The York Food, Drink & Leisure Guide 2005/6

Eating Out

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1331

13 Grape Lane
York
YO1 7HU
T: 01904 641750
E:
W: www.1331-york.co.uk

Bright and contemporary, 1331 caters for nearly all types of night out. There's the funky bar area complete with a 'menu' of games, original art and low sofas, the gorgeously secluded courtyard for al fresco drinking and the intimate restaurant for lunch or evening assignations. The name relates to their street number, as well as the 31 appetite-building steps leading from Grape Lane to the restaurant, and 1331 creates a welcoming, arty atmosphere. Keen to be seen as gay friendly (Wednesday nights are particularly popular), the venue also has a resident artist and restaurant tables lovingly crafted by the owner! The café bar offers the usual bar meals whilst the restaurant has an international menu. At only £8.95 the set lunch menu is shockingly good value with dishes such as Smoked Salmon and Asparagus Tips served with Soft Poached Egg and Balsamic Vinegar nicely presented and extremely tasty. The Eton Mess is also rightly recommended by the waiters. Hidden at the heart of the Quarter, 1331 is worth seeking out.

Ask

The Grand Assembly Rooms
Blake St
York
YO1 2QG
T: 01904 637254
W: www.askcentral.co.uk

Across the country the Ask chain prides itself on occupying buildings of local interest and it is difficult to imagine a more sumptuous setting than the Grand Assembly Rooms in which to enjoy a meal in York. The décor is striking with giant marble columns and chandeliers dangling from high ceilings, whilst at ground level diners are surrounded by statues and green palm fronds. Completed in 1735, the Assembly Rooms were designed by Lord Burlington, a close friend of Handel, and have won praise from such figures as Daniel Defoe. The actual restaurant is a lot simpler than the surroundings, serving decent Italian food at reasonable prices. There is the usual range of pizzas, salads and pasta dishes with most palates finding something to suit. A popular lunchtime haunt, thanks to the quick, fairly filling meals, Ask really comes alive later in the day. An Italian meal in an elegant Georgian setting is a novel way to spend the evening.

The Blackwell Ox Inn

Huby Road
Sutton on the Forest
York
YO61 1DT
T: 01347 810328
E:
W: www.blackwelloxinn.co.uk

Nestled in the tranquil village of Sutton on the Forest, The Blackwell Ox Inn combines a cosy feel with contemporary elegance, making it a real hidden gem. The bar’s homely décor boasts rich reds and greens, scattered antique books, original beams and the lure of a crackling wood fire. Tipples range from hand-pulled pints of Black Sheep to the ‘oaked intense reds’ and ‘juicy fruit-driven whites’ of the wine list. These traditional charms complement the luxurious, modern design of the inn’s five guest rooms, complete with indulgent roll top baths, flat screen TVs and lavish toiletries. The food is a celebration of quality and rustic simplicity. Steven (Head Chef) has a passion for Yorkshire produce which shines through his expertly constructed menu (updated daily to reflect seasonal produce at its best). Dishes cover an impressive range of tastes and flavours which can be savoured in the informal restaurant. Pick from pan-roasted Atlantic scallops or a hearty casserole of Holme farmed venison – the choice is extensive and mouth-watering. And who could resist the warm chocolate pudding with clotted cream? Tasting nights have featured south-west France (salt cod and pear tarte tatin) and Italy (pan-roasted quail stuffed with ricotta), or for traditionalists, Friday means fish, chips and mushy peas. And the Sunday lunches of roast sirloin of local beef and Yorkshire puddings are such a local sensation that booking ahead is essential.

Stone Soup