Vibrant York
Yorkshire culture.
York offered our five day trip just enough to make it a city break full of rich cultural history during the day and vibrant cultural Yorkshire entertainment in the evening. By the time it reached the weekend the city centre was busying up, with more than a few hen dos. What makes York attractive is that it is a compact city in which we could walk into, and use buses with ease when necessary. The architecture is a mix of the old and the not so pretty new, with the Roman walls around it.
Fairfax House
Once a Georgian townhouse, Fairfax House has since been a Gentlemen’s Club and a cinema. So to visit it in its restored state is remarkable. Although the House has been turned into a replica of what it was – a town house for a prominent figure’s daughter when staying in the City, it is convincing in its own way, with a lot of grandfather clocks to boot. It is genuinely an immersive experience of 18th-century elegance and Georgian life.
Pub culture
One cannot visit York without experiencing some of the fine pubs. Our favourites were the Brew York, Minster Inn and the fruity Blue Bell whose heart is inversely proportional to its tiny size. What all the pubs shared in common is real Yorkshire Ale served by genuinely friendly and helpful staff in a pub full of the finest Yorkshire people, often with a friendly dog.
Fine restaurants
Coconut Lagoon
A largely unassuming restaurant Coconut Lagoon sets itself apart by the simple, positive and endearing staff, and its Keralan menu that makes its dishes superior to the standard curry joint. The lamb, duck and fish dishes were all high quality at reasonable prices. Although we did not try one there is an extensive Dosa menu and many South Indian dishes such as Idly.
Yemen Heaven
With a reputation for being reviewed in The Guardian Yemen Heaven was one we had high expectations of. The setting, which appeared to be an old pub was wood panelled, but oddly small. The food took unusually long to come which suggested something went awry. When the food did arrive the dishes were a little on the small side. The lamb casserole dish was delicious. My friend and I had a vegetarian meze which was okay, the falafal we also ordered was better.
Zizzi
The highlight of Ask is that it is inside the old York Assembly Rooms. Stunning as the location is, the size of the hall does swallow up the restaurant somewhat. Alas, our pizza order was forgotten about, but delicious when it did arrive.
Pros
- Vibrant pub culture
- Variety of restaurants to choose from
Cons
- Service in restaurants was a little slow
- York, like many towns and cities, is becoming expensive to visit
Read on for more about York in Parts One and Three.
