Chopping Block, York

The foodie hub of Walmgate continues to gather pace and the Chopping Block (formerly Walmgate Ale House and before that Melton’s Too) remains in the forefront of the most enterprising eating street in York. Owner Michael Hjort, is also the director of the York Food Festival that takes over the city centre for ten days in September. He’s a great ambassador for local sourcing and regional produce both here and at his flagship Melton’s fine dining restaurant and there’s always plenty going on both during and outside the Festival at the Ale House with wine tastings, themed dinners and workshops.

The deal here is real ales downstairs with a few snacks like fried whitebait and dips, Yorkshire pudding with pulled beef and meatballs in tomato sauce, while upstairs the menu offers an Anglo-French menu of scallops, tartiflette, moules mariniere, poulet basquaise (chicken with tomato, paprika and red pepper)  and steak and dauphinoise.  Finish with creme brûlée, sticky toffee pudding or a plate of Yorkshire cheeses. They do Sunday lunch and vegans get their own menu. They cater happily for parties in the beamed attic room at the top of this rambling old building and takeaways too.