Family-Friendly Dining York: Come Together This Half-Term for a Delicious Seasonal Bite
The autumn half-term break 2024 is here, bringing the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with the family—and what better way to make the most of it than by enjoying a delicious meal together? Located along York’s scenic riverfront, we’re ready to welcome families of all ages for a memorable half-term treat. Our seasonal menus are designed with everyone in mind, offering rich autumnal flavours, comforting classics, and options that will delight even the pickiest eaters.
Whether you’re looking to sit back and catch up over a leisurely lunch or enjoy a cozy family dinner, our warm, inviting setting and thoughtfully crafted dishes make for an ideal half-term escape from the everyday.
Keep reading to discover our fab menu options perfect for your clan and head on over to our reservations page or use the quick book widget to secure your table today!
Big Flavours for Little Appetites: Our ‘Starlets’ Menu
At The Star Inn The City, we believe that good food should be enjoyed by all, regardless of age. That’s why we’ve crafted our tasty ‘Starlets’ menu, designed especially for children under 10. This fabulous selection of dishes is both delicious and nutritious, ensuring that even our youngest patrons experience the best of Yorkshire’s seasonal produce.
For starters, little ones can tuck into a range of yummy favourites including our Homemade Yorkshire Pudding with Root Vegetable Gravy, a scrumptious Yorkshire classic that’s sure to delight. Alternatively, our Oak-Smoked Salmon with Brown Bread, Butter & Lemon is a great way to introduce kids to the rich flavours of the sea.
When it comes to child-friendly mains, our Toad-In-The-Hole with Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy is always a hit with a vegetarian option available for our younger guests who prefer a meat-free meal. For those craving something a bit different, our Chicken Goujons with Skinny Fries, Green Peas or Salad offer a perfect balance of crispy and succulent.
And if they’ve been on their best behaviour (or even if they haven’t – we won’t tell!), our dessert options are sure to bring a smile. Our Lemonade Float with Strawberry Ice Cream is a refreshing treat, while the Chocolate Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream is a decadent delight that never fails to please.
To wash it all down, we offer a wide range of soft drinks that children will love, including a variety of fruit juices and classics like cola and lemonade on draft.
Autumn Delights for Adults
While our Starlets menu is sure to delight the kids, we haven’t forgotten about the grown-ups! Our incredible new Autumn a la carte menu is a true celebration of the season, showcasing the best of Yorkshire’s produce in a series of mouth-watering dishes.
To start, why not try our Smoked ‘Great Glen’ Venison Loin? Served with Yorkshire Blue, smoked almond, poached pear, and wild rocket salad, it’s a symphony of autumnal flavours that dance on the palate. For seafood lovers, our ‘Escabeche’ Of North Sea Mackerel is a must-try. The sweet ‘n’ sour vegetables and dill cultured cream perfectly complement the oily fish, while the bronze fennel and sourdough ‘wafer’ add texture and depth.
When it comes to mains, our Smoked Bacon & Sage Wrapped Yorkshire Pheasant Breast with Leg ‘Au Vin’, Button Onions, York Ham, King Oyster Mushroom, Smoked Pomme Purée is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for the autumn season. Our Marmite Glazed Ox Cheek accompanied by Hot Mustard Creamed Potatoes, Beef Fat Carrot, Pickled Red Onion, Toasted Yeast is a rich and indulgent treat, while our Autumn Root & Pearl Barley Risotto with Wilted Brassicas, Yorkshire Pecorino ‘Crackling’, Salted Cracked Hazelnut (VE option) is a creative and satisfying vegetarian option.
Be sure to leave room for one of our tempting puddings! With Halloween season in fully swing there’s never been a better time to try our Pumpkin ‘Pie’ with Torched Italian Meringue, Orange Sorbet and Candied Peel- a sweet and spicy delight. For those who prefer something a little more traditional, our Nutmeg Baked Custard featuring spiced apple compote, salted caramel ice cream, and a brandy snap is pure comfort in a bowl. The warm spices and rich custard are the epitome of autumn indulgence.
Midweek Market Menu: A Wallet-Friendly Treat
If you’re thinking of joining us midweek during half term, why not take advantage of our popular market menu? Available Monday to Thursday from 12pm-3pm and 5pm-6:30pm, and on Friday from 12-3pm, this wallet-friendly option offers two courses for £28 or three courses for £33. It’s the perfect way to enjoy our seasonal delights without breaking the bank.
While our market menu may change slightly to reflect the freshest available ingredients, you can expect dishes that showcase the very best of Yorkshire’s autumn bounty. For starters, you might find our Whipped Chicken Liver Parfait with caramelised onion jam and toasted sourdough. The silky-smooth parfait pairs beautifully with the sweet jam, creating a perfect balance of flavours.
Seafood lovers might be tempted by our South Indian Spiced Fishcake. Served with wilted greens, curried brown shrimp butter, and a soft poached hen’s egg, it’s a dish that combines the warmth of Indian spices with the delicate flavours of the sea.
For mains, our Brew York Beer Battered Fish Fritter is a crowd-pleaser. Served with beef fat chips, crushed peas, and house tartare sauce, it’s a elevated take on the classic fish and chips. The light, crispy batter perfectly complements the flaky fish, while the crushed peas add a touch of freshness.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more autumnal, our Outdoor Reared Pork & Wild Game Meatballs might be just the ticket. Served with a roasted vine tomato sauce, tarragon buttered tagliatelle, and shaved autumn truffle, it’s a dish that captures the essence of the season in every bite.
To finish, you might find our Yorkshire Sticky Parkin gracing the dessert section. This traditional ginger cake is given a modern twist with hot spiced syrup and caramelised pear ice cream. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly autumn day. For chocolate lovers, our 64% Valrhona Chocolate Brownie with strawberry cheesecake ice cream offers a decadent end to your meal.
Family-Friendly Fun in York
At The Star Inn The City, we’re not just passionate about serving up delicious seasonal food – we’re also dedicated to providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for families. Our spacious restaurant is designed to be comfortable and relaxed, with plenty of space for your loved ones to enjoy a meal together. Our friendly and attentive team are always on hand to help with any needs or requests, and we’re happy to accommodate families with young children, providing highchairs as needed.
But it’s not just about the restaurant itself – our location in the heart of York means that we’re just a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s most family-friendly attractions. This time of year is a particularly exciting time to visit York, with Halloween just around the corner. Why not combine a delicious meal at The Star Inn The City with a spooky visit to the famous York Dungeon? Alternatively, for a more leisurely activity, why not take a stroll along the picturesque River Ouse, which runs right past our restaurant? You can even hire a boat or hop on a cruise to enjoy a relaxing trip along the river.
Getting Here
Getting to The Star Inn The City is easy – we’re located just a short walk from York’s famous Lendal Bridge, and there are plenty of car parks nearby, including Marygate. We are also just a short walk from York station for families arriving by train. For more information on how to find us, please visit this page.