Guest Post

The city of York has become an extremely popular tourist destination for British and international travellers. With a heritage that dates back to Roman, Viking and medieval times, there is so much history to enjoy. You can visit the city’s iconic cathedral, York Minister, as well as two specially built museums. The Castle Museum shows every day Victorian life, while the Jorvik Centre offers a realistic portrayal of Viking times. During my frequent visits to the city, I’ve also had the pleasure of eating at some fantastic restaurants along York’s rambling streets, whether inside or beyond those famous city walls.

Traditional

The Lamb and Lion Inn stands on High Petergate, in the shadow of York’s medieval city gate, the Bootham Bar. York’s ancient city walls frame the cosy warren of little rooms and a garden that make up the pub and restaurant. This is one of York’s oldest hotels and it has fed and watered travellers for many centuries.

The menu is traditional pub fare with a flourish, such as Whitby smoked fish pie, Nidderdale chicken, Yorkshire Dales lamb hot pot (with no apology to Lancastrians!) and the best homemade chocolate cheese cake I have ever tasted! I always try to get a seat near the beautiful open fireplace when enjoying “ale dispensed by gravity”, (as the pub calls its hand-pulled real ales) as well as a full wine list.

International

The award-winning Lime House Restaurant is on Goodramgate, just minutes away from York Minster and the Shambles, one of York’s most famous streets of overhanging buildings dating from the 14th century. The menu is modern international, ranging from bouillabaisse and avocado and crab timbale to Yorkshire beef, pot-roast partridge and sweet-potato bubble and squeak. There are lunch and set-price evening menus, as well as a la carte and the prices are reasonable.

The Old Siam restaurant, located in what used to be an old cafe, is just round the corner on Micklegate and has become a local legend. As a big fan of Thai food, this has become one of my favourite restaurants in York. It offers a wide range of authentic Thai food in an intimate atmosphere and good prices. The recipes have not been changed to accommodate Western tastes. The food is exquisitely spiced without the eye-watering hotness of poorer-quality Thai food. There’s a fixed-price lunch menu and a takeaway service as well as a la carte. I would recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

Squeeze through Gillygate to Cafe No. 8, a small but perfect bistro just outside the City Walls. If you want the best traditional fry-up for breakfast or brunch in the area, this is, without a doubt, the place to go. The food is all locally sourced, which is a big selling point for me. The lunch and dinner menus offer burgers and risottos as well as slow-cooked North African lamb meatballs and an incredible pan-fried halibut with foaming béarnaise sauce.

Foodie Delight

Bottegha Del Lange is an Italian hostelry that is a dream for foodies. It used to be located on Goodramgate, but moved to larger premises in the Old Coach House on Peasholme Green and is close to many York hotels. The owners of the restaurant are also food importers and bring in all of their food from Italy. The menu varies daily according to food availability and seasons. It has a six-course menu for £35 per head that includes slow-cooked hare, Whitby crab and hazelnut tart. A shop and cafe alongside the restaurants offers meat, cheeses and homemade tarts. – Travel Feeder, your ultimate travel photo guide