Family-Friendly Dining in York: The Star Inn The City’s School Holiday Menu Guide

The school holidays are here, and what better way to spend quality time with your loved ones than with a delicious meal at The Star Inn The City? Nestled in the heart of York, on the banks of the River Ouse, we offer a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere perfect for families of all sizes. We’re passionate about serving up the finest seasonal dishes, all made with locally sourced produce, and we’re committed to creating a dining experience that everyone can enjoy!

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed lunch or a special occasion dinner, here’s a quick glimpse of what’s on offer this summer holiday period at our award-winning riverside restaurant!

The ‘Starlets’ Menu: Delighting Young Diners

For our youngest guests, we’ve crafted a special ‘Starlets’ menu that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. We understand that children’s tastes can be particular, which is why we’ve put extra thought and care into creating dishes that are both nutritious and appealing to young palates. Our ‘Starlets’ menu offers a range of starters, mains, and desserts that are sure to bring smiles to little faces.

To begin their culinary journey, children can choose from delightful starters such as our Homemade Yorkshire Pudding with Root Vegetable Gravy. This miniature version of the classic Yorkshire favourite is the perfect way to introduce young ones to traditional local cuisine. For those with a more adventurous palate, we offer Oak-Smoked Salmon with Brown Bread, Butter & Lemon, a sophisticated yet child-friendly option that introduces them to the delicate flavours of smoked fish.

Moving on to main courses, our Chicken Goujons with Skinny Fries, Green Peas or Salad is always a hit. These crispy, golden strips of chicken are sure to satisfy, and with the choice of sides, children can customise their meal to their liking. For the pasta lovers, our Baked Macaroni with Wensleydale Cheese & Herb Crust is a comforting dish that elevates the classic mac and cheese with the addition of local Wensleydale and a crispy herb topping.

If the little ones have been on their best behaviour (and even if they haven’t – we won’t tell!), they’ll be thrilled with our dessert offerings. Our Lemonade Float with Strawberry Ice Cream is a refreshing treat that combines the fizzy fun of lemonade with the sweet creaminess of strawberry ice cream. For chocolate enthusiasts, the Chocolate Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream is an indulgent end to the meal, featuring a rich, gooey brownie paired with smooth vanilla ice cream.

We understand that some children may have special dietary requirements, and we’re more than happy to accommodate these needs. Our kitchen team is experienced in adapting dishes for various allergies and intolerances, so please don’t hesitate to inform us of any specific requirements when booking. To accompany their meals, we offer a range of soft drinks and juices to keep the young ones refreshed and happy throughout their dining experience.

A La Carte Excellence: A Feast for Grown-ups

For the grown-ups and older children in your party, our A La Carte menu offers a sophisticated dining experience that showcases the very best of Yorkshire’s seasonal produce. Under the guidance of our Michelin-starred chef patron Andrew Pern, our skilled kitchen team crafts dishes that are both visually stunning and bursting with flavour. Each plate on our A La Carte menu is a celebration of local ingredients, expertly prepared to highlight their natural qualities.

To start your culinary journey, you might consider our Yorkshire Wold’s Chicken with Apricot & Pancetta Terrine. This elegant dish combines the delicate flavour of locally reared chicken with the sweetness of apricot and the salty depth of pancetta. Served alongside a Heritage Carrot & Apricot Chutney, Sweet ‘n’ Sour Summer Vegetables, and a Short Stack Farm Herb Salad, this starter is a perfect balance of flavours and textures that showcases the bounty of Yorkshire’s produce.

For seafood lovers, our Pan Roast King Scallops are a true delight. These plump, succulent scallops are perfectly seared and served atop a bed of Aged Madeira Creamed ‘Orzotto’, a luxurious twist on traditional risotto. The dish is further enhanced with Pickled Walnuts, crumbles of Yorkshire Blue cheese, our house-made Black Pudding, and a sprinkle of Soft Herb ‘Pangrattato’ for added texture and flavour.

Moving on to main courses, our Roast Rump of Yorkshire Lamb is a testament to the quality of local meat. The tender, perfectly cooked rump is accompanied by a Pulled Shoulder Croquette, adding a delightful contrast in texture. The dish is completed with ‘French Style Peas’, studded with Yorke Ham Lardons, and a vibrant Garden Mint Sauce that cuts through the richness of the lamb.

For those who prefer fish, our BBQ Glazed Monkfish Tail ‘On the Bone’ is a showstopper. The meaty monkfish is given a smoky, sweet glaze and served with a silky Smoked Aubergine Purée. Preserved Lemon & Anchovy Dressed Tender Stem adds a zesty, salty note, while Salt ‘N’ Vinegar Onion Rings provide a satisfying crunch.

We haven’t forgotten our vegetarian and vegan diners either! Our Oven Baked Courgettes with Spiced Peanut & Coconut Sauce is a flavourful and satisfying option. The tender courgettes are complemented by Charred Spring Onions, Black Garlic, Roasted Peanuts, and Coriander Seedlings, creating a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

No meal is complete without dessert, and our A La Carte menu offers some truly indulgent options. The Black Sheep Ale Sticky Toffee Pudding is a local favourite, featuring a rich, moist pudding infused with Black Sheep Ale. It’s served with Hazelnut Brittle for crunch, a decadent Miso Caramel Sauce, and Clotted Cream Ice Cream for a luxurious finish.

For those who prefer fruity desserts, our Passion Fruit Curd Cheesecake is a tropical delight. The tangy passion fruit curd sits atop a creamy cheesecake with a crunchy ‘Hobnob’ Biscuit base. Toasted Coconut adds texture, while Whitby Rum ‘Sunshine Fruits’ bring a boozy kick. The dish is completed with a refreshing Mango Yoghurt Ice Cream.

To complement your meal, our sommeliers have carefully curated a wine list that pairs perfectly with each dish, enhancing the flavours and elevating your dining experience. If wine isn’t to your taste, we offer a range of local beers and ales, premium spirits, and speciality cocktails. Our extensive drinks menu ensures there’s something to suit every palate and preference.

Sunday Lunch: A Family Tradition Reimagined

For many families, Sunday Lunch is a cherished tradition, and at The Star Inn The City, we take this classic meal to new heights. Our Sunday Lunch menu is the perfect way to gather the family and enjoy quality time over a delicious, hearty meal. We can’t wait to welcome you and your loved ones to experience our take on this British institution!

The star of our Sunday Lunch menu is undoubtedly our signature Sunday Roast, which has been voted one of the best in the country. You have the choice of three succulent meats: Roast Loin of Escrick Reared Pork with Crackling, Roast Sirloin of Salt-Aged Beef, or Rosemary Roasted Breast of Yorkshire Wolds Chicken. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a plate of pure comfort and indulgence.

Each roast is served with all the trimmings you’d expect from a top-notch Sunday lunch. Our Duck Fat Roasties are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside – the perfect vehicle or soaking up our rich, flavoursome Proper Gravy. Buttered Seasonal Greens provide a fresh, vibrant contrast, while our Carrot, Swede & Horseradish Stump adds a warming, earthy element to the plate. And of course, no Yorkshire Sunday roast would be complete without a giant, crispy-yet-fluffy Yorkshire Pudding crowning the dish.

We understand that not everyone in the family might be in the mood for a traditional roast, which is why our Sunday Lunch menu also features a range of other tantalising options. From mouthwatering fish dishes that showcase the best of the local catch to innovative vegetarian plates that prove meat-free doesn’t mean flavour-free, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

To round off your Sunday Lunch experience, we offer a selection of divine desserts that are sure to end your meal on a sweet note. From classic British puddings given a modern twist to lighter, fruit-based options perfect for summer, our dessert menu is designed to tempt even the fullest of diners. And for those who prefer a savoury end to their meal, our tempting cheese board features a carefully curated selection of local and artisanal cheeses, served with all the traditional accompaniments.

Book Now

If you’d like to join us alongside you’re family during the school holidays, don’t wait! Book your table now and let The Star Inn The City be the backdrop for your next family adventure.

To make a reservation please click here and we look forward to welcoming you very soon!