We Head to York to Try its Italian-Inspired Gem

January 2025

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We head to the former Terry's Chocolate Factory for a relaxed, Italian-inspired meal with friends

Cosy, relaxed, and definitely worth it, the easy-going ambience and excellent food at The Old Liquor Store make it a spot we're eager to retun to.

For great food in York, most of us would stick to the cobbled streets of the city’s centre, but in search of something new we ventured further afield, to the restored Grade II-listed Terry’s Chocolate Factory where The Old Liquor Store is tucked neatly away underground.

Walking in, it’s immediately obvious how welcoming and laidback the atmosphere is – even though it’s been open for less than two years, small touches like the tiled columns, exposed brick and warm, moody lighting make The Old Liquor Store feel like it’s been here forever. I immediately spy what appears to be a well-stocked deli fridge (as well as a shelf of authentic Italian essentials – wine, olive oil, herbs and spices), and make a note to have a nosey after our meal, though one of my dining companions makes an immediate beeline for it.

Seafood sharing board with bread and dips

Sitting down, our table is in the middle of the restaurant and as we wait for the rest of our group to arrive, we nibble on olives and very moreish truffle and pecorino mixed nuts. Soon the whole gang is seated and as we’re a large group, we’ve opted for some sharing plates for the table. First to arrive are three antipasti boards, all impressively piled up with cheeses, plenty of pickled vegetables and red pepper hummus, as well as cured meats and warm focaccia which arrive on separate plates. The boards look so appealing that I decide to take a step in my quest to fall in love with blue cheese, and am delighted to report mission accomplished.

As we continue to tuck in, more food is brought to the table, this time in the form of stone baked flatbreads topped with prosciutto, pear and aged balsamic. I’m always a fan of pear in any form and although they were a little messy to share out, they tasted fantastic. Also on the table are bowls of truffle and parmesan fries (which always go down a treat), and ‘firelli’ hot winglets with gorgonzola ranch. By this point I was too full (and too much of a spice coward) to attempt the chicken wings but my companions made quick and easy work of them – sticky, hot, and delicious.

The staff were attentive but gave us plenty of space to enjoy our meal, and the quality and variety of food meant that everyone was very happy by the end of the evening – all that was left was to thank our hosts and head out into the night to find the Terry’s Chocolate Orange statue that hides in the estate nearby.