Review: No.1 by GuestHouse, York 

In a city packed with fabulous options for sleeping and eating in style, the No.1 by GuestHouse has jumped to the top of our list for must-visit hotels in York

SLEEP 

No.1 is headed up by GuestHouse - an independent hospitality group created by brothers, Tristan, James and Tom Guest - who are renowned for creating one-off, wonder-filled hotels, with an outpost Bath and now York. No.1 is set inside a gorgeous Georgian building (formerly The Grange Hotel if you’re familiar with York) and the GuestHouse team have breathed new life into this handsome, historic building, with romantic interiors that offer guests an indulgent treat while retaining the warmth and character of a traditional guest house.

Think huge, dreamy sash windows, higher-than-high ceilings, a sweeping central staircase, and ivy around the door. The 39 bedrooms are as restful as it gets with fireplaces in many, plenty of leafy views, and radiating warmth with a hint of grandeur to them all. We travelled with toddler in tow and couldn’t have been made to feel more welcome; little touches like in-room tipi hideouts, out-and-about instant cameras, adjoining rooms and a special ‘goodies menu’ make all the difference when travelling as a family.

EAT 

The hotel has a very exciting new restaurant opening at the end of March called Pearly Cow, based around the concept of fire (quality meats fish, seafood and veg cooked over a wood and charcoal Mibrasa Grill) and ice (fresh oysters, potted Whitby crab and yellow fin tuna etc.)

Treats to look out for on the menu include 45-day aged Hereford beef tartare and oyster cream with salted cucumber and Exmoor caviar and wonder-filled sweet treats, such as the blackberry and lemon baked Alaska for two. The handpicked wine list features classics, new world adventures and English sparkling wines whilst the curated cocktail collection takes inspiration from the local surroundings. Afternoon tea is also given a playful twist at No.1 with dishes like duck egg mayonnaise and black truffle sandwiches and Gloucester Old Spot and apple sausage rolls.

DO

No.1 is brilliantly central and visitors to the city are spoilt for choice when it comes to cosy pubs, exciting street food and top-tier restaurants. What’s left of the Roman city walls is very close to the hotel, and York Minster (the city’s most iconic landmark) is just a 10-minute walk away. Or if you can’t tear yourself away, the hotel has a treatment room focused spa in the cellar.

guesthousehotels.co.uk