Hotel Review: No.1 York

As I walked into the reception of No.1 York, I couldn't help but feel like I was entering the home of an eccentric family member in the heart of the city. As I stepped in I was met with the dramatic deep black colour of the building's core which contrasted beautifully against the bright yellow bar and plush seating area that branched off it. The town of York was bustling with energy on this beautiful sunny long weekend in England and I had heard a lot of buzz about No.1 York Hotel. Named one of the "hottest new hotels" on TripAdvisor I was eager to see for myself if it lived up to the hype.

Food + Drink

While staying at No.1 York the new in-house restaurant, The Pearly Cow, features a fire and ice-themed medium-sized but high-quality menu. As the restaurant is situated in York, surrounded by the Yorkshire Dales, they source a lot of their ingredients locally, ensuring that the menus reflect the surrounding area and climate. Dale and I decided to share a few snacks and starters, and we couldn't resist trying the garlic-baked oyster with Wensleydale cheese, which was unique and delicious. We also ordered the oak-roasted scallops, which were perfectly cooked and served with garden pea velouté and salty bacon pieces.
For our main course, I chose the market fish with samphire, which was cooked over a woodfire and had a distinctively smoky taste. Dale opted for the classic rib eye steak, which was also cooked over a woodfire and had a delicious charred flavour. The standout dish for us was the beef fat chips, which were cut in layers and deep-fried to create the most amazing texture and crunch.
To accompany our meal, we enjoyed classic cocktails like the spicy margarita and a hearty glass of red wine. Even the drinks menu pays a subtle nod to York’s vibrant history. Such as the 'Utter Shambles' named after the city’s medieval shopping street to award-winning sparkling wine from the Yorkshire Wolds. We couldn't resist trying the unique and flavorful desserts, and we were blown away by the white chocolate 'pearl' rice pudding that we shared. Overall, The Pearly Cow is a must-visit restaurant in York even if you're not staying the night.

Regrettably, the breakfast experience did not meet our expectations. Despite the additional fee of £20 per person, the selection offered was rather limited. The continental buffet was small and the hot dishes made to order were basic and not very filling. Upon arrival at 9 am, it appeared that many of the options had already been taken, leaving little choice for us. Even the dishes we ordered were disappointing, especially compared to the delicious dinner we had the night before. One example was Dale's full English breakfast consisting of one egg, a single piece of bacon, sausage, mushrooms, and toast. The portion size was quite small, leaving us feeling unsatisfied.

**Interiors + Aesthetic**

No.1 York is designed by the London team Martin Hulbert Designs and is full of whimsical charter in every room. The space has been beautifully crafted using engineering-themed rugs and upholstery inspired by the textile industry, artfully paying homage to York's historical industries.
The large guest room that we checked into was light, airy, and decorated with elegance and sophistication that utilised the original design of the Georgian building. The focal point of the room was the enormous four-poster bed that towered close to the ceiling and was framed on either side with oversized burgundy table lamps. The bright whites of the bed linens and textured wallpaper beautifully contrast the bold burgundy colour of the lamps. The richly-painted floorboards are also a beautiful contrast to the bed, and a textured beige sofa added a touch of warmth to the room. A lovely surprise was the tea and coffee station hidden within a doll's house, which was a playful touch.
If you are looking for extra special the former Georgian drawing room and library have been restored to create two spectacularly lavish suites. The Bootham Rooms feature four-poster beds and freestanding baths perfect for a special occasion.

Did you know: The four-poster bed was actually invented out of necessity. The side curtains were added to the bed frame to provide some much-needed warmth in the cold, draughty castle bedrooms. Not only did the curtains help with warmth, but they also offered a sense of privacy for the masters who often had servants sleeping in their rooms. It's interesting how something that started as a practical solution has become such a beloved and timeless piece of furniture.

Downstairs, the Marmalade Lounge is the perfect place to relax and enjoy refreshments next to an elegantly understated fireplace. The space is adorned with colourful art, vintage cabinets, deep, rich yellow velvet seating, and fascinating coffee tables containing carefully-curated collections. The bar is equally inviting, with plump sofas placed under a wall gallery. The ornately carved fireplace in the lounge pays homage to York's incredible history of all things steam-powered as a toy train above circles the room hourly.

The restaurant, adjacent to the bar, features deep timber floors, aged brass tables, and chairs gave the place a rustic and cozy feel. The peach-colored walls added a touch of warmth and the indoor plants softened the overall look. The lighting was perfect - low hung single bulb lights and wall sconces created a moody speak-easy feel. The candles on the tables helped create a lovely romantic atmosphere that was perfect for a date night.