Rail 200, celebrating 200 years of railways in the UK, so what had this to do with the Legacy Restaurant in York?
Legacy Restaurant
Throughout 2025, Railway 200, the UK’s nationwide celebration of 200 years of the modern railway, has swept across Britain. Many events have taken place right here in York, unsurprisingly given the city’s significant role in its successful development, as it is almost midway between London and Edinburgh.
In the then “Golden Age” of the railway, York boasted the world’s largest and most beautiful station, and in 1906, one of the city’s most cherished buildings, the headquarters of the North Eastern Railway, was opened. The power of NER as one of the largest employers in the North at the time was reflected in the iconic Edwardian Baroque Revival-style building, designed by architect William Bell. I remembered being saddened when it closed in the noughties, but I was delighted when it reopened after a four-year, £15 million investment, becoming The Grand Hotel. What a grand hotel it is, and it remains York’s only 5-star hotel.
So, it is no surprise, and fitting, that The Grand has joined in the Railway celebrations to commemorate the role the building has played in the history of the railway in York. On October 2nd, they launched a ‘come, dine, plus stay’ offer themed around rail travel, which intriguingly includes first-class travel to and from York. Ironically, this did not work for me, as there is no railway where I live. I had to find out more.
The hotel is still recognisable in its former purpose, with high, wide, carpeted corridors. The elegant, sweeping staircase remains intact, as do the intricate woodwork and panelling. I even got a peek inside what once was the Chairman’s office. There have been many new additions, including a whole building with modern bedrooms, where their hugely popular Cookery School is housed.
But it is the food I was keenest to explore. The Grand boasts two restaurants: The Rise Restaurant, Terrace & Bar, and the more formal, fine-dining three-rosette Legacy restaurant, where the Railway dinner is served. Food across the Grand is in the skilful hands of the acclaimed Executive Head Chef Kevin Bonello, with Ahmed Abdalla, head chef at Legacy – if you are, like me, a fan of Great British Menu on the BBC, you will remember his stunning fish dish and superb cooking
Read more of my restaurant reviews
This article appeared in the Yorkshire Post, Oct 11th 2025 ©The Yorkshire Post
