Can a lovely meal change the habits of a lifetime?

So enjoyable was lunch at Bosun’s in Bishopthorpe, just outside York, that it has made my elderly parents keen to dine out more.

The scenic venue, situated at the Riverfront York, overlooking the Ouse, has always created top food since owners Phil and Kerry Cook completed a full takeover of the site down Ferry Lane a year ago.

In October, the couple staged a ‘celebration’ with canapes and cocktails to mark a year of growth and innovation at the site. So good were the nibbles, the drink and the venue, I was keen to come back.

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Then, I received an invite to try out the new lunchtime menu, devised by their chef Kurtus Auty.

I arrived last Saturday, with mum and dad in tow, for a second and third opinion.

Mum commented on the lovely surroundings, the river, with the boats, and Dad, who has done much DIY in his time, was most impressed with the woodwork involved in creating the magnificent ceiling with its extensive beams.

Service was prompt and efficient and we were served a very pleasant bottle of merlot (£25).

(Image: NQ)

We had the set menu, which is served from Thursday until Saturday. It costs £28 for two-courses, £35 for three courses.

I had the whipped chicken liver pate, with brioche, pear cognac jelly, pear chutney, and a red current gel. It must be the whipping that made it ever so smooth, it was a tasty delight as well.

Mum enjoyed the gin cured salmon that came with pickled cucumber, chive emulsion, kalamansi gel and a chive tuille, which drew the praise: “this is lovely.”

Dad enjoyed his well-presented and flavoursome pumpkin soup as well.

By now, the place was filling up, including with younger people and families.

Now, mum and dad aren’t poor. They live in a big house and dad drives a big car. But they have been- shall we say- ‘careful.’ They are Yorkshire after all!

Mum said: “Doesn’t it open your eyes how other people live? I think it’s time we went out more.”

After Dad praised the sparkling Harrogate Spring Water, the mains arrived.

Some of it was delivered by chef Kurtus, who explained what he had created.

Kurtus certainly knows his stuff and has trained with well-known chefs Gordon Ramsay and Monica Galetti. He has also appeared on Masterchef.

(Image: NQ)

Anyway, mum had the pan-fried sea bass in a green pea risotto, which was ‘lovely.’

Now, one other reason mum and dad don’t dine out as much as they use to is that their appetites aren’t what they used to be either.

So, I too was able to try a bit of the risotto and it was ‘lovely’.

Dad’s Flat Iron steak, with triple cooked chips, mushroom and cherry vine tomato was also very good. The steak was cooked to perfection, with a hint of chargrill, nicely pink and not bloody. A decent thickness as well. The chips were also excellent and all were eaten between us.

I had ordered herb infused chicken with a Jerusalem artichoke fricasse, artichoke puree, pommes dauphine and baby leeks. The flavoursome jus/ gravy partnered beautifully with the pommes dauphine potato balls. A very tender and tasty piece of chicken too.

A vegetarian option- curried baked celeriac- is also available. Side dishes can also be had but we did not need any.

Next came dessert, with mum going for the sorbets, which were very rich and smooth and ‘absolutely delightful.’

(Image: NQ)

Dad enjoyed his sticky toffee pudding, calling it ‘very good’ and I had the tiramisu soft serve choux bun. The centre was soft like a chocolate mousse and I love a good chocolate mousse so I was also happy with my choice.

Portion sizes were fine, just right, not too large, which is great as you can enjoy all three courses. Increasingly, I find you are stuffed after a course or two, which spoils things a little if there is no room for pudding.

We all left very happy, with mum again remarking on the delightful, upmarket surroundings, the colourful Christmas decorations and the view of the river with its boats.

Service was excellent throughout and on checking Google, which gives Bosun’s 4.6 stars, Kurtus clearly comes out to meet other customers, not just those doing reviews for the media.

Of course, Bosun’s has an an extensive la carte menu, a Sunday Lunch menu (£30 for two courses, £37 for three), a Thursday steak menu, plus several other menus. In addition, from Thursday (Dec 5) a new festive a la carte menu. The latter is said to be inspired  by seasonal flavours and ingredients, including delicately spiced starters, comforting mains and indulgent desserts.

And for New Year’s Eve is an extravaganza with a 9-course tasting menu, live performance from saxophonist Elara alongside music from DJ Neil Covers. The £125 event also features a midnight fireworks display.

The Riverfront YorkThe Riverfront York (Image: NQ)

Those wanting to stay a little longer can do so, with the Riverfront having a caravan park, a motorhome park, and there are shepherd huts and cabins.

In addition, drinkers and diners can also enjoy five heated and furnished weatherproof pods, which are located both on the riverside and in the Willow Garden by its popular café bar, which serves hot food and drinks with views of the Ouse.

The improved facilities come as the Cooks continue to upgrade the site, adding to road and groundwork improvements, with the caravan and motorhome park set for upgrades to the shower and toilet block this winter. Next year will also see new electric meters for the pitches.

Certainly, I look forward to a stayover one weekend to enjoy more of the highly recommended food and service when the weather picks up.

In the meantime, we look back on a delightful meal, in plush surroundings with excellent service. Did it change the habits of a lifetime? Well, we went out for Sunday lunch the very next day. It was only the village pub just down the road, but it’s a start!

For details of Bosuns and to book, go to: https://www.theriverfrontyork.co.uk/bosuns-restaurant/