Harden's survey result
Summary
“Quietly top class” – York’s oldest inhabited house (and boasting a medieval walled garden) is the backdrop to a meal at this small hotel, some of whose rooms have unmatched views of York Minster. The dining room (holder of hard-to-win three AA rosettes) serves a multi course tasting menu with an optional wine pairing “a very pleasant experience with some great flavours”.
Summary
A “beautiful setting” – York’s oldest inhabited house, host to knights and politicos in its day, and boasting a medieval walled garden – adds to the drama at this graceful 12-room hotel. In summer 2021, award-winning chef Adam Jackson (who helped Yorkshire pub The Black Swan to a star before launching his own venture) took over the head chef role, and early visitors were “blown away” by his “exquisite” and “creative” seasonal food, including six-course tasting menus. “An eating experience that creates memories.”
For 32 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Bow Room Restaurant?
Owner's description
The Bow Room serves an exquisite tastng menu which can be paired with an optional wine flight. Head Chef Adam Jackson and his team are committed to using ingredients from our own kitchen garden alongside local suppliers to create a memorable and exciting dining experience.
This is a leisurely dining experience of 2-2.5 hours so please bear this in mind when making travel plans.
Dinner Served Wednesday to Saturday 7.00 & 7.30pm
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £32.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
The chef
Chef Adam Jackson aquired a Michelin Star as Head Chef of The Black Swan, Oldestead. Since then he has led the kitchen teams in a number of eateries across Yorkshire. Adam is commited to using fresh, local and seasonal produce. Adams cooking style is classic flavours reinvented using contemporary cooking methods and plating styles. His vision for the Bow Room is to give guests a memorable journey through each course accompanied by exciting and diverse wine pairings.
The Bow Room Restaurant Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Delicious food and accompanying wine, beautifully presented. Knowledgeable, friendly and thoughtful service in a delightful setting."
"From start to finish, our experience at the Bow Room was exceptional. The food was outstanding and the wines paired to each dish did not disappoint. You were made to feel like you were the only ones dining, with the staff having a perfect understanding of the food and your tastes. Sometimes words aren’t good enough to describe an experience as good as this, you just need to try it !"
"Exquisite is not a term to use lightly,. But I was struggling to find the right word to describe our dinner at the Bow Room this week. This was the best food we've ever eaten. Yes, ever. Better than Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, Helene Darroze at the The Connaught, Tom Kitchin's restaurant in Edinburgh and Tom Kerridge at the Corinthia, to name four recent comparisons. Did any dish stand out in the degustation menu? No. And that was its genius. Each dish was so beautifully balanced and surprising that the overall experience was just supremely satisfying. Here is a chef who is clearly inspired by what he is creating and delighted to share that inspiration with others. No ego. No pretension. This is not just the best restaurant in York. In our view, it is the best restaurant in Britain. "
"Another beautiful meal here. Food was stunning and wines were delicious. Adam Jackson is a genius …… amazed this place doesn’t have a Michelin star ??"
"A wonderful experience in an exceptional location with impeccable service. Truly memorable."
"First class environment, service and food - very proud of the team here and will certainly come back for future special occasions."
"Amazing service and some of the best food i’ve eaten in my life."
"First time at the restaurant and was blown away. Went for my birthday and took two friends who I was keen to impress and the whole Bow Room team, front of house and in the kitchen, were very impressive - from when we first arrived at Gray’s Court hotel to when we left after a wonderful meal. Thank you for a wonderful evening - it was a real treat! I hope we return on the next anniversary, if not before!"
Grays Court Hotel, Chapter House Street, York, YO1 7JH
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 7 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 7 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 7 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Saturday | 7 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
