York Minster Refectory is in an incredible location with fantastic views of York Minster. The restaurant building was built in the 1830s initially for St. Peter’s School and was then taken over in 1903 by the York Minster School. It was opened as a restaurant earlier this year.
There is a fabulous view of the Minster from its door, one that I have rarely seen as until the school closed, this was private land.
The building itself is stunning with lots of church-like architecture. It’s comfortable, modern and yet quirky.
If you pop to the loo at some point during your visit, you won’t be able to miss this incredible window (and the loos are very nice too!).
Outside they have a large selection of comfortable looking outdoor furniture, as well as a covered pergola draped with festoon lights, which will be perfect on a summer’s evening, with what must be one of the best, if not the best view in York.
They serve a full all-day menu as well as lunchtime light bites and a specials menu.
Anyway, onto the food itself! It was excellent as you would expect from a restaurant run by Andrew Pern and his team. British classics done with the best ingredients and with flare.
We mixed and matched the dishes we ordered from the all day menu and the light bites menu. We started with Crispy Squid, Burnt lime and coriander mayonnaise.
I also ordered Warm Sourdough Loaf made with York bee honey and toasted oats, served with estate dairy cultured butter and spiced smoked salt. This was delicious. There was enough bread for the table – which I would recommend rather than ordering as a starter as I did. Also, I think more butter is called for!
For our main courses we chose from both menus again. I always enjoy a good steak and this was certainly a good steak. utcher’s salad, café de Paris hollandaise and skinny fries. This was well cooked with a nice edge of fat (I usually prefer a rib-eye as I often find sirloin a little lean, but this was the best of both worlds).
One of my friends chose the BBQ “burnt ends”, Minster Ale rarebit, pickled onions, seeded bun, chipotle ketchup and skinny fries.
My other friend chose the election of cheeses from near & far, fruit cake, medjool date jam, apple chutney, celery, grapes and artisan biscuits. You may know, if you read many of my reviews, that I love cheese, so may have to try this one myself next time!
They also have a fine collection of cocktails, and I chose the Cloudy Appletini from the Specials menu. Delicious and pretty (and it has a kick!).
Finally we tried out two desserts – Yorkshire strawberries, meringue, hay & vanilla cream and elderflower.)
My friend tried this monster of an ice cream sundae!
I would say that York Minster Refectory is a very versatile restaurant. Perfect for a special meal or a light lunch with just a sandwich. You can also sit in the courtyard with a coffee or hot chocolate.
If you are looking for a quick lunch then do look at their light bites menu with sandwiches and cheese boards. They also offer takeaway or you can sit outside with a coffee and take in the Minster views.
We were invited to visit and review the restaurant. As always, all opinions are my own.
