Our History

Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern, whose name is synonymous with the award-winning Star Inn at Harome, had long held the ambition of opening a restaurant in the centre of York.

Inspired by the incredible North Yorkshire produce and ingredients he grew up surrounded by and learned to cook with, Andrew’s mission was to bring York diners ‘a taste of the countryside in the city’ and in 2013 The Star Inn The City was born.

Over the last decade our elegant riverside restaurant, located in the Old Engine House on the edge of York’s Museum Gardens, has grown to become York’s ultimate food-led celebration destination. We’ve also proudly earned a reputation for serving the finest quality seasonal dishes accompanied by first-class Yorkshire hospitality.

In recognition of our outstanding food, and testament to the skill and passion of our team, The Star Inn The City has scooped several awards and accolades including a prestigious AA Rosette For Culinary Excellence.

The History of the Star Inn the City restaurant

Our History

Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern, whose name is synonymous with the award-winning Star Inn at Harome, had long held the ambition of opening a restaurant in the centre of York.

Inspired by the incredible North Yorkshire produce and ingredients he grew up surrounded by and learned to cook with, Andrew’s mission was to bring York diners ‘a taste of the countryside in the city’ and in 2013 The Star Inn The City was born.

Over the last decade our elegant riverside restaurant, located in the Old Engine House on the edge of York’s Museum Gardens, has grown to become York’s ultimate food-led celebration destination. We’ve also proudly earned a reputation for serving the finest quality seasonal dishes accompanied by first-class Yorkshire hospitality.

In recognition of our outstanding food, and testament to the skill and passion of our team, The Star Inn The City has scooped several awards and accolades including a prestigious AA Rosette For Culinary Excellence.

The History of the Star Inn the City restaurant

The home of the Star Inn the City restaurant

Our Home -The Old Engine House

Following an extensive search to find the perfect venue for Andrew’s new venture, the Whitby-born chef settled on The Old Engine House, one of York’s most unique buildings.

This incredible Grade II listed building was initially designed to house the waterworks pump engine, built by renowned civil engineer Joseph Smeaton in 1784. However, in recent years the building had become tired and neglected after it was vacated by the York Waterworks company.

In 2013 Andrew teamed up with local construction experts GEM with the aim of breathing new life into this sleepy, yet charming, old building. Andrew’s aim was to create a stylish and inviting 130-seater restaurant that would serve as a food-led celebration destination all year round.

Renovation work began in Spring 2013 and the project took just over six months to complete. The results were incredible. The weary façade was transformed into a cleverly designed glass-fronted extension that would offer guests incredible views of the River Ouse.

Our Home -The Old Engine House

Following an extensive search to find the perfect venue for Andrew’s new venture, the Whitby-born chef settled on The Old Engine House, one of York’s most unique buildings.

This incredible Grade II listed building was initially designed to house the waterworks pump engine, built by renowned civil engineer Joseph Smeaton in 1784. However, in recent years the building had become tired and neglected after it was vacated by the York Waterworks company.

In 2013 Andrew teamed up with local construction experts GEM with the aim of breathing new life into this sleepy, yet charming, old building. Andrew’s aim was to create a stylish and inviting 130-seater restaurant that would serve as a food-led celebration destination all year round.

Renovation work began in Spring 2013 and the project took just over six months to complete. The results were incredible. The weary façade was transformed into a cleverly designed glass-fronted extension that would offer guests incredible views of the River Ouse.

The home of the Star Inn the City restaurant

In keeping with the character and charm of York’s historical surroundings, and to emphasise Andrew’s commitment to sustainability, a ‘green roof’ was also installed. In recognition of the stunning transformation the renovation project won the ‘Lord Mayor’s Award’ at York Design Awards 2014.

Our Team

Chef Patron

Andrew Pern

Chef Patron

Andrew was born in Whitby and grew up close by on his parents’ farm in nearby Sleights. After developing his signature skills in local hotels and restaurants, aged just 21 Andrew was appointed Head Chef at the Milburn Arms.

A rising culinary star, and always championing seasonal, local ingredients, at 25 Andrew took ownership of The Star Inn at Harome and quickly transformed it into one of the first ever ‘Gastropubs’. In recognition of his tireless work and talent, The Star Inn at Harome went on to scoop a plethora of industry awards, including a coveted Michelin Star in 2002.

Over the past 25 years Andrew has continued to break expectations, writing two award-winning cookery books: ‘Black Pudding and Foie Gras’ and ‘Loose Birds and Game, the latter being Andrew’s game cookery bible.

Head Chef

Joshua Brimmell

Executive Chef

Josh started his catering career over 17 years ago. He worked at The Star Inn At Harome with Andrew Pern as Chef De Partie and worked his way up to Sous Chef within the year. He then left Harome for a year to expand his knowledge and learning at The French 4 AA rosette restaurant in Manchester. A year later he returned to Harome and within another year he became Head Chef. More recently Josh has been Head Chef at the 3 AA rosette Minster Mill in the Cotswolds gaining a Michelin recommendation and we are thrilled he has taken the position as Executive Chef working across both The Star Inn The City and York Minster Refectory.

Chef Patron

Andrew Pern

Chef Patron

Andrew was born in Whitby and grew up close by on his parents’ farm in nearby Sleights. After developing his signature skills in local hotels and restaurants, aged just 21 Andrew was appointed Head Chef at the Milburn Arms.

A rising culinary star, and always championing seasonal, local ingredients, at 25 Andrew took ownership of The Star Inn at Harome and quickly transformed it into one of the first ever ‘Gastropubs’. In recognition of his tireless work and talent, The Star Inn at Harome went on to scoop a plethora of industry awards, including a coveted Michelin Star in 2002.

Over the past 25 years Andrew has continued to break expectations, writing two award-winning cookery books: ‘Black Pudding and Foie Gras’ and ‘Loose Birds and Game, the latter being Andrew’s game cookery bible.

Head Chef

Joshua Brimmell

Executive Chef

Josh started his catering career over 17 years ago. He worked at The Star Inn At Harome with Andrew Pern as Chef De Partie and worked his way up to Sous Chef within the year. He then left Harome for a year to expand his knowledge and learning at The French 4 AA rosette restaurant in Manchester. A year later he returned to Harome and within another year he became Head Chef. More recently Josh has been Head Chef at the 3 AA rosette Minster Mill in the Cotswolds gaining a Michelin recommendation and we are thrilled he has taken the position as Executive Chef working across both The Star Inn The City and York Minster Refectory.

The Star Inn The City – a food-led celebration destination