A York restaurant is celebrating its first year with food and drink that reflect its historic home.
The Old Liquor Store opened last July in the former Terry’s Chocolate Factory off Bishopthorpe Road.
To mark the milestone, the restaurant is staging a “factory workers special event” on Thursday 27 June.
This will involve a six-course tasting menu “themed around classic British canteen food with a modern twist” – in a nod to the venue’s manufacturing heritage.
There’s more about the menu below.
Since opening following a £350,000 refurbishment project, the restaurant has garnered a 4.5 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor, with reviewers describing it as ‘superb’ and ‘amazing’.
The Italian-influenced restaurant, café, wine bar and deli, offers small plates and sharing platters as well as breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday roasts.
It is run by Ben Williams, who started his career in prison service hospitality on a graduate training scheme.
He acquired the Rose and Crown in Sutton-on-the-Forest at the age of 21, and transformed it into a fine dining gastro pub.
Ben said The Old Liquor Store was “more than two years in the making, but I’m thrilled with what we’ve achieved so far.
“It’s been an honour to bring back to life such an iconic building which lends itself perfectly to providing an inviting backdrop where people can relax and enjoy fine food.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming guests to our anniversary events where they will be able to experience a little bit of history and taste modernity here at the new Old Liquor Store.”
The ‘canteen menu’
To mark the anniversary, head chef Matt Leivers, has devised a series of nostalgic culinary delights which transform workers’ favourites into posh nosh. These include:
- “Pack up” – truffle cheddar and OLS pickle toastie, cider soused crab apple, cheese ‘n’ onion scratchings
- “Brew and biccie” – Earl Grey smoked duck consommé, liver parfait and sour cherry jammy dodger
- “Fish supper” – Brew York beer battered cod cheek with mushy peas, butter chicken curry sauce, salt and vinegar chips
- “Pie ‘n’ mash” – minced beef & barolo braised oxtail pie, caramelised onion gravy, brown butter mash
- “Terrys Chocolate Orange” – milk chocolate delice, Cointreau
- “Steamed sponge with pink custard” – Limoncello steamed sponge, Makins strawberry.
Tickets are £70 per person with an optional drinks pairing at another £30. The full menu with drinks pairing is available here.
Celebrated York pianist Karl Mullen will provide the music.
Plans are also afoot for a spectacular summer party on Saturday 20 July, which will likely feature a selection of great British BBQ staples as well as live entertainment.
There’s more on the restaurant website.