To celebrate my birthday earlier this month, my husband and I decided on a relaxing day out in the beautiful city of York – a mere 30 minute drive from my hometown of Wetherby, it’s great to have such a fantastic city on our doorstep.
I don’t know about you, but I sometimes feel I have wasted my Sundays lolling about on the sofa and watching boxsets, particularly through the winter months. Whilst there is definitely a place for a lazy day on the couch, there is almost always something better to do and I was determined to celebrate another year of middle age being fabulous!
York is a great city to visit, brimming with history and boasting iconic medieval walls, the breath taking majestic York Minster and curious cobbled streets there is something to see around every corner. The shopping is great too with a thriving high street bursting with big names intertwined with independent boutiques and artisans.
There is also a plethora of cosy cafes, sophisticated restaurants and stylish bars as well as more than its fair share of beautiful hotels including the iconic Milner York.
Situated in the heart of the city and previously named The Principle, The Milner York recently underwent an exciting rebrand, a strategic move aimed at revitalising its image and enhancing guest experience. This historic hotel stands as a beacon of late-Victorian architecture and originally opened its doors way back in 1878. Enjoying possibly the best location in the city, right next to the train station, this latest refurbishment has embraced a modern identity while honouring the rich legacy of its colourful history.
The Milner York Review – Rooms and Suites
After a relaxing afternoon shopping on the Shambles and enjoying a bit of people watching whilst sipping on a tipple or two, we crossed the city to check in to our suite at The Milner. There is no escaping the grandeur of the building, a sweeping reception opens up to various beautifully curated public spaces where one can relax and simply enjoy the surrounds. A grand staircase takes central stage and offers a real sense of decadence.
The Minster View Suite is exquisite, as the name suggests, floor to ceiling windows offer spectacular views of the magnificent York Minster, the second-largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. At 35 – 40 sqm, the room is vast and features a king bed clad in crisp white linens, a classic leather Chesterfield afoot the window, an immaculate and luxurious bathroom with opulent bathing products, all the mod cons, wifi, flatscreen, extensive tea and coffee tray and of course a mini bar. Lush!
The room is well appointed and stylish, relaxing muted tones of tan and stone mirror the cityscape and beautiful design details create a warm and inviting ambience. If you can stretch to this suite, then you are in for a treat, but the hotel offers various room types and all provide an elegant base from which to enjoy the delights of York.
The Milner York Review – Leisure Facilities
Should you wish to indulge in a little R+R, The Milner has you covered with their comprehensive leisure facilities comprising a fully equipped gym, and a heated swimming pool with a luxurious jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. There are also a range of beauty and wellness treatments on offer which can be booked here.
The Milner York Review – Peachey’s Bar and Grill
The in-house restaurant, Peachey’s Bar and Grill serves a menu of classic British dishes with contemporary flair. Set against a backdrop of twinkling fairy lights and stylishly turned out in rustic wood and leather, this restaurant offers a really enjoyable space to enjoy great food. We were certainly delighted by our Sunday evening dining experience and enjoyed some delicious dishes. To start I chose a reliable favourite – crispy calamari, it sounds simple but all too often the batter is soggy and the squid is chewy, Peachey’s smashed it out of the park! Across the table my husband tucked into juicy and succulent baby back ribs smothered in a rich and tangy cajun sauce. Great portions sizes and well presented, we almost licked our plates clean (but we didn’t so don’t come at me).
After a day shopping and sipping in the middle of winter, all i wanted was some comfort food, so I was over the moon when my huge house burger arrived served in a glossy brioche bun and oozing with rich and gooey cheese. Very naughty, but there was some salad, and it was my birthday! The slow-cooked braised short rib served on creamy mash was my husbands choice, he is a stickler for tradition particularly on a Sunday! The meat simply fell apart and his penchant for stodge was satisfied with delectable whipped potato and lashings of rich gravy. We also greedily ordered the truffled macaroni cheese on the side – OMG – food heaven.
We couldn’t manage dessert, but there are plenty of tempting offerings should you not be able to resist.
The Milner York Review – The Staff
I must mention, from check-in to check-out, the staff couldn’t have been warmer or more welcoming. A professional team have the cogs of this hotel running in perfect order and what’s more, they all seem happy! All too often we are greeted by sullen staff who can’t be bothered to crack a smile, I have worked in hospitality and fully empathise with the long hours but if you cannot make a guest feel welcome then you are in the wrong job frankly.
Throughout my whole stay, I felt welcome, well treated and well fed. The reception team are wonderful, the front of house team in the restaurant were knowledgeable and attentive. It must also be said that the team behind the scenes are doing an incredible job, our room was spotless with every i dotted and t crossed. I would whole heartedly recommend this hotel for any occasion (I hear they are partial to throwing a fabulous wedding!), so if you are visiting York this year, make The Milner your next call, tell them I sent you.
Words By Joanne Brook-Smith
The Milner Hotel – Station Road, York YO24 1AA
Tel: 01904 653 681 | Email: reservations@themilneryork.com