Celebrate Your January Graduation in Style at The Star Inn The City

This January, the University of York’s graduation ceremonies return, providing the perfect opportunity to celebrate one of life’s major milestones. After the caps and gowns are donned and the diplomas are in hand, why not continue the festivities with a meal to remember at The Star Inn The City? With over a decade of experience hosting graduation events, we’ve become York’s go-to destination for food-led celebrations, offering the ideal setting to toast your achievements with family and friends.

Our range of exceptional dining options are crafted to bring everyone together, offering the perfect setting to share great food, laughter, and memories with loved ones. From intimate meals to larger gatherings, we’ll help you create a celebration worthy of your achievements!

Celebrate Graduation with Our Dining Options

From special group menus to our renowned Sunday lunch, we offer an array of dining experiences to suit every celebration style. Our dedicated team understands that graduation day calls for something extra special, which is why the following menu options to cater to every preference and party size.

Group Dining Menu

Our popular group dining menu, expertly prepared by our talented chefs, showcases the finest ingredients from God’s own Country. Perfect for parties of six or more, this sophisticated dining experience includes three courses complemented by a celebratory glass of fizz on arrival – because what’s a graduation without a bit of sparkle?

The menu begins with a selection of succulent starters packed full of the best winter flavours and ingredients. Think warming soups, locally-sourced charcuterie, and innovative vegetarian options that showcase the best of the season.

For the main course, expect a tantalising array of options. From tasty game sourced from Yorkshire’s rolling hills to fresh fish from the North Sea, our chefs craft dishes that are both comforting and refined. We also offer delicious vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring there’s something for all members of your party.

Finally, we’re incredibly proud of our divine puddings, and our group menu dessert selection won’t disappoint! From delicious seasonal fruit-inspired creations to indulgent choices for chocolate aficionados, plus a carefully curated selection of local and international cheeses for those who prefer a savoury finish, there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth. Please note that group dining choices must be pre-booked – contact us directly or check our website for the latest menu options.

A La Carte Excellence

For smaller groups or those who want to explore our full culinary repertoire, our A La Carte menu presents an outstanding selection of dishes that change with the seasons. Currently, our winter offerings showcase the finest ingredients from Yorkshire’s coast, fields, and forest floor.

Our impressive selection of starters promise to set the right tone for your graduation feast, with options like a succulent piece of Organic Oak Smoked Salmon complemented by Little Whitby Crab & Tartare Potato Salad, Shoreline Vegetables and a zesty Lemon & ‘Caviar’ Dressing. For those preferring a vegetarian option, our Bubble ‘n’ Squeak Croquettes with Braised Chestnut ‘Cream’, Port Poached Pear, Yorkshire Blue, and Bitter Leaves offer a delightful twist on classic flavours.

When it comes to main courses, prepare for dishes that will steal the spotlight. Our Brew York Beer Battered Fish Fritter with Crushed Garden Peas, Chip Shop Curry Velouté, and Salt ‘n’ Vinegar Potato Scraps is a sophisticated nod to a British classic. For those craving poultry, our Roast Breast Of Yorkshire Wold’s Chicken with Sage ‘n’ Onion Pan Haggerty, Cauliflower ‘Aligot’, Pancetta Roasted Sprouts, and Poultry Juices is a comforting yet elegant choice.

For a truly graduation-worthy main, our Chargrilled 10oz Sirloin Steak comes with a red wine pickled onion & Yorkshire Blue salad, skin-on skinny fries, and your choice of sauces – because you’ve earned something special.

Completing your meal, our winter dessert selection provides the perfect finale to your celebration. Our Mulled Pear & Winter Berry Crumble, served with fruit ‘n’ nut granola and cinnamon custard, offers pure comfort in a bowl. For chocolate lovers, our Dark Chocolate & Orange Baked Custard with brownie bites, Rocky Road ice cream, and candied clementine provides an indulgent end.

Family-Friendly Celebrations

At The Star Inn The City, we understand that graduation is a family affair, and we’re delighted to welcome graduates of all ages and their loved ones. Our thoughtfully designed ‘Startlets’ menu ensures younger diners can join in the celebrations with their own special dining experience.

We’ve created a selection of dishes that maintain our commitment to quality while appealing to younger tastes, featuring both classic favourites and creative options that make healthy eating enjoyable. Whether you have toddlers or pre-teens joining your celebration, our kitchen team can accommodate various dietary requirements, and our friendly staff are always happy to discuss any specific needs. The full children’s menu is available to view here.

Sunday Celebrations in Style

If your graduation plans bring you together on a Sunday, you’re in for a real treat. Between 12-4pm, you can experience our legendary Sunday lunch service, which has earned its place among the country’s finest. The star of the show is our exceptional roast – a celebration of Yorkshire’s finest produce that’s worthy of your academic achievements. Succulent meat, perfectly crisp roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings that rise to the occasion (just like you have), and seasonal vegetables create a plate that’s truly deserving of its award-winning status.

For those seeking alternatives, we offer an impressive selection of fish and vegetarian mains that maintain the same high standards as our renowned roast. And because no celebration is complete without something sweet, our Sunday dessert choices feature an array of tempting puddings and a carefully curated cheese selection.

Toast Your Achievement: Our Drinks Menu

Your graduation celebration is set to include plenty of toasts, which is why you’ll need a tasty tipple to hand! Fortunately, our extensive drinks list offers a range of superb offerings to suit every taste. Our expert sommeliers have carefully curated a wine list featuring exceptional vintages from around the world, each selected to complement your meal perfectly. For beer lovers, we offer a selection of premium drafts alongside locally crafted brews that showcase Yorkshire’s excellent brewing heritage. If cocktails are your preference, our menu includes both classic favourites and creative new blends, ideal for adding a festive touch to your celebration. And for those truly special moments, we proudly serve an outstanding range of champagnes, including celebrated bottles from Palmer & Co, Billecart-Salmon, and Taittinger Comtes—the perfect way to mark your academic success.

Private Dining: Exclusively Yours

If you’re planning a more intimate graduation celebration, our private dining spaces offer the perfect setting for an exclusive gathering with family and friends. Options include our stunning River Room which provides an elegant environment overlooking the charming River Ouse, accommodating up to 14 guests on one round table or up to 26 on two tables with exclusive use. Please note that access to the River Room requires guests to navigate two steps.

For larger celebrations, our Mezzanine Dining Room offers a sophisticated space that can be exclusively yours from Sunday evenings through Friday. This versatile area comfortably seats up to 36 guests across two long tables or four smaller tables, or 20 people on one impressive long table. The room’s design creates an atmosphere that’s both grand and welcoming, perfect for those milestone moments that deserve to be honoured in spectacular fashion.

For detailed information about booking your private dining graduation celebration, including spend requirements, please visit our private dining page or speak with our friendly team who will be delighted to help create your perfect celebration.

How to Book

With graduation ceremonies in York fast approaching, we recommend securing your table as soon as possible to avoid disappointment, particularly for dates close to the ceremonies. Making a reservation is simple – visit our website’s reservation page to book online, or call our friendly team directly who will be happy to discuss your requirements today.