York Summer Graduations 2024: Celebrate & Enjoy Exquisite Dining with Us
The next round of Graduations for the University of York are happening this July, marking the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. And what better way to commemorate this momentous occasion than by indulging in a gastronomic rite of passage at The Star Inn The City, York’s ultimate food-led celebration destination?
Located in the heart of the city centre, on the edge of the picturesque Museum Gardens, our award-winning restaurant stands ready to elevate your graduation festivities to new heights. With a commitment to serving up exquisite seasonal fare in a stunning setting overlooking the iconic River Ouse, gather up your loved ones, join us, and raise a glass to toast your well-earned success!
Whether you’re seeking an intimate gathering or a grand affair, our range of dining options promises to cater to all needs, whilst our dedicated team will ensure that your graduation celebration is a truly unforgettable experience.
Summer 2024 Graduation Dining Options
Group Dining Menu
Ideal for parties of six or more, our group dining menu is designed to delight and impress, featuring three sumptuous courses completed by a glass of fizz on arrival.
After finishing off your bubbly it’s time to embark on a tantalising exploration of flavours that pay homage to the rich culinary heritage of God’s Own County. While the exact composition of our group dining menu may vary to reflect the availability of the finest seasonal ingredients, you can expect an array of starters that showcase the best of Yorkshire’s bounty.
Savour the rich flavours of Heritage Beetroot Cured North Sea Salmon, complemented by the zesty notes of Blood Orange, the refreshing burst of Gin & Tonic Sorbet, and the crunch of House Pickled Cucumber. For our vegetarian guests, the Pistachio Crumbed Yellison Goats’ Cheese offers bursts of flavour, accompanied by a velvety Roast Cauliflower Velouté, the sweet and tangy notes of Sherried Sultanas, and the bitter nuances of Endive.
For the main course, delight in tasty options such as Roast Yorkshire Wolds Chicken Breast, a tender masterpiece accompanied by charred English Gem lettuce, crispy Poultry Croutons, vibrant Asparagus spears, and a divine Anchovy & Aged Parmesan Velouté. Or, indulge in a Chargrilled 10oz Sirloin Steak, perfectly complemented by a Little Red Wine Pickled Onion & Yorkshire Blue Salad and crispy Skin on Skinny Fries (extra supplement applies).
No graduation feast would be complete without a sweet finale, and our group menu dessert offerings are sure to satisfy. Savour the tangy delights of our Blood Orange & Westcombe Ricotta ‘Cheesecake,’ or surrender to the decadence of our Warm Brown Butter Cake, accompanied by Malted ‘Teaser Ice Cream, a crisp Malt Tuille, and an irresistible Butterscotch Sauce.
A La Carte Menu
For smaller groups or those who simply can’t resist the incredible selection, our new A La Carte menu promises to capture your heart with a curated selection of dishes that celebrate the rich flavours and traditions of Yorkshire’s culinary landscape. Crafted with a deep reverence for the seasons, our chefs meticulously select the finest ingredients, ensuring each dish is a true celebration of the region’s diverse offerings.
Begin with tantalising nibbles, such as our Freshly Baked Sourdough Loaf, served with Roast Chicken Butter, crispy Skin ‘Crackling,’ and velvety Salted Whipped Butter. Then, explore our selection of starters that showcase the skill and creativity of our culinary team.
Starter options include our delicious Hot Smoked Organic Scottish Salmon & Horseradish Mousse with Cucumber & Red Pepper Relish, Baby Watercress and Rye Toasts. This exquisite dish perfectly balances the rich, smoky flavours of the salmon with the sharp bite of horseradish, complemented by the fresh crunch of cucumber and the sweet tang of red pepper. Alternatively, savour our Yorkshire Wold’s Chicken, Apricot & Pancetta Terrine with Heritage Carrot & Apricot Chutney, Sweet ‘n’ Sour Summer Vegetables, Short Stack Farm Herb Salad. This terrine combines the succulent chicken with the sweetness of apricot and the salty depth of pancetta, creating a marvellous blend of flavours and textures.
For the main event, our A La Carte menu offers an array of dishes that celebrate the rich flavours of Yorkshire’s land and sea. Indulge in our Maple Glazed Yorkshire Duck Leg with Lishman’s of Ilkley Chorizo & Jersey Royal ‘Hash’, Fried Duck Egg, Brew York Beer Pickled Onions and Poultry Crackling. This dish is simply divine, combining the sweetness of maple with the spicy notes of chorizo, all complemented by the richness of the duck egg and the tang of beer-pickled onions. Or, experience the Roast Rump of Yorkshire Lamb with Pulled Shoulder Croquette, ‘French Style Peas’, Yorke Ham Lardons and Garden Mint ‘Sauce’. This dish showcases the versatility of lamb, pairing the tender rump with a crispy croquette of pulled shoulder, accompanied by classic French-style peas and the fresh zing of garden mint.
Complete your unforgettable feast with one of our tempting dessert offerings. Our signature Eton Mess with Crushed Meringue, Madagascan Vanilla Chantilly, Annabelle’s Strawberries & Sorbet, Pistachio and Lemon Balm is a delightful twist on a classic. The crisp meringue and luscious Chantilly cream are perfectly balanced by the tartness of strawberry sorbet, with pistachio and lemon balm adding depth and freshness. For cheese lovers, revel in our Selection of Four Cheeses From Near & Far, complemented by Homemade Chutney, Artisan Biscuits, Celery, and Grapes.
Enhancing your dining experience further, The Star Inn The City has been voted within the top 100 best restaurants for outdoor dining according to OpenTable. If you wish, you can enjoy your meal on our charming outdoor terrace, where you can bask in the warmth of the summer sun and take in gorgeous river views.
Family-Friendly Dining in York
The Star Inn The City is a family-friendly restaurant, and if there are little ones joining your graduation celebration, we’ve got them covered too. Our children’s menu, affectionately known as the ‘Starlets’ menu, is bursting with nutritious yet delicious options suitable for even the pickiest of eaters. From mini versions of our classic dishes to kid-friendly favourites, we ensure that even the youngest members of your party are well-fed and happy. You can view the full children’s menu here, and rest assured that it’s designed to keep the little ones entertained and satisfied while you enjoy your celebratory meal.
A Toast To Success
No graduation celebration is truly complete without a tipple to toast, and you’ll be delighted to know we have an extensive drinks menu that features something for everyone. For the wine lovers among you, our sommeliers have handpicked a selection of the globe’s finest vintages that pair perfectly with each dish on our menus. Whether you prefer a robust red, a crisp white, or a delicate rosé, our wine list has something to suit your palate.
If beer is more your penchant, we’ve got a selection of the UK’s favourites on draft, as well as some tasty local craft beers that showcase the best of British brewing. For those in the mood for a cocktail, our latest cocktail menu is sure to impress with a range of refreshing creations. From classic cocktails to innovative new concoctions, our mixologists are skilled at crafting drinks that perfectly complement your meal.
To make your celebration truly sparkle, we also offer a range of premium champagne. Our selection includes bottles from renowned houses such as Palmer & Co, Billecart-Salmon, and Taittinger Comtes. Raise a glass of bubbly to toast your success and make your graduation celebration even more special!
Private Dining Options
If you have bigger plans in mind for your graduation celebration and want a more exclusive dining affair, why not explore our private dining options? We offer two main private dining spaces that are perfect for making your day even more special.
River Room
Wow your guests by booking our stunning River Room, which overlooks the charming banks of the River Ouse. This elegant space can accommodate up to 14 guests on one round table or up to 26 guests on two tables with exclusive use. The River Room, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, offers a picturesque backdrop that elevates any celebration. Please note that access to the River Room requires guests to climb down two steps. Also, be advised that a minimum spend limit of £1200 will be applied to private parties of fewer than 14 guests.
Mezzanine Dining Room
For larger graduation gatherings, the Mezzanine Dining Room is ideal. Locate upstairs, this elegant and airy room can be booked exclusively midweek (Sunday evenings through Friday) with a minimum spend of £1500. This versatile space also holds up to 36 guests seated comfortably on two long tables or four smaller tables, or 20 people on one large table with exclusive use.
Book Your Graduation Celebration Today!
We anticipate being busy around key graduation ceremony dates, so be sure to book your table now to avoid disappointment. Our team is happy to help with any questions or requests you may have, and we look forward to celebrating with you and your loved ones this summer.
To make a reservation, simply call us on 01904 619208 or use our online booking system. We can’t wait to hear from you and start planning your special day.
