Last week my son got his GCSE results and so as a treat the day after we popped in for a review lunch at Cosy Club. It can be found down Fossgate in the building that was the first purpose-built cinema in York. (If you are from York, you might know it as the old Macdonald’s furniture shop!).
The building itself is beautiful, both outside and inside. You can tell by looking at the outside facade that it was built as a cinema with its gorgeous frontage. Inside, as you can imagine from being an old cinema- it’s huge and over two floors. I’ve been in a few times but I’ve never been upstairs before so I took the opportunity to go for a look.
There is another bar up there and lots more seating and would be an excellent place for a work’s Christmas party.
There is a glass balustrade that overlooks the front of the restaurant with three pairs of comfortable chairs where you can sit and watch the world go by.
A fabulous spot for a coffee – and look at the view from up there.
Downstairs is in two parts. Right at the front of the restaurant is the bar where you can have just drinks but the main feature is the lovely comfortable sofas and chairs that gives me a bit of a Central Perk vibe (that is a Friends reference just in case you didn’t know!).
Then at the back of the restaurant is a large dining area. I know that Cosy Club is a chain, but I do like its quirky style with mirrors and old pictures on the walls and some funky lampshades and chandeliers.
We were served by Tanya who was very warm and friendly and recognised us from her previous job at a different restaurant (from over two years ago!). Which we were very impressed with. We remembered her too as she was always very welcoming (then and now) and really a perfect person to work in this sort of setting.
Anyway on to the food! We ordered a bit of an eclectic mix to try and get a taste of everything. We started with two small plates/starters to share. My son and hubby went for the Garlic & Paprika Prawns (king prawns marinated in garlic, lemon and chilli, tossed in smoked paprika butter and served on toasted sourdough bites.) They really enjoyed these (I didn’t because, urgh, seafood).
Then we tried Treacle-cured Pork Belly Bites (sweet and sticky cider & mustard glaze on a homemade potato & chive rosti). I loved both the pork and the rosti, and the red onions and could definitely have eaten more of this.
Hubby chose The Cosy Butcher’s Brunch (treacle-cured pork belly chop, two Cumberland sausages, smoked back bacon, two fried eggs*, house rostis, chorizo beans, buttered toasted sourdough) from the Brunch menu which is served until 4pm. This was a fine big plateful if you are feeling hungry!
My son opted for the Dirty Chicken Burger (buttermilk fried chicken, mac & cheese fritter, smoked streaky bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheddar, pickled slaw, roast pepper & garlic aioli, fries, slaw). I was quite envious of this one myself!
I was intending to have pudding so just ordered the Asian fried chicken (bite-sized pieces marinated in buttermilk, and served with a soy, ginger, sesame and chilli glaze) from the starter menu, which I would order again.
Alongside a side of Twice-roasted New Potatoes tossed in garlic & Twineham Grange butter.
We all failed at ordering puddings though as we were full at this point! Another time I plan to try The Cosy Club Sandwich (chicken breast marinated overnight in garlic, lemon & fresh herbs with smoked streaky bacon, egg mayo, gem lettuce, tomato in toasted sourdough and served with fries) and then perhaps there will be room for dessert!
On our way out the manager took time to speak to our youngest who doesn’t really ‘do’ people. He complimented them on their jacket and band t-shirt which really made their day.
All in all, a really nice visit to a comfortable place with a (genuinely) cosy atmosphere.
We were invited to visit and review Cosy Club. As always, all my opinions are my own.
