Relax and enjoy a unique dining experience in The Cookery (formerly Ashfields Restaurant) , our award winning on-site training restaurant, where exceptional food and drink products, many from local suppliers, come together to produce unusual and exciting gastronomic delights.
The Cookery not only provides unique, reasonably priced food, it also acts as a training restaurant where students can work on their culinary skills.
The Cookery has become only the second on-site college training restaurant in the North of England to be granted AA College Rosette Highly Commended status.
The award is the equivalent to receiving two rosettes in the industry-respected and trusted AA Restaurant Guide and recognises the quality of food produced and level of service delivered by our hospitality and catering students.
In addition to the rosettes, The Cookery also achieved a Gold award from People 1st after assessors enjoyed a meal in the restaurant.
That inspection resulted in a final grading of 138/145 with full marks received for the Industry Engagement; Resources and Quality Assurance observations.
Work Experience and Enrichment; Staff; Learner Recruitment and Provision Success and Review ranked highly, too, to contribute to the best possible overall outcome.
The twin recognition means College’s hospitality department is now regarded as a “Centre of Excellence”.
Opening times
The Cookery is open to the public for a range of events throughout the year including evening and lunchtimes offering everything from gourmet taster menus to afternoon tea and fish and chips. Our professional chef students are proud to present their delicious dishes and the front of house students are delighted to welcome you The Cookery and display their service skills.
If you would like to join us for one of our exciting events such as tasting menus, afternoon teas or gin paring evenings please contact us at TheCookery@yorkcollege.ac.uk or call 01904 770253.
Opening times
The Cookery is open to the public for a range of events throughout the year including evening and lunchtimes offering everything from gourmet taster menus to afternoon tea and fish and chips. Our professional chef students are proud to present their delicious dishes and the front of house students are delighted to welcome you The Cookery and display their service skills.
If you would like to join us for one of our exciting events such as tasting menus, afternoon teas or gin paring evenings please contact us at TheCookery@yorkcollege.ac.uk or call 01904 770253.
“Last evening's Mexican meal was such a treat!!
“The menu choices were well researched and the execution exemplary. Homemade tortillas and tostilocos were a revelation. Everything was tasty and beautifully presented, nothing like we had ever had in a commercial restaurant. This theme should definitely be a regular feature in your curriculum. Thank you chefs!
“Our waitresses Anja and Lily were attentive and courteous. Once they passed their initial shyness it was lovely to see them relax and start to enjoy interacting with us. Great job!”
Michelle
“On behalf of Dringhouses WI I would like to thank you and all the staff for the wonderful evening that we all had last night. Please pass on our thanks to the students for their excellent standards of preparation, cooking, serving and overall politeness. They really made the evening special for us and we wish them all the best with their studies. They are a real credit to you and the college.”
Heather
“Just wanted to say what another fabulous evening we had last night, the best we’ve attended so far. The food was excellent, from presentation to tasting every mouthful, paired with wines with flavours and aromas which really complimented each course.
“The students are developing their skills and confidence and are a credit to you. Looking forward to the next event already.”
Mike
Evening Events
Relaxed, formal dining and contemporary cuisine combine for a stylish dining experience.
For formal dining and inventive menus, an evening in The Cookery offers the opportunity to experience amazing culinary creations and attentive service in a relaxed atmosphere. The Cookery opens on a number of evenings from 6.00pm (carriages at 9.00pm) serving a range of a la carte and tasting menus. Reservations are essential and can be made by contacting The Cookery by email at TheCookery@yorkcollege.ac.uk or on 01904 770253. Alternatively you can fill in the enquiry form below and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
September
- Wednesday 24th – A La Carte Three Course: £32 per person
- Tuesday 30th - Four Course Great British Menu: £32 per person
October
- Wednesday 1st - Level 3 A La Carte Three Course: £32 per person
- Tuesday 7th – Three Course Steak Night: £32 per person
- Wednesday 8th - Level 3 A La Carte Three Course: £32 per person
- Wednesday 15th - Level 3 A La Carte Three Course: £32 per person
- Tuesday 21st - Four Course Wine Pairing Dinner: £38 per person
- Wednesday 22nd - Level 3 A La Carte Three Course: £32 per person
November
- Tuesday 4th – Five Course Spanish Night: £32 per person
- Wednesday 5th - Level 3 A La Carte Three Course: £32 per person
- Wednesday 12th - Level 3 A La Carte Three Course: £32 per person
- Tuesday 18th – Five Course Great British Menu: £32 per person
- Wednesday 19th - Level 3 A La Carte Three Course: £32 per person
- Wednesday 26th – Christmas Dinner: £32 per person
December
- Tuesdays 2nd & 16th - Christmas Dinner: £32 per person
- Wednesdays 3rd, 10th & 17th - Christmas Dinner: £32 per person
- Christmas lunches every Wednesday, Thursday: £27 per person
Lunch
Lunches and Afternoon teas are available on a number of days between 12.00pm and 2.00pm
Enjoy lunch or afternoon tea in The Cookery for a less formal dining experience. Our lunches offer superb dishes that don’t compromise on quality. From fish and chips to afternoon tea our lunch menu has been designed with everyone’s budget in mind. Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting The Cookery by email at TheCookery@yorkcollege.ac.uk or on 01904 770253. Alternatively you can fill in the enquiry form below and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Open Tuesdays from 12.00 for Brunch Menu & Thursdays From 12.00 For A La Carte Lunch
Special events……
Afternoon Tea Wednesdays: £18 per person
October 22nd
January 28th
March 25th
April 29th
May 20th
Fish and Chip Friday Lunches: £11 per person
October 10th
November 28th
January 30th
March 20th
May 8th
June 19th
Pie, Mash & Peas Tuesdays: £11 per person
January 27th
February 24th
March 24th
April 28th
May 19th
Christmas 2025
Christmas Lunches: £27 per person (Wednesday and Thursday)
December 3rd – December 18th
Christmas Party Nights: £32 per person
Tuesday 2nd & 16th December
Wednesday 3rd, 10th & 17th December
Wanting to join us this Christmas? Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting The Cookery by email at TheCookery@yorkcollege.ac.uk or on 01904 770253. Alternatively you can fill in the enquiry form below and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Corporate and private functions for up to 50 guests are available.
If you’re looking for a venue for a function, The Cookery can cater for functions or parties, large or small and won’t compromise on the quality of the food or service.
Our Restaurant Coordinator and Head Chef can work with you to produce detailed planning of your event to make it as stress-free as possible. From menus to table decorations, we’ll be with you every step of the way as your function is as personal to us as it is to you. We can offer packages tailor-made to suit your requirements at competitive prices.
Unfortunately, The Cookery cannot provide outside catering for events.
If you would like to find out more please call 01904 770253 or email TheCookery@yorkcollege.ac.uk to arrange a meeting to discuss your requirements.
Parking is free of charge after 5.00pm.
If parking during the daytime, please obtain a £1 parking ticket from the machine and register your vehicle at the Welcome Desk.
If you are parking or being dropped off in a vehicle that is not a licensed taxi, please ensure that you use the College entrance on Sim Balk Lane, (the road towards Bishopthorpe). Please note the bus lane entrance on Tadcaster Road has automatic number plate scanners and driving through it will incur a fine unless you are a registered taxi, minibus or coach (this applies 7 days a week).
Bookings
If you would like to make a booking please call 01904 770253 or email TheCookery@yorkcollege.ac.uk to speak to one of our team. Alternatively you can fill in the enquiry form below and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Bookings
If you would like to make a booking please call 01904 770253 or email TheCookery@yorkcollege.ac.uk to speak to one of our team. Alternatively you can fill in the enquiry form below and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
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York College Cookery School
Taking place in our professional training kitchens and led by our highly skilled chefs, the York College Cookery School offers a fantastic range of courses to develop your skills.
York College Cookery School
Taking place in our professional training kitchens and led by our highly skilled chefs, the York College Cookery School offers a fantastic range of courses to develop your skills.
