Review: The Old Liquor Store, York – A Delightful Dining Experience

AD – Press Invite/Gifted. The Old Liquor Store, located in York, is a restaurant and bar set in the old Terry’s Chocolate Factory. Open Wednesday to Sunday, offering dishes which celebrate global cuisine, featuring subtle Northern twists (the restaurant has now moved away from Italian-inspired small plates). I was kindly invited to review my dining experience, which I was excited for as I’d heard some great things from friends and family about this restaurant. My husband, Tom, joined me for the meal. Situated next to Terry’s Clock Tower, it isn’t hard to find the restaurant. However, the entrance is down the side of the building.

Stepping into The Old Liquor Store, you’re immersed in a rich history. This Grade II-listed store room, which was built between 1924 and 1930, once lay dormant after the chocolate factory (off Bishopthorpe Road) closed in 2005. It has since been brought back to life as this beautiful dining space. Before its transformation, the building had once been the liquor store at Terry’s, a place where barrels of rum were stored, destined for chocolate creations such as rum truffles.

The Vibe

The décor inside is beautifully rustic and quirky in design, featuring intimate tables surrounded by cosy lighting, which together creates a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. The walls have plenty of old photos of the Terry’s Chocolate Factory, inviting diners to explore a fascinating visual history. The restaurant is also dog-friendly, creating an inclusive vibe. While the atmosphere felt genuinely relaxed, the presence of other diners meant it was also lively.

The Service

The service at Old Liquor Store was exceptional. From the moment my husband and I arrived, the team was friendly, professional, and incredibly attentive. The two team members we interacted with, in particular, were absolutely lovely and made us feel so welcome. The server taking our order was knowledgeable about the menu, offering helpful recommendations that guided our choices perfectly. The meal itself was well-paced, allowing us to enjoy the meal without feeling rushed. This made for a great dining experience.

The Drinks

The restaurant boasts a tempting array of drinks, including some creative cocktails like their intriguing Chocolate Orange Negroni. However, on this occasion, we both decided to explore their non-alcoholic offerings. Tom chose the Cherry Berry, a wonderfully refreshing mocktail that perfectly balanced sweet and tart notes. I, on the other hand, was drawn to the Not A Pornstar Martini, a delightful non-alcoholic twist on the classic, which proved to be just as vibrant and tasty as the alcoholic version.

The Food

The selection of main courses was impressive, offering something for everyone. We particularly appreciated the thoughtful touch of a suggested wine pairing listed beneath each dish, making the decision-making process easier for those looking for the perfect accompaniment with their meal (and ultimately enhancing the experience).

My husband, Tom, opted for the 10oz Pan Roast Sirloin, a beautifully cooked cut served with a fragrant garlic and parsley butter which was melted over the steak. The accompanying house pickle salad offered a refreshing portion to his main, while the skin-on fries provided a crisp texture. He chose the pink peppercorn sauce to go with his steak.

I chose the Garlic Roasted Chicken “Caesar”, which is a creative twist on a classic. The chicken was artfully presented with a breast, leg and anchovy pressing, charred gem lettuce with a caesar topping, and a velvety smoked bacon mash that was pure comfort (as it melted in your mouth). A crispy yolk on the dish was the perfect touch.

The restaurant offers a more traditional a la carte style service to the evening meal menu, and we found that each dish offered a reasonable amount of food. To ensure we covered all bases, especially as Tom is a big fan of chips, we also ordered a side of Triple Cooked Chips to share, which arrived golden and perfectly crisp, accompanied by a rich garlic aioli sauce.

Having thoroughly enjoyed our main courses, we couldn’t resist ordering dessert to round off our meal. I was immediately drawn to the “Terry’s” Old Fashioned Chocolate Mousse, a decadent nod to the building’s sweet past. Tom opted for the Strawberry & Elderflower Tartlet, a lighter yet equally delightful choice, beautifully adorned with honey-roasted oats for a textural contrast.

Overall Experience

As you can probably tell, our dining experience at The Old Liquor Store was fantastic. We genuinely felt the pricing was perfectly justified, considering the exceptional quality of the food, the perfect presentation of each dish, and the impeccable service we received throughout the evening.

Our overall evening was great and this will be a memorable highlight for both of us. Personally, for me, the desserts were a standout, with their stunning presentation.

I would definitely recommend The Old Liquor Store as the perfect spot for a romantic evening, offering an intimate atmosphere. It also strikes me as being a great lunch spot for meeting friends, especially given their inviting lunch menu. This restaurant truly offers a delightful experience, whether you’re seeking a special night out or a relaxed daytime catch-up.

For more information about The Old Liquor Store, including opening times and menus, visit their website: theoldliquorestore.co.uk

Review by Louise Rose.