With its medieval minster and eclectic restaurant scene, the city of York has long attracted a wealth of travellers, from history buffs to gourmands. And now The Grand, York offers an even more enticing reason for foodies to make it their next visit on a UK city break.
This summer the 207-key hotel launched fine dining restaurant Legacy, offering sustainably sourced, seasonal British fare. Located on the ground floor of the historic building, which dates back to 1906, the room was originally an “unloved meetings space” that has been transformed by designers Faber into a beautifully elegant and cosy eatery seating up to 26 guests.
One wall features portraits of Yorkshire pioneers such as women’s rights advocate Anne Lister and Sir George Stegmann Gibb, general manager of the North Eastern Railway Company, which was headquartered here, while oak panelling and industrial ironwork contrast with midnight blue and white marble furniture.
But it is the eight-course tasting menu (£120pp), curated by head chef Ahmed Abdalla, that guests will surely remember the most, with the standout for me being the celeriac with black garlic and truffle, paired with a scrumptious cider but not as you know it – more like a sweet and refreshing port (£60 for classical wine flight).
Other places at the hotel to dine include The Rise, where guests can try a full Yorkshire brekkie, or sample afternoon teas (from £34.50pp).
Rooms and suites are set across the traditional and modern wings, with the majority being accessible. My executive room, with its neutral tones and cool navy blue accents, felt a little too corporate – however it was vast and super comfortable, with a living area, king-size bed and spacious marble bathroom with Molton Brown amenities.
If clients really want to get hands-on with food, book them a class at the hotel’s on-site Cookery School. Or if relaxing is more their thing they can head downstairs to the Grand Spa in the former vaults of the North Eastern Railway Company, offering a 14-metre pool, gym, hot tub and treatment rooms.
For really special occasions and if they’re London-based clients, arrange first-class service with LNER’s Platinum service and its elite accompanying menu options, ensuring it will set the tone well before they step foot in The Grand, York. This is a brilliant way to ease clients into what lies ahead, giving them a taste of luxury travel before they even arrive at the hotel.
How to book it
Rooms from £209 per night, including breakfast, based on two adults sharing. LNER Advance fares from London King’s Cross to York start from £48.30 in First Class. Tel: 01904 380 038, thegrandyork.co.uk
