Welcome to a new feature celebrating the great pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants York has to offer.
Each week we’ll be inviting a proprietor or landlord to tell us about their pub or business. To kick things off, restaurateur Michael Hjort introduces the Chopping Block restaurant at the Walmgate Ale House in Walmgate...
What’s the best thing about your restaurant?
Authentic French dishes, cooked from scratch on the premises, using Yorkshire produce
When did you open, and how long have you been at your present site?
The business was originally opened in 2001, as Melton’s Too, by Michael and Lucy Hjort. The Hjort family has owned and run businesses in York since 1990 when they opened Melton’s, on Scarcroft Road. In 2014, the business was renamed Chopping Block at Walmgate Ale House.
What style of cuisine do you serve?
Anglo French food: great classic French food plus very popular Sunday lunch and bar snacks
Fish & Mussels at the Chopping Block
Do you have a signature dish you’re most proud of?
Bouillabaisse: We have a modern version of the French classic
What is the best thing about running a restaurant - and the worst?
Best: Great opportunity to have fun and indulge in a passion for cooking
Worst: Finding staff, there really is a shortage of candidates applying for catering jobs!
There are lots of restaurants in York - why should customers come to yours?
Situated over three floors, we can provide a variety of experiences. From a drink in our Ale House downstairs, to a meal with friends of family in our restaurant or catering for parties up to 50 people in our Loft. All while being served quality dishes and drinks made from Yorkshire produce, in a relaxed atmosphere.
What’s your favourite story about the restaurant?
Most of the time we have lovely customers, but every now and then we have a visitor that sticks in our memories. This one made a complaint about the chips being “just cut up pieces of potato”. We had to agree with her!
Have you served anyone famous?
Mark Addy, Alexandra Burke, Ed Byrne, Joel Dommett
Sum up what’s special about your restaurant
Housed in a 17th century listed building, it is a lovely setting to enjoy our homemade food.
Chopping Block at Walmgate Ale House, 25 Walmgate, York
W: thechoppingblock.co.uk
T: 01904 629222
Restaurant of the week
We're launching a new page in The Press which aims to celebrate all the great local restaurants in the York area. So tell us about your restaurant - and send us a few photos, too!
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