Chef Andrew Pern’s ecclesiastical-style fine-dining restaurant occupies one of the best locations in York, right opposite the Minster – in warm weather, gaze at it on the vast, sunny terrace. Go posh or casual with the tasting, à la carte and market-style menus (the latter features boards piled high with Ploughman’s or seafood). Alternatively, you can pull up a pew and enjoy dessert (if the menu allows, I’d recommend the rhubarb posset) with a glass of La Segreta grillo at a very reasonable price.

Andrew Pern, longtime owner of the acclaimed Star Inn at Harome, is the mastermind behind this superbly set restaurant, which was opened amid popping flashbulbs in April 2023 by King Charles III (as he’d shortly become) and then Queen-in-waiting Camilla. While the rangy outdoor terrace is an undoubted draw – offering the best views of the Minster in town – the inside (a former 1830s school turned upscale dining room) is also a delightful location in which to sample the old-fashioned British-style cooking, within reach of mortals thanks to regular deals including the current two-course Sunday lunch for £30 (or three courses for £35). Given the venue’s obvious tourist appeal and the glut of reports it spawned after opening, there was mystifyingly little feedback from reporters this year, but what there was remained positive.

Renowned Yorkshire chef Andrew Pern runs two attractive York venues: The Star Inn the City on the River Ouse, and the Refectory, located in a former school by York Minster. Whether drinking in the view from the terrace, grabbing a takeaway sandwich or lingering over elevated plates in the restaurant, it is a class act. Befitting Andrew’s fine-dining heritage, broadly Anglo-French dishes (say, a torched mackerel niçoise, or housecured pork belly bacon with celeriac fondant, confit egg yolk and smoked apple) are full of clever details.

Opened by the King in 2023, Pern’s second York restaurant, York Minster Refectory, is an elegant brasserie that dishes out mod-British plates in a preppy setting, the building is Grade-II listed and was formerly York Minster School, built in 1833. The dining room used to be the Minster Choir rehearsal room, and you can spy little musical details as you dine. On arrival, the pretty school building and outside gardens are a gift; look over the road to see the far-reaching, blonde spires of York’s crown jewel – York Minster.

The newest venture from The Star Inn at Harome/The City’s Andrew Pern and executive head chef Joshua Brimmell, the duo has brought exceptional British dining to the grade II listed former York Minster School – honouring the building’s history with unique touches throughout that showcase the school’s heritage. And while that’s certainly a great touch for those who appreciate history and architecture, the food here is simply sensational. And both together are reasons why it’s a great addition to York restaurants’ scene.

Nestled within the historic York Minster precincts, The Refectory is a dining destination that combines stunning views with delicious seasonal cuisine. The restaurant’s location within the precincts means that it offers guests a unique and historical atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a memorable dining experience. The Refectory’s seasonal menus feature locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that the dishes are not only delicious but also sustainable.

What once housed the York Minster School in 1903, the refectory now houses one of York’s most historic and picturesque eateries. Not forgetting one of the best Sunday lunches in York!. They keep their Sunday lunches simple, with a Roast Sirloin of Beef served with Duck Fat Roast Potatoes, pot roast carrots and parsnips along with plenty of greens, cauliflower cheese and lashings of pan gravy.

Andrew Pern (the Star Inn at Harome, et al) has the knack of securing the most superior locations for his restaurants. His latest acquisition, in the former York Minster choir school, is a stunning Gothic listed building within th… Read more. Andrew Pern (the Star Inn at Harome, et al) has the knack of securing the most superior locations for his restaurants.

This British restaurant by Andrew Pern is housed inside a grade II-listed building that was once York Minster school. It's open all day and menus change with the seasons - often featuring a retro twist. Think pheasant with a ‘fruit n nut’ sausage roll, and a liquorice and forest fruit arctic roll.

The grade 2 listed former York Minster School built in the 1830’s with unique views of York Minster. Now a brasserie style restaurant serving up all day refreshments and modern British dishes using local produce and suppliers from in and around Yorkshire. Breakfast on Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

York Minster Refectory is in an incredible location with fantastic views of York Minster. They serve breakfast, have an all day menu as well as light bites. We visited for lunch and it was excellent as you would expect from a restaurant run by Andrew Pern and his team.

This brasserie-style restaurant serves “modern British dishes, offering dine in and takeaway options”. One OpenTable reviewer shared: “Had Sunday lunch, delicious, followed by chocolate and caramel tart which again tasted delicious. Staff and service excellent.

Chef patron Andrew Pern has bagged another prime location in the shadow of York Minster with his new Refectory. A unique spot for snacks and outdoor dining on the large terrace.