York food blogger ELLA BRAMHALL reports on York's first Restaurant Week which starts on Monday

YORK Restaurant Week has been created to offer local residents the chance to sample some of the best places to eat within the city, featuring affordable menus of up to £20.

Organised by the York Business Improvement District (BID), a mix of independent and chain restaurants will be taking part include The Rattle Owl in Micklegate; The Rise Restaurant within the five-star Grand Hotel; Pairings, Castlegate; The Chopping Block at Walmgate Ale House, and Coto, York's Vietnamese eatery in Back Swinegate.

The Press Kitchen, Walmgate, The Whippet Inn in North Street, and Ambiente tapas bars are also among the independents featuring in the week, which starts on Monday. Chains taking part include Byron, Wagamama, Carluccios and Gusto.

There will be a mix of menu offers and special deals – all priced at £20 or less.

To find out more, I quizzed top North Yorkshire chef Andrew Pern whose Low Petergate restaurant Mr P’s Curious Tavern will be one of the 42 eateries taking part in the week.

What is the idea behind York Restaurant Week?

Andrew Pern: “York Restaurant Week has been created to give locals the chance to come and try some of the best restaurants within the city that they might not haven’t eaten at before on an exclusive reduced-price menu. I think that it is a great idea and should encourage locals to pop into a range of different restaurants within the city and to try their food on offer.”

What made Mr P’s Curious Tavern want to take part in the event?

Andrew: “When I first heard about the event, I was excited and wanted to take part. We don’t really do ‘deals’ online and the only reason we have got involved is that it is local. I think that Mr P’s feels very much like a neighbourhood eatery and as a ‘Michelin Meals’ establishment, we hope that as well as our regulars, we will bring in new customers to try our fantastic food from God's own pantry!”

So, what’s on the menu?

“We have decided to create a three-course set menu for £15 to showcase what we can offer.

"There is a Jerusalem artichoke velouté or beetroot cured salmon to start, a yellow chanterelle mushroom risotto or gamekeepers pie for the main course, and dark chocolate affogato or molasses and rum rice pudding for dessert.

"We use fresh local produce in all of our dishes and have quite deliberately included items not on our everyday menu so that people can get a real feel of the place and to try something new.”

Do you think that it will encourage local people to come into the city and visit the restaurants taking part?

Andrew: “It is such an inclusive event and both independent restaurants as well as high street eateries are taking part. I think it is a shame that more independents have not chosen to take part, but I think that the high-street restaurants are still a part of our amazing city, so it is nice to see such a variety of restaurants on offer. There is a big focus on making Restaurant Week a local orientated event, and I think the reduced prices will definitely encourage people to eat out and make the most of the food scene in York.”

Ella shares her top five places to eat out during Restaurant Week:

Monday: To start the week, head over to The Rattle Owl on Micklegate for its £10 grazing lunch menu produced by head chef Jamie Hall and his team. The Rattle Owl is an independent oozing charm and character on the beautiful Micklegate, one not to be missed!

Tuesday: Date night or drinks and nibbles with friends? Make the most of Parings Wine Bar and try a selection of its three meats and cheeses with a drink for £10. The stylish and chilled-out atmosphere of Parings is one of a kind, and sisters Kelly and Kate will always give you a warm welcome.

Wednesday: If you are looking for a midweek treat, afternoon tea at The Rise restaurant in The Grand Hotel is a must. For a steal at £20 a head, treat yourself to a selection of sandwiches and cake; I mean who doesn’t like cake?

Thursday: Back to dinner again and my go-to is the recently opened Los Moros, described as a modern North African kitchen. Small plates are very ‘in’ and if you fancy trying out the modern dining style yourself, book a table and try four of its incredibly tasty vegetarian or meat and fish small plates for just £20.

Friday: Last but not certainly not least, I think Friday night dinner calls for a trip to Mr P’s Curious Tavern. After a long week at work (or eating out!) why not round it off with the tasty three-course menu on offer at Mr P’s. Quirky and full of character, Andrew Pern’s little restaurant strikes the perfect balance between serving high-quality food but in a social and relaxed eatery setting.

Ella Bramhall writes the food blog York Talks where she shares stories from the hardworking individuals behind the thriving food and drink scene in York.

W: yorktalks.blog/

Instagram and Twitter @York_Talks

For more details about the week, including the venues taking part, menus and prices, visit: yorkrestaurantweek.co.uk

Please note, to get the restaurant week offers you must download a voucher for the offer you want from yorkrestaurantweek.co.uk