A Summer Adventure: York River Cruises & Delectable Dining at The Star Inn The City
As the warm summer breeze sweeps through the historic streets of York, there’s no better time to set sail on a delightful river cruise along the picturesque River Ouse. And what could be more perfect than pairing this enchanting experience with a sumptuous meal at The Star Inn The City? Perched on the riverbank, right next to Lendal Bridge – the departure point for many of York’s river cruise operators – our restaurant offers the ideal location for a pre or post-cruise bite.
York’s Finest Waterfront Dining Destination
The Star Inn The City is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary destination that perfectly complements your York river cruise adventure. Our prime location means you can seamlessly transition from a delightful meal to an exciting river journey, or vice versa. As you plan your summer itinerary in York, let us tempt you with our seasonal offerings that are sure to tantalise your taste buds and elevate your river cruise experience.
Breakfast: The Perfect Start to Your Cruise Day
If you’re boarding a weekend morning river cruise, why not start your day with a mouthwatering breakfast at The Star Inn The City? Our breakfast menu is a celebration of Yorkshire’s finest produce, offering a range of options to suit every palate.
Beging your morning feast by indulging in one of our tempting breakfast starters. Our Baker’s Basket is a delightful assortment of toast and home-baked croissants, served with whipped butter and seasonal preserves – a perfect light option to kickstart your day. For those seeking a heartier start, our Almond & Vanilla Porridge with Boozy Prunes and Praline & Dark Chocolate offers a luxurious twist on a classic breakfast dish.
Moving on to our breakfast ‘Main’ Events, the star of the show is undoubtedly our ‘Full Yorkshire’ Breakfast. This hearty plate comprises award-winning sausage, smoked back bacon, our own spiced black pudding, field mushroom, grilled tomato, fried bread, and a brace of eggs. It’s the ideal fuel for a day of adventure on the Ouse. We also offer a vegetarian version for those who prefer plant-based options.
For a more refined breakfast experience, try our Eggs Benedict or Royale. Choose between smoked back bacon or smoked salmon, topped with a brace of poached eggs on a toasted English breakfast muffin, drizzled with hollandaise sauce, and garnished with a short stack farm herb ‘salad’. It’s a harmonious blend of flavours that will set your taste buds dancing.
If you have a sweet tooth, our ‘Yorkshire Mess’ Pancakes are not to be missed. This moreish dish features an American-style pancake stack adorned with seasonal berry compote, smashed meringue, and vanilla Chantilly – a delightful twist on the classic Eton Mess.
To accompany your breakfast, we offer a selection of rich and tasty CLO coffee and a variety of Taylors of Harrogate Tea. For those looking to start their river cruise in style, why not try one of our delicious Brunch Cocktails? A sparkling Bucks Fizz or a zesty Bloody Mary could be just the ticket to set the mood for your aquatic adventure.
Summer A La Carte: A Taste of God’s Own Country
If your river cruise is scheduled for later in the day, our summer A La Carte menu is available throughout the week and weekends (except during our Sunday Lunch service). This menu showcases dishes that evoke the essence of summer, masterfully prepared by our kitchen team using ingredients sourced from God’s Own Country.
Begin your culinary voyage with one of our exquisite starters. Our Hot Smoked Organic Scottish Salmon & Horseradish Mousse is a refreshing option, served with cucumber & red pepper relish, baby watercress, and rye toasts. For those who prefer game, our North Yorkshire Wood Pigeon ‘Kyiv’ is a must-try. This innovative dish features roast garlic & tarragon butter, bitter leaves, quail egg, and is complemented by 10-year-old tawny port drunk’n sultanas.
Our main courses are equally enticing. The Maple Glazed Yorkshire Duck Leg is a celebration of local flavours, served with Lishman’s of Ilkley chorizo & Jersey Royal ‘hash’, fried duck egg, Brew York beer pickled onions, and poultry crackling. It’s a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savoury flavours. For a unique take on a classic, try our Treacle Glazed Ox Cheek Caesar Salad. This hearty dish features English gem lettuce, beef fat croutons, smoky bacon ‘sprinkles’, anchovy & garlic dressing, aged Parmesan crackling, and crispy beef fat potatoes.
No meal is complete without a divine pud, and our summer offerings are sure to delight. The ‘Apricot Melba’ is our homage to the classic dessert, featuring baked vanilla custard, English sparkling wine & apricot compote, torched marzipan, and raspberry sorbet. For something a bit more indulgent, our Passion Fruit Curd Cheesecake with ‘Hobnob’ biscuit base, toasted coconut, Whitby rum ‘sunshine fruits’, and mango yoghurt ice cream is a tropical dream come true.
Drinks to Complement Your Meal & Cruise
To accompany your mouthwatering meal, why not enjoy a refreshing tipple from our extensive drinks list? Perfect for sipping before or after you set sail, our selection has been carefully curated to enhance your dining experience.
Our sommeliers have handpicked some of the finest wines from around the world, each chosen to complement and enhance the flavours found in our menu dishes. Whether you prefer a crisp white to pair with our seafood dishes or a robust red to accompany our meat options, we have the perfect wine to suit your palate.
For those who prefer cocktails, our speciality drinks menu offers a range of refreshing options perfect for a sunny day by the river. From classic mojitos to innovative creations using local ingredients, there’s something to suit every taste.
We also proudly serve a selection of local beers and ales, as well as spirits including the renowned York Gin. If you’re embarking on a river cruise to celebrate a special occasion, why not make it extra special with a bottle of bubbly? Our exquisite range of premium champagne and prosecco is sure to add a touch of sparkle to your day.
York River Cruises: Your Questions Answered
Where do York River Cruises Depart?
One of the most popular departure spots for York River Cruises is right by Lendal Bridge, which is also where you’ll find The Star Inn The City. This convenient location is just a short stroll from York train station and many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, making it easy to incorporate a river cruise and a meal at our restaurant into your York itinerary.
What can I see on a York River Cruise?
A York River Cruise offers a unique perspective on this historic city. Along the cruise, you’ll spot many famous landmarks, including the breath-taking gothic beauty of York Minster, Clifford’s Tower (one of the only fortifications left of the castle that oversaw York after 1066), the many bridges that cross the Ouse, the serene Museum Gardens, and the medieval Guildhall. The cruise also provides a chance to see York’s beautiful riverside scenery and wildlife, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets.
How do I book a York River Cruise?
Booking a York River Cruise is easy and can be done through several operators. Some of the most popular include City Cruises York, York City Cruises, and YorkBoat. These companies offer a variety of cruise options, from daytime sightseeing tours to evening cruises. Most allow online booking through their websites, or you can purchase tickets at their kiosks near the departure points.
Booking with The Star Inn The City
To ensure you don’t miss out on the perfect pre or post-cruise dining experience, we recommend booking your table at The Star Inn The City well in advance. We’re happy to accommodate group bookings and offer a special group menu for parties of 6 or more, which includes a glass of fizz on arrival. For more information on group dining options, please visit our private and group dining page on our website.
To make a booking, you can either give us a call on 01904 619208 or visit our reservations page on our website. Our friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you in planning the perfect dining experience to complement your York River Cruise adventure!
