The Grand, York’s five-star hotel, was once the headquarters of the North Eastern Railway, and its mighty façade is a true city landmark. Originally built in 1906, you can appreciate the Edwardian detail gloriously restored in the design and architecture at the hotel.
What the hotel does best is classical grandeur, the great hotel experience with all the embellishments, and it does this perfectly. There are 207 deluxe, comfortable rooms and suites with sky-high ceilings – try a heritage suite – intricate, long winding corridors leading to the airy modern restaurant Rise, and the super health suite – be sure to get to the steam room and glassy pool.
Make sure to try the sumptuous eight-course tasting menu extravaganza at Legacy, it’s one for a special event. The restaurant helmed by head chef Ahmed Abdalla is an exciting addition to the restaurant scene, with innovative, forward-thinking dishes created with Yorkshire’s finest local ingredients. Legacy’s smart design pays homage to its roots: York’s visionary engineers and architects.
Rise is the hotel’s main (AA Rosette awarded) bistro: a bountiful breakfast is also served here with keen and friendly service. Focusing on modern British dishes, standouts include the pan-fried duck breast and the super Grand burgers. Try the newly launched afternoon tea at the hotel, including a children’s afternoon tea – there is a solid savoury/sweet ratio including ham and cheese sandwiches (star-shaped, because they taste better), mini magnums and cake pops for the kids; and salmon brioches, coronation chicken, warm scones laden with jam and clotted cream – and a prolific range of teas, including sparkling teas from Denmark.
The level of service at the hotel is a true selling point and nothing is ever too much trouble. If you need local tips, just chat with the friendly and fun hotel doormen – they are true experts on the city and many have been at the hotel for years.
Address: The Grand, Station Rise, York YO1 6GD
