this review
21 May 2012

Thank you for your review and your understanding on the evening. It was a rather busy night . I am glad you enjoyed the meal and look forward to your return when we have no staff phoning in sick. Chef has been instructed to keep a better grip of his sausage in the future ....... Kind Regards Rick More

yorks
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2012

this is such a lovely frindly place to eat, over looking the water, you can sit in side or out side, or in the conserveotry, they always have meal offers on, and special themed nights, the game night, poltry, was amazing food, could not fault the servie or food! More

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Cambridge, United Kingdom
1 review
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2012

a must for anyone who likes a warm friendly welcome,great food and great ale! very clean and comfortable,good menu choice and well priced.(cheaper than i expected!) the lamb shoulder was superb,and my partners fish was just as good. service was excellent and they dont try to force things on you,made for a great couple of hours. views of the cathedral... More

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Stockton on Tees
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Excellent spot for a light lunch overlooking the river Skell and with a conservatory that maximizes the ambiance. Terrific bacon and brie sandwich! More

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North Yorkshire
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 March 2012

This was our first visit to The Water Rat . The view from the conservatory is beautiful. Right on the river and lovely views of the Cathedral. Good beer and wine and a very good lasagne. But my fish and chips were not up to standard.Terrible flat looking batter, grey haddock, too few peas and underdone chips.We are in Yorkshire!... More

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rickjones83, Owner at THE WATER RAT, responded to this review
25 March 2012

Hi Anna, Thankyou for your kind words about the pub. I am sorry the fish and chips were not 'top notch'. they are normally very popular. I will have words with the chef (and about skimping on the mushy peas too). Your comments are appreciated. I have emailed you a personal message to rectify this. Kind Regards Rick More

Ripon, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This riverside pub has "come on" leaps and bounds over the years.From what could only be described as an "alehouse" to a quaint family orientated place to enjoy a pint by the river or to treat yourself and the family to a slap up meal.Dine in the lovely consevatory or on a nice day dine out overlooking the river Swale.Also... More

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Rainton, Thirsk
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 March 2012

atmosphere, location was good. food was ok, service was poor and drinks not served correctly, sorry More

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rickjones83, Owner at THE WATER RAT, responded to this review
13 March 2012

I am really sorry to hear about your average experience at the water rat . We have been working really hard to exceed expectations while offering a quality affordable experience. I would be gratefull if you could give me some more information so that we can improve standards especially on the drinks that were served wrong. Thankyou for your feedback... More

Ripon, United Kingdom
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 March 2012

I went to the pub with my family for their two dine for a tenner offer. The food was fantastic value and really tasty too. Two courses for only a fiver per person! No wonder the place is packed on a Wednesday evening! It begs the question....why aren't more pubs thinking this way in these financially difficult times? Brilliant idea.... More

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