It was on word-of-mouth and the promise of great things that I was lured out to the Friar's Head restaurant and pub.

Despite enthusiastic encouragement from fans of the place, a minor hitch was encountered early on when none of them was able to give anything more than the vaguest of instructions on how to find it.

Fortunately it wasn't difficult to persuade a friend with a sense of direction to make a return visit, and quickly discovered that it really isn't difficult to find, located at Akebar on the A684, half way between Leyburn and Bedale.

The restaurant itself is striking. Converted from farm houses and a barn it can seat up to 100 guests. The interior is traditional country pub through and through, with wooden furniture, fireplace and a cosy layout. It is a little dark inside the main building, which could be a shame on fine days, but the overall effect is appealing.

But what earns the Friar's Head two thumbs up from this diner is the beautiful conservatory. Fitted with huge stone tables, enough foliage to fill a garden centre and flooded with natural light, the conservatory has all the benefits of outdoor dining without the risk of insects, or unfavourable weather. Real grapevines grow around the walls and ceiling, providing black dessert grapes that are used by the chefs in the meals.

The peaceful view of a green can be seen outside along with the occasional golfer strolling back from an evening game at the golf course, which along with the restaurant and a caravan park, makes up Akebar Park.

With such outstanding surroundings it seemed almost too much to hope that the food would live up to such high standards, but I was delighted to find that it did.

My starter of garlic mushrooms with cheese and bacon (£4.25) was one of the best I've ever tasted. It was full of flavour, not too heavy on the garlic, but also big enough to be a almost a meal on its own.

I forced myself to leave some to save room for the main course, but these were quickly polished off by my friend after she tried just a mouthful. In return I finished the remains of her grilled sardines (£4.25), ordered from the specials board, which were delicious and cooked for just the right length of time.

For the main courses we both ordered from the specials, with my friend choosing duck in a spiced honey and ginger sauce (£11.25) while I settled on a leg of lamb with mint gravy (£12.50). Both came with a fresh vegetables and made us wish we'd left more room from the starters.

The lamb was perfectly done, tender and absolutely delicious, with the mint gravy adding an unusual kick. The vegetables were crisp and fresh and plentiful.

My friend's meal was declared one of the best she had ever eaten, with the duck expertly cooked and the ginger sauce taking it up a step from good to great.

There was a tempting dessert menu but unfortunately neither of us felt able to attempt a third course.

Accompanied by a bottle of white wine (£12.95) and a bottle of mineral water the bill came to an acceptable £46.70.

The restaurant has been open for 14 years and, along with the caravan park and golf course, is owned by local farming couple Colin and Joyce Ellwood. Mrs Ellwood was a founder member of the North Yorkshire wine society and now chooses all the wines featured on the menu.

The food is locally sourced and is served everyday . The main menu changes several times a year to accommodate seasonal foods, and there is a Sunday roast and rotating specials menu. There is no separate children's menu, but the restaurant does serve smaller children's portions.

Along with the main building and conservatory, the restaurant also has a private suite which can be converted to seat between 12-60 people and is popular for functions such as weddings, or for smaller family gatherings.

Lunchtimes are quieter but for evening tables it is advisable to book.