Ye Olde Starre Inne — Restaurant in England

Had lunch at this atmospheric old pub on a recent trip to York. It's at the end of a quaint narrow snicket leading off bustling Stonegate (there's a sign above the street to help you find it). Plenty of outdoor seating, either in the courtyard in front of the pub, or on one of three little terraces, one of them with lovely views of the Minster's towers. The timbered pub dates from the 17th century, with an eventful history and a few resident ghosts, according to a sign in the courtyard. It's dimly lit inside, with dark wood panelling, old photos of York on the walls, cosy nooks, and a lovely warm fire. Beautifully decorated for Christmas when I visited in late November. It was also very busy, but I managed to find a table in a corner of the main bar. The staff were very friendly and attentive. Extensive drinks menu, with a great choice of cask ales and plenty of wines to pick from. I chose a good Merlot. They serve hearty traditional pub food here, as well as lighter and veggie options. Good selection of gluten-free main courses. Opted for the steak and Ruddles ale pie, hispi cabbage wedge, Merlot beef dripping gravy and mash, with onion rings as an extra. The pie had a nice thick crust and tender meat, and the meal as a whole was flavoursome, piping hot and filling. I had no room for a dessert! They serve coffee, though the machine was broken on the day I was there. The atmosphere was relaxed and convivial. Overall, an enjoyable lunch and not expensive either. Would...

Ye Olde Starre Inn is an absolute gem in the heart of York, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. It delivers full marks across the board—whether it’s the food, service, atmosphere, or location, everything about this historic pub is top-notch.

The food is exceptional, offering a great selection of classic pub fare done to perfection. Each dish is well-prepared, hearty, and full of flavor, making it the perfect accompaniment to their excellent range of drinks. Whether you're stopping by for a quick pint or a full meal, you won’t be disappointed.

Service here is second to none. The staff are friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. They’re always happy to recommend drinks or dishes and share a bit of the inn’s fascinating history.

Speaking of history, the character of Ye Olde Starre Inn is truly something special. As the oldest licensed pub in York, it oozes charm and tradition, with its cozy nooks, timber beams, and warm atmosphere transporting you back in time. It’s a perfect blend of history and hospitality.

Lastly, the location is unbeatable—nestled right in the heart of York, it’s an ideal spot to take a break from sightseeing and soak in the city’s unique ambiance. Whether you're a local or a visitor, it’s a must-visit destination.

If you're looking for an authentic and memorable pub experience in York, Ye Olde Starre Inn is the place to be. I’ll definitely...

I know pub grub is not to be confused with haute cuisine but I have to say I left this nice pub very disappointed with my meal - the notice on the way out says leave a review so here goes: I ordered the ‘traditional roast turkey’ and have to say it was awful - the roast potatoes were neither crispy or fluffy as advertised, more like reheated Aunt Bessie’s frozen ones, the turkey seemed like it was from some sort of turkey roll, each slice was round and very thinly sliced, the sort of turkey you buy at cold meat counters in supermarkets for sandwiches, from memory there were pigs in blankets advertised on the menu but none were present so I may be wrong, when asked if any sauces required I wanted cranberry but they didn’t have any, cauliflower cheese was cold, brussel sprouts were watery, there was a large piece of inedible chargrilled hispi cabbage that I don’t recall being advertised as part of the meal (once again I could be mistaken about this), carrots were OK although slightly hard but were the best part of the dish. My family had the steak and ale pie which they enjoyed and on trying it I wish I’d ordered it too, perhaps it’s too far away from Christmas and will improve with time but for now I’d advise giving the ‘traditional roast turkey’...