York Minster Refectory

Formerly a school, York Minster Refectory profits from unrivalled views of its namesake Cathedral. Across from the iconic blonde spires that stretch towards the heavens, the squat Refectory building is cosy and charming in contrast thanks to low stone arches and floors worn wobbly by decades of many marching feet. It’s almost impossible not to get swept up in the romanticism of it all, wondering what history has unfolded here.

Its series of small linked rooms offer mesmerising views of the cathedral’s south side, and at dinnertime the soft candlelight makes shadows rise and fall in a melodic dance that feels fitting for a structure that started out life as a mecca for York’s young choristers.

An opening snack of plump, creamy oysters with Bloody Mary granita exemplifies how good classics with a twist can be: the ice cold dressing intensifies the natural shellfish sweetness for a bite that could convert even the most hesitant of crustacean doubters. Accessibly-priced British fizz from Hattingley Valley, with its gentle effervescence and intense fruitiness, works to set the tone for a restaurant that feels special but unpretentious.

In true Andrew Pern style, the menu envelops you in a big warm hug, where most dishes are enlivened via fat, butter or cream. Starters include a velvety chicken liver parfait with a mini tear and share bread rolled with jammy onions and flecks of crispy chicken skin. A bacon chop main arrives with a puddle of smoked butter mash and a side of peas, cabbage and lardons in a creamy sauce. The chop’s perfectly cooked with caramelised fat, but it is staggeringly salty, which managed to somewhat undo all the good work elsewhere on the plate. Another main was more successful though, with dripping potatoes and slow cooked lamb shoulder dutifully falling to pieces at the lightest touch. Playful desserts (like a Malteser chocolate tart) complete a meal of gutsy, well-loved flavours that you’d be hard pressed to dislike.

Helping things along in the upbeat atmosphere stakes are the sweet staff who seem proud of the experience the whole team is creating for guests, and there’s no denying it’s a lovely place to spend a few hours.

York Ministry Refectory is a modern British restaurant in York city centre, run by chef Andrew Pern, who also runs the Michelin-starred Star Inn at Harome. The restaurant is housed in a Grade-II listed building that was once York Minster school, built in 1833, and boasts great views of the Ministry, as well as an all-day menu that proudly showcases Yorkshire ingredients. 

Day-to-day affairs are overseen by Joshua Brimmel, executive head chef of Pern's Star Inn The City, and Andrew Pern himself - the pair work together with the seasons to create diverse dishes designed to reflect the history of the building and add to the Dickensian vibe of the Refectory. Granny’s Tipsy Trifle is featured on the menu and sounds like a dish stolen from the pages of a family recipe book passed down through generations! 

Andrew is proud to have trained and worked in France for many years and his experience has given him an understanding of French flavour and tradition that works well with the classically British inspired dishes featured on the menu, merging traditional British style favourites with a modern take on Anglican French classics. There is a fixed menu and a variety of seasonal specials to choose from, as well as a variety of menus that includes breakfast dishes, a tasting menu, childrens menus, group menus and vegetarian and vegan menus too. Spring will feature asparagus, rhubarb, wild fish and shellfish; summer includes crab, lobster and berries and from mid-August, game can be expected on the menu, including the likes of grouse, pheasant and venison. A great deal of the produce is sourced from suppliers in the Vale of York, with shellfish and seafood coming from Hodgson Fish in Hartlepool. The restaurant offers an extensive drinks list, including champagnes, cocktails, mocktails, sherry and port as well as a varied selection of wines.