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Roots York: Michelin-Starred Seasonal Fine Dining in a Historic Setting

Discover Roots York, a Michelin-starred gem offering seasonal farm-to-table tasting menus in a historic 19th-century setting with warm, refined ambiance.

4.7

Roots York is a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant located at 68 Marygate, York, housed in a charming 19th-century building. Renowned for its seasonal farm-to-table tasting menus crafted by head chef Will Lockwood, it emphasizes local and sustainable produce from the Banks family farm and regional suppliers. The intimate setting features a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, with menus evolving to reflect the freshest harvests and a well-curated wine list. Roots offers a unique culinary experience blending creativity, tradition, and sustainability.

A brief summary to Roots York

  • 68 Marygate, York, YO30 7BH, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 4 hours
  • Luxury
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Wednesday 6 pm-7:30 pm
  • Thursday 6 pm-7:30 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-1:30 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-1:30 pm

Local tips

  • Book well in advance, especially for weekend sittings and the popular Sunday Feast.
  • Consider the tasting menu to experience the full range of seasonal dishes and culinary creativity.
  • Inform the staff of any dietary restrictions ahead of time to receive personalized menu adjustments.
  • Allow ample time for your meal, as courses are served at a relaxed pace to enhance enjoyment.
  • Explore the wine pairings or cocktails featuring local herbs and foraged ingredients for a complete sensory experience.
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Roots York location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
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A Culinary Journey Rooted in Local Heritage

Roots York stands as a beacon of modern British cuisine, deeply connected to the rich agricultural heritage of North Yorkshire. Situated in a converted Victorian inn beside York’s city walls, the restaurant embodies the ethos of seasonality and sustainability championed by the Banks family. The menu evolves naturally with the seasons, showcasing ingredients sourced from the Banks’ 20-acre farm in Oldstead, alongside carefully selected regional suppliers and foraged elements. This farm-to-table approach ensures that each dish reflects the freshest produce available, offering diners a genuine taste of the local terroir.

Atmosphere and Setting in a Historic Venue

The restaurant’s setting is a charming 1800s building with a subdued exterior that contrasts with its warm, inviting interior. Furnished with Scandinavian-style chairs, oak tables supported by metal legs shaped like roots, and kilim textiles, the décor strikes a balance between rustic and contemporary elegance. The open kitchen design allows guests to observe the meticulous preparation of their meals, enhancing the intimate and relaxed dining experience. Despite its Michelin-star status, Roots maintains a welcoming atmosphere that feels accessible yet special.

Innovative Menus and Culinary Craftsmanship

Roots offers tasting menus that typically feature a series of small, carefully composed courses. These range from canapés and charcuterie to intricate main dishes and desserts, each plate presenting a refined balance of flavors and textures. Signature dishes often include barbecued asparagus with wild garlic butter, cured bream with pickled turnip, and rich duck liver parfait with rhubarb jelly. The Sunday Feast is a highlight, featuring a lavish roast with generous sides like duck-fat roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, glazed carrots, and Yorkshire pudding, sometimes enhanced with braised ox cheek. The culinary team, led by Will Lockwood, combines creativity with respect for traditional techniques and ingredients.

Wine and Beverage Pairings

Complementing the food is a thoughtfully curated wine list, featuring selections by the glass, food-matching packages, and Banks Brothers wines-in-a-can. Cocktails incorporate herbs and foraged ingredients such as lemon verbena and woodruff, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to local flavors and innovative pairings. The knowledgeable staff provide attentive service without being intrusive, contributing to a seamless dining experience.

Considerations and Visitor Experience

While Roots is celebrated for its inventive cuisine and warm service, some diners note that the pacing between courses can be leisurely, with meals sometimes extending to around four hours. The price point reflects the high quality and special occasion nature of the dining experience, with tasting menus ranging from approximately £95 to £165 on weekends. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and requires pre-payment or deposits for reservations, underscoring its exclusivity and demand.

Legacy and Local Significance

Roots York is more than a restaurant; it is a culinary landmark within York’s vibrant food scene. As the urban counterpart to the Banks family’s rural Black Swan restaurant, Roots exemplifies a successful fusion of farm-driven gastronomy and city dining culture. It continues to attract food enthusiasts seeking a sophisticated yet authentic taste of Yorkshire’s finest ingredients, prepared with skill and passion.

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