The Living Room - York

York's branch of The Living Room could hardly be better located - whilst being right in the centre of York, two sides of the restaurant feature balconies overlooking the River Ouse and its attractive watersides.

The Living Room comprises a large foyer area, a substantial and elegant bar, and two chic restaurant rooms. The expert manager is rightly proud of the friendly, knowledgeable service as well as the excellent wine list, which offers a comprehensive selection of fine Old and New World wines across a range of prices. The cocktail list is similarly outstanding.

The restaurant provides a regular menu with a wide range of classics and imaginative alternatives. On our visit we tried the oyster, girolle and flat mushrooms in garlic and chilli on toasted ciabatta, and the lobster and crayfish cocktail with Bloody Mary sauce - both providing a delicious start. The mains were equally inviting, with the rack of lamb so tender it fell from the bone, and the pak choi with ginger and garlic that was so good it wouldn't be out of place in Asia itself. We ended with a superb chocolate brownie with raspberry compote and Cornish dairy ice cream. The regular menu includes a 'home comforts' section, and two or three courses are available for an excellent price on Sundays, together with a two-for-one deal on classic cocktails. And just a ten-minute walk from the train station too, The Living Room in York is irresistible.