The Water Rat - Ripon

#8 - Asiatic - Ripon United Kingdom, #20 - Kebab - Ripon, Fast Food
Bondgate Green, HG4 1QW, Ripon, United Kingdom
Dishes: 12
Menu
Full menu with pictures, prices and categories.
Address
The Water Rat Bondgate Green, HG4 1QW, Ripon, Unit...
Phone
+441765602251
Reservation
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Menu

A complete menu of The Water Rat from Ripon featuring all 9 dishes and drinks can be found here on the menu.

Welcome to The Water Rat, a warm and inviting pub nestled by the picturesque River Skell in the charming city of Ripon. Our establishment is the perfect spot to unwind, offering a delightful array of traditional homecooked meals paired with a wide selection of the finest real ales. With a homely atmosphere and stunning views, you'll feel right at home, no matter the weather. We serve food from Tuesday to Friday between 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, with Saturday offering the same lunch and evening hours. Our Sunday highlight is the carvery from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm. The bar is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 am until 11:00 pm, and we welcome you every day except Mondays. Since taking over in 2007, our landlord Rick Jones has elevated The Water Rat to new heights. With a commitment to providing top-quality beer and homecooked food, we have become a beloved destination for both locals and tourists. Our focus is on sourcing food and beverages locally, ensuring we embrace the vibrant Ripon community. Whether you prefer to sit outside by the river or cozy up by the fire inside, our pub provides a welcoming environment for every occasion—be it a casual afternoon drink or a hearty Sunday carvery with all the trimmings. We also offer private hire for various functions, complete with beautiful riverside views and a full bar service. Whether you're hosting a party or a family gathering, we can tailor our services to ensure a stress-free experience. For inquiries, please reach out via our contact form or call us at 01765 602251. Join us for our Beat of the Week: enjoy selected cask ales for just £3.80 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, or indulge in our cocktail special—2 for £12 from 5pm-6:30pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Don't miss our themed nights, including Burger Night on Thursdays and Fish Chips Fridays, as well as our delightful Sunday carvery and weekly quiz at 7:30 pm. While you're in Ripon, we encourage you to explore the local attractions we've highlighted, including scenic cruises on the River Ure, a thrilling day at the races just a short walk away, or a visit to the historic Ripon Cathedral, complete with stunning architectural views that can be enjoyed right from our beer garden. We look forward to welcoming you at The Water Rat—where every visit feels like coming home!.

Last update: 09.07.2025

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★ 3 / 5 from 21 reviews

Nestled along the river, The Water Rat offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for a leisurely meal. Patrons rave about its delightful Sunday lunches, featuring generous portions and a well-executed carvery. The menu, while rooted in traditional fare, accommodates special requests, showcasing the staff's willingness to please. However, customer service experiences are mixed, with some guests noting lapses in table cleanliness and staff attentiveness. While the bustling environment adds to its charm, improvements in staff training could enhance the overall dining experience. Despite occasional shortcomings, many visitors are likely to return for the delicious food and picturesque setting.

qype-user-pam3
Qype 28.08.2024 - 08:34

As im a local and live in Ripon . after me ,my husband son had finished are walk , we decided to have a bit to eat at the water rat, we found a table chairs out side , then my son went to get the drinks, on are table they had a plastic union jack table cloth over the table which was sticky and had ash on it , i went in and asked when they had time would they come out and clean the table, the waitress said yes when they had time. so we sat at the table with are drinks and waited, we waited 25 minutes in that time two waitresses had been outside five times between them to collect dishes and not at any time did they attempt to clean our table or any of the other table's that they had taken dishes of, we decided not to eat there , but i wanted the landlord to know what had happened at his establishment, so i asked if i could have a word with him , he was working behind the bar and made no attempt to come to the other side of the bar for a chat , i told him what had happened and all he said was we were busy i mentioned that they had come out side and cleared away dishes of other tables so why couldnt they of brought a cloth to clean are table as we were planning to eat there , then the waitress that i asked to clean the table said well i didn't know you wanted to eat, i said it shouldn't matter if i was eating or drinking which i was told from the landlord , people that are eating come first . i said your customer service needs looking at, so i said we wouldn't be visiting again, the reply was bye ! which he said in a arrogant manner then the waitress laughed, which i said wasn't very nice, i know this is long winded, but i do feel very strongly about it . The food is lovely there but the customer service really needs to be looked in to ..

george-v-firefighter-3
George 28.08.2024 - 08:34

An ice-cold beer enjoyed in the sunshine while overlooking the river... Is there anything more I need to add? It seems I do, as there's a minimum character requirement. So, let me elaborate! The ambiance is perfect, and the combination of refreshing drinks and scenic views makes for an unforgettable experience. It's the ideal spot to relax and soak in the beauty around you. No doubt, it's a place you wouldn't want to miss!

kim-h-rabbit7293
Kim 28.08.2024 - 08:34

We had made a reservation for a table in the conservatory at 1 PM on Sunday. Upon our arrival, we were warmly greeted by a member of the staff and shown to our seats. We opted for the two-course carvery. For starters, we had chicken pâté served with warm bread—a generous portion that we thoroughly enjoyed. This was followed by a carvery featuring blue roast beef accompanied by all the typical trimmings. Blue beef may not appeal to everyone, but it offered a unique dining experience. If you prefer it cooked more, simply ask the chef instead of complaining that it isn't done to your liking. Overall, our meal was abundant and satisfying. The conservatory was bright but a bit on the warm side, while the inside had a darker atmosphere with a small bar area. The place was quite busy during our visit, and parking directly outside was limited, though we managed to find a space on the main road. I do have one suggestion for improvement: the young staff could benefit from additional training, as they seemed to need constant reminders on various tasks, such as using a clean cloth and cleaning solution for the tables.

qype-user-cazntr
Qype 28.08.2024 - 08:34

I'm currently detoxing and have an extensive list of foods to avoid, so I inquired at the bar about the possibility of a salad, as there weren’t any on the menu. The staff responded with an assurance that it wouldn’t be a problem, and you could genuinely sense that it was no trouble at all. Soon enough, a wonderfully fresh and crisp salad arrived alongside Trev's ham and mustard sandwich and a delightful portion of chips to share, which he found delicious. The pub serves good old-fashioned fare, beautifully presented and prepared. We will definitely be returning the next time we visit Ripon.

The atmosphere was fantastic, and we had a delightful Sunday lunch. The staff were very helpful, even though the pub was extremely busy because of the charity Duck Race.

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