Our Story
A Grade II Listed Restaurant in the Heart of York
Escape the ordinary. Inside the walls, but outside the box — a one-of-a-kind dining experience hidden on one of York's least-trodden streets.
We opened our doors in 2014, committed to injecting some theatre, flair, character and bloody-good local food and drink into one of the less-trodden streets in York. The goal is simple: give our guests a safe haven from the stresses of daily life, and a one-of-a-kind, end-to-end dining experience — an adults-only spot built for grown-up nights out.
We've become synonymous with superb beef — offering a fantastic variety of ever-changing cuts and breeds — but we're equally obsessed with our other seasonally inspired plates, featured on our à la carte menu and focusing on locally caught fish and unique vegetarian dishes.
A first-class welcome
We pride ourselves on delivering a first-class service, so that everyone who visits leaves feeling entirely satisfied. And if not, then just let us know and we'll make it right.
A place like ours is only as good as its menu, so quality is key. We're a proudly locally sourced restaurant — we buy our ingredients as close to home as we can, not just so that it's fresh, but also to support the independent producers and makers across Yorkshire, and to fly the White Rose with pride. Our beef is dry-aged in-house and our kitchen leans on seasonal British produce that changes with what's at its best.
Eat less meat. Eat better beef.
The building
The building itself is Grade II listed and dates back to 1896. We've spruced it up a bit since then, mind — with some moody colours, kama sutric wallpaper, a menagerie of quirky trinkets and a host of local artists' creations. A bit gothic, with a hint of madness, and entirely unapologetic about it.
The big cheeses
The Whippet Inn is owned by Martin Bridge and Andrew Whitney — two local businessmen with a passion for good food, good drink and good times. Between them they set out to build somewhere unpretentious in its food, unapologetic in its decor, and unrivalled in its service. We reckon they pulled it off.
So come and find us on the cool, edgy side of the Ouse. We'll have the steak ready.
Getting Here
By Train
York station, 10-minute walk.
By Bus
Micklegate or Rougier Street stops; lines 3 (park & ride), 4, 13, 11, 16, 10.
Parking
- River parking, Skeldergate free after 18:00 2 min walk
- NCP Tanner Row paid 3 min walk
- Castle Car Park, Tower Street paid 8 min walk
Accessibility
Grade II listed Victorian building; main entrance has three shallow steps; step-free-ish access possible via the garden door with notice (two small steps down); restaurant, bar and facilities all on one level. Call ahead.
Kind Words
What Our Guests Say
“My god, I've not eaten a steak like that ever in my life. It was so juicy, flavoursome and just down right sexy, I could have almost left my partner for the steak!”Sarah Rothwell, Visitor, Brighton
“We meet for a girlie lunch where we all travelled from around the UK via York station... the cocktails, English bubbles and the mains and puddings were all just divine.”Tanya Johnson, Visitor, York
“Now I love steak, but I love fish even more... Thank goodness for our server who navigated me through the menu and our wine selection so I didn't have an ounce of food envy. Total winner.”Jo Pratt, Visitor, London
“We booked the private dining space for my mother in-law's 70th Birthday. Nothing was too much trouble and the food, wine and service were exceptional... scored me some massive son-in-law points!”Jon Davis, Visitor, Gloucester
