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Chopping Block at Walmgate Ale House

North Yorkshire, York - French - Restaurant - ££

Good-value sibling to Melton's

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

Michael and Lucy Hjort have been major players on the York restaurant scene for some 35 years. First with Melton’s, the refined restaurant they have operated since 1990 and later with this casual bistro and bar on Walmgate. The rustic 17th-century Ale House on the ground floor of this former saddlery and rope maker provides local real ales on tap and snacks of whitebait, meatballs in tomato sauce and Yorkshire pudding with pulled pork and gravy. Upstairs is the Chopping Block, two rooms with mismatched furniture and a menu of French bistro classics inspired by Michael Hjort’s early years as sous-chef to Michel Roux Jr. Hjort aims to provide good-value, approachable and reliable fare from a menu of cuisine bourgeoise featuring moules marinière, tartiflette with potatoes, bacon and fontina, punchy soupe à l'oignon and suchlike. If the slow-cooked lamb shoulder, the 'rosbif' with Provençal daube sauce or the rump steak with dauphinoise potatoes ...

Michael and Lucy Hjort have been major players on the York restaurant scene for some 35 years. First with Melton’s, the refined restaurant they have operated since 1990 and later with this casual bistro and bar on Walmgate. The rustic 17th-century Ale House on the ground floor of this former saddlery and rope maker provides local real ales on tap and snacks of whitebait, meatballs in tomato sauce and Yorkshire pudding with pulled pork and gravy. Upstairs is the Chopping Block, two rooms with mismatched furniture and a menu of French bistro classics inspired by Michael Hjort’s early years as sous-chef to Michel Roux Jr.

Hjort aims to provide good-value, approachable and reliable fare from a menu of cuisine bourgeoise featuring moules marinière, tartiflette with potatoes, bacon and fontina, punchy soupe à l'oignon and suchlike. If the slow-cooked lamb shoulder, the 'rosbif' with Provençal daube sauce or the rump steak with dauphinoise potatoes are too carnivorous, the alternatives are herb-crusted sea trout with mussels and cream or a mushroom galette, made with delicate brik pastry. 

There are numerous other options. A daily set deal (except Fri and Sat) looks decent value, while lunch could be a simple ciabatta sandwich or croque monsieur; vegans and children get their own menus. The traditional Sunday roast is an ever-popular draw, while the characterful beamed attic is a substantial space for parties. In short: intelligent wine list; good value; excellent service.

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VENUE DETAILS

25 Walmgate
York
North Yorkshire
YO1 9TXGB

01904 629222

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OTHER INFORMATION

Separate bar, Wheelchair access, Family friendly, Dog friendly

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