Christmas Shopping in York? Enjoy a Seasonal Bite at The Star Inn The City

York is brimming with festive charm this December, making it the perfect time to explore the city’s vibrant shops and enjoy the season’s magic. Whether you’re diving into a day of Christmas shopping or simply picking up a few gifts, The Star Inn The City is the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy a delicious meal.

Situated along the picturesque River Ouse, our award-winning restaurant offers a cosy escape from the busy streets. Here, you can treat yourself to dishes crafted with the finest seasonal Yorkshire ingredients, all served in a welcoming, festive setting.

From hearty breakfasts to set you up for the day, to warming lunches and indulgent dinners to round off your shopping trip, we’re here to make your visit to York extra special this season. Keep reading to discover the city’s top shopping destinations and see what seasonal delights we have on offer this Christmas 2024!

Christmas Shopping in York

Before we delve into the wonderful food offerings at our award-winning brasserie, let’s explore York’s finest shopping destinations. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to our historic city or a local looking to uncover new gems for that perfect gift, York offers an exceptional variety of shopping experiences. From high-street favourites to independent boutiques, and from traditional markets to designer outlets, here’s some of our favourites:

Coppergate Shopping Centre

At the heart of York’s shopping district, Coppergate Shopping Centre provides an excellent mix of retail therapy options. The centre is anchored by Fenwick department store, where you’ll find luxury beauty brands, designer fashion, and an exceptional food hall perfect for festive hamper items. The centre also houses popular retailers like Warren James and Flying Tiger, alongside speciality shops including the famous Jorvik Viking Centre shop – ideal for unique historical gifts that can’t be found anywhere else.

Parliament Street & Surrounding Areas

The historic Parliament Street forms the bustling core of York’s shopping experience. Here you’ll find major retailers including Marks & Spencer, whilst Zara, and The White Company can be found on the connecting streets, offering even more shopping delights. Stonegate and Blake Street are also home to an array of specialist boutiques, independent jewellers, and artisan chocolatiers like York Cocoa House. These characterful streets, with their medieval architecture, provide a magical backdrop for Christmas shopping, with stores offering everything from luxury fashion to handcrafted local goods.

Shambles Market & York Christmas Market

The medieval Shambles, voted Britain’s most picturesque street, and its surrounding market area transform into an enchanting Christmas shopping destination during the festive season. The famous York Christmas Market features traditional wooden chalets where local artisans and traders showcase their wares. Here you’ll find everything from handcrafted jewellery and Yorkshire-made spirits to artisan foods and unique decorations. The market’s atmospheric setting, complete with twinkling lights and the aroma of mulled wine, creates the perfect festive shopping experience.

York Designer Outlet

Just a short drive from the city centre, York Designer Outlet offers an impressive collection of over 120 designer and high street brands at attractive prices. Find significant savings on premium brands including Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Ted Baker, and Hugo Boss. The outlet’s convenient location and ample parking make it easy to combine designer shopping with a visit to The Star Inn The City, whether you’re joining us for breakfast before your shopping trip or celebrating your purchases with dinner by the river.

Seasonal Dining at The Star Inn The City

After a day of exploring York’s charming streets and discovering the perfect gifts, it’s time to indulge in the city’s culinary delights. At The Star Inn The City, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional dining experiences throughout the week, with menus that celebrate Yorkshire’s finest seasonal ingredients.

Breakfast: Fuel Your Shopping Adventure

Start your Christmas shopping expedition with York’s finest breakfast, served Friday- Sunday (9am-11am Last Orders). Our breakfast menu celebrates Yorkshire’s exceptional produce and provides the perfect foundation for a day of retail therapy.

Start your morning with our Baker’s Basket, offering freshly baked croissants and artisan toast served with whipped butter and seasonal preserves. For something warm and indulgent, try our Almond & Vanilla Porridge, topped with boozy prunes, praline, and dark chocolate – a luxurious take on a classic brekkie favourite.

The star of our breakfast menu is The Full Yorkshire, showcasing the region’s finest ingredients. Savour locally-sourced sausages, crispy bacon, free-range eggs and more, all cooked to perfection. Vegetarians can enjoy our equally impressive Full Veggie, packed with flavourful meat-free alternatives. For those seeking a classic with a twist, our Eggs Benedict or Royale deliver perfectly poached eggs with rich hollandaise sauce. Our ‘Yorkshire Mess’ Pancakes offer a sweet alternative, featuring American-style pancakes topped with seasonal berry compote, smashed meringue, and vanilla Chantilly.

Complement your breakfast with our exceptional CLO coffee or Taylors of Harrogate tea. For those embracing the festive spirit quite literally, our breakfast cocktails, including Bucks Fizz and Bloody Mary, add a touch of celebration to your AM bite.

Lunch: A Riverside Respite

When the shopping bags get heavy and you need a moment to recharge, our seasonal a la carte menu offers the perfect excuse to pause and indulge. With the River Ouse as your backdrop, enjoy creative dishes that celebrate winter’s finest ingredients.

To start, why not try some of our tasty nibbles, such as our Muscade pumpkin and Old Winchester croustades with caramelised onion ‘jam’ and toasted seeds, or our Gamekeeper’s haggis bon bons with green peppercorn and tarragon sauce, and root vegetable crisps? Our other dishes are equally impressive, with a range of delicious options ideal for lunchtime. Our starters are designed to tempt your taste buds, with comforting dishes such as a bowl of our Caramelised Celeriac & Fino Sherry Soup with panettone croutons and wholegrain mustard cream. For your main course, opt for one of our expertly prepared plates, such as our Oven Baked North Sea Coley with sage ‘n’ onion creamed potatoes, chestnut braised sprouts, and aged Madeira velouté, or our Autumn Root & Pearl Barley Risotto with wilted brassicas, Yorkshire pecorino ‘crackling’, and salted cracked hazelnuts, a vegetarian option that’s sure to delight.

Dinner: An Evening Indulgence

As the city’s Christmas lights twinkle and the winter evening settles in, join us for an unforgettable dinner to round off your festive shopping day. Whether you’re celebrating with family or catching up with friends, our refined a la carte menu once again offers the perfect way to indulge this season.

Commence your evening with elegant starters like our Pan-Fried King Scallops, served with ‘Risotto Nero’, squid ink, pickled red chilli, and a lemon and soft herb crumb. For the main course, relish our succulent Chargrilled 10oz Sirloin Steak, complemented by a red wine pickled onion and Yorkshire Blue salad, or try the Eight-Hour Braised Ox Cheek, paired with a velvety winter truffle potato purée and charred confit shallot.

Finish on a sweet note with one of our divine winter desserts, such as the Mulled Pear & Winter Berry Crumble with fruit and nut granola and cinnamon custard, or the decadent Dark Chocolate & Orange Baked Custard, served with brownie bites and rocky road ice cream.

To elevate your meal, each dish is paired with a recommended wine from our expertly curated list. Alternatively, and for a touch of Christmas sparkle, you might opt for an accompanying glass of prosecco or champagne to toast the season in style.

Sunday Lunch: Comfort, Flavour, and Warmth

If you’re braving the bustling Sunday shopping crowds, take a well-earned break and join us between 12–4pm for our renowned Sunday Lunch. Our award-winning roasts, celebrated nationally, feature tender, expertly cooked meats, golden crispy Yorkshire puddings, and an array of perfectly prepared traditional trimmings.

Beyond our roasts, we also serve standout fish dishes and imaginative vegetarian options, so there’s something to delight every palate. We all suggest pairing your meal with one of our carefully selected wines or enjoy a locally brewed ale for a true taste of Yorkshire.

Round off your leisurely lunch with a decadent dessert – perhaps a rich chocolate orange pudding or a zesty lemon cheesecake? Alternatively, indulge in a handpicked selection of fine Yorkshire and international cheeses, served with artisan accompaniments, for the perfect finish to a relaxed Sunday meal.

Reserve Your Table Now

The festive season in York is a popular time, so we recommend booking your table in advance to guarantee your spot. Visit our reservations page to access our OpenTable booking system and secure your table for a memorable dining experience.