York Priory

The festival of angels

2011-12-13T10:47:00.001-08:00

The weekend bought some wonderful ice carvings and street cafes and christmas market to York this weekend

The city centre was packed with christmas shoppers even I ventured out to absorb the atmosphere. The festival of angels is a great event created by the city of yorks traders as a thank you to the York citizens

Coca Cola truck is coming.

2011-12-04T00:47:00.001-08:00

Technorati Tags: York,North Yorkshire,Uk,Coca Cola

The Coca Cola Truck

Just been into the city to view the Coca Cola Truck. Its just like a party there are people everywhere. I cannot believe what excitement this has created.

Pam and the Ginormous Burger

2011-12-03T23:46:00.001-08:00

It happened at the Christmas staff party last year. It was a whole mixed grill wrapped up in a burger bun. It took Pam 4 days to eat it - at every meal.

This meal was served at the Deramore Arms Heslington Village York. The only place I know that serves such kind of burger.

Anyone know any different?

York Christmas Fayre

2011-11-28T06:32:00.001-08:00

The last weekend in November marks the start of the Christmas season in York with the yearly event ST NICHOLAS FAYRE. It is the most lovely event with heaps of festive charm and cheer. St Nicks Fayre is a famous Christmas market situated in various locations over the city with a mixture of crafts, food,homemade and local produce. People travel from miles around to visit the Fayre and complete their Christmas shopping.These are some of the images I took over the weekend.

Coppergate Centre

Location Barley Hall

Petergate

Visiting York in The Half Term

2011-10-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for things to do whilst visiting york in the half term here are some exciting suggestions for the kids.

Illuminating York Where York is bathed in digital light shows for tourists and locals alike

Celebrate Halloween at York Maze where the kids can get into 'the spirit' of things.

The NRM big fun with little trains

Remember its not just about the History its also about the present. We love York

Start early for Christmas shopping

2011-08-24T15:59:00.001-07:00

Around this time we start to think of the kids returning to school and the autumn months ahead. Suddenly we acknowledge that Christmas is just 16 weeks away. Now is the time to start preparing. Don't get caught out with the snowy weather like last year, start your shopping early.

We have a great solution
We have a regular group of ladies who are sisters but live in 4 separate corners of the UK. They meet up here every year for the weekend. They buy all their Christmas shopping then spend their evenings wrapping all their pressies together in their rooms drinking wine and listening to music laughing giggleing and generally enjoying each others company

What an excellent way to deal with all that Christmas shopping.

If this appeals to you The York Priory has started reducing the prices on our our midweek and Sunday nights leading up to Christmas. It is always best to call the reception team 44 (0)1904 819022 to discuss the availability, rates and make a booking

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:York,United Kingdom

Personal Experience of a Personal Trainer

2011-04-28T08:55:00.000-07:00

In 2002 I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it was raging out of control

I was feeling pretty low and not enjoying life in general. I really knew I had to do something positive for myself.

A couple of years ago I enrolled a personal trainer, Jason Feavers.

I truly felt foolish. I really didn't want to exercise and was scared and reluctant as to what was going to be expected from me. Jason is absolutely fantastic and explained how the roles of a P.T has changed over the years. No more push push for the burn and more lifestyle coaching. He works with several professionals like Elaine Wilson and Suzanne Brue and believes very strongly research and making positive changes. Jason is very encouraging and uses persuasive instruction. He must be a very clever man because he has actually in succeeded in getting me to exercise without it actually disliking like it. He has a very simple philosophy and that is that the exercise must be something you enjoy. He also works with people who in training for goals like marathons, climbs, events etc. A diverse spectrum.

So far I have tried Nordic walking, power plate, TRX, kettle bells, boxercise. I have started dancing in both ceroc and salsa.

On the positive side, my diabetes management has really improved so much so that I have managed to be taken off 1 of the tablets, and made lots of new friends and tried new experiences.

I would defiantly recommend a personal trainer. Choose your tranier carefully and make sure you are both working towards the same goal. It really can be a positive step.

Selby Abbey and York to Selby Cycle path

2011-04-27T00:30:00.000-07:00

I had a go to a meeting in Selby yesterday so it was a good opportunity to visit with my father in Law at Bubwith and then on to Selby. Bubwith is a village between Selby and Market Weighton. Interesting little village with a Nature reserve and a cracking little Deli called Jug and Bottle.

I knew the bridge at selby is closed to cars so we parked up on the otherside and walked over into the town.

Selby is a traditional old market town, famous for its Bank Holiday Monday giant market.

It has a beautiful Abbey there and a great sports centre.

We took a meal just opposite is a lovely restaurant Number 8. I had heard so much about and it certainly lived up to its reputation.

Some guests bought there bikes with them over the Eater break and rode from York to Selby along the cycle path said it had been very enjoyable, its about 14 Miles

Location:Selby

Easter Bank Holiday Monday at Temple Newsam

2011-04-26T03:29:00.000-07:00

Bank Holidays are always very quite in the hospitality trade. Its the time we have our bit of R&R after working most of the weekend. Yesterday was no exception. My sister (Acres Dene) and I decided to take the dog for a Nordic Walk at Temple Newsam

What an absolutely glorious walk it is, you can walk miles,uninterrupted totally traffic free, in peaceful countryside. We walked 4.5 miles including bridlepaths, georgous bluebell woods and saw rare breed cattle. Boo our dog just loves it.

A good tip is to take a drink and a snack with you or even a pic-nic you can fill an entire day if you really enjoy the great outdoors.

Fantastic Family Easter Fun In York

2011-04-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

We have had some fantastic new customers this Easter weekend, made some new friends, enjoyed their company.

Mr Middleton raved about the National Railway Museum, he said, even though he didn't have any interest in trains what so ever he thought it was a marvelous museum that had kept him, his wife and 3 kids fully entertained for 5 hours yes thats 5 hours. He just couldn't believe that it was free. Returning every night very weary and ready for a couple of beers in the bar.

The weather has certainly helped, everyone has been able to sit and enjoy a drink in the gardens whilst the kids played.

York Mexican Food

2010-09-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

Fiesta Mehicana
Fiesta Mehicana is a great place with a fun party atmosphere, so if you’re after somewhere for an intimate romantic meal for two, this isn’t place for you! The whole restaurant is decked out in bright colours, with hundreds of sombreros hanging in the ceiling to give it a loud, fun feel of Mexico. There’s an extensive menu, with all the Mexican favourites – burritos, fajitas, chimichangas, nachos and more – and all with a choice of different meats or vegetarian options. All the food is made to order, so be prepared to wait a little while if it’s busy. The good thing is that it’s all really fresh and it means you can specify how hot or mild you want it, depending on your taste-buds. There’s also a great range of cocktails, including a wide variety of some very nice tequilas to choose from for shooting, slamming or sipping! It’s not too expensive either, so it’s a great fun night out that won’t break the bank.
Fiesta Mehicana reviewed by Helen

Gluten Free Restaurant

2010-09-20T00:22:00.000-07:00

El Piano
El Piano is one of my favourite restaurants in York and has to be one of the best places to eat for vegetarian and vegans in North Yorkshire! The tapas style menu has plenty to choose from and everything is 100% vegan and gluten free, including all the wine and beer. I’ve eaten there lots of times with friends who are vegetarians, vegans and red-blooded meat eaters and they’ve all loved it! The food is all prepared fresh in the restaurant, so you do have to wait a little bit longer than usual, but it’s definitely worth it as all the food is delicious! You can either choose individual dishes or, if you’re in a group, order a selection to share. The restaurant is very relaxed and colourful, with a choice of different rooms to eat in each with its own unique character. The sunshine room is my favourite for a group; you all sit on big slouchy floor cushions around a long low table, so it’s very relaxed! The service is great; all the staff are very friendly and happy to explain the menu to those who need it. It’s also very reasonably priced too

El Piano is situated in Grape Lane in the city centre of York

This review was composed by Helen receptionsit at the York Priory Guesthouse

Castle Museum Tourist Attraction York Yorkshire

2010-07-15T02:26:00.000-07:00

One of the best museums in York, (which often gets over looked) is The Castle Museum. It is in my opinion THE best museum. It is council owned and because of this does not have a massive advertising budget.Take the time to visit it whilst staying here you will not be disappointed and best of all its only a few minutes walk from the the York Priory Guesthouse

I asked my receptionist Helen to write an independent review

The Castle Museum by Helen 14Th July 2010

The Castle Museum is one of York’s top tourist attraction’s and in my opinion, it really deserves to be. I have memories of visiting it as a child on family holidays – I loved it then and I still love it now. I particularly like the recreation of the Victorian Street, with all the old shops and businesses for you to look around. There’s also prison cells and school rooms to explore too. The Museum regularly changes the exhibitions and always has something new and interesting to offer, because of that, it’s one of the few tourist attractions I still visit even now I live in York permanently. It’s a big museum with plenty to see, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to look around. And remember, once you’ve paid to get in, your ticket remains valid for for a year, so you can go back as many times as you like to see anything you missed first time around, which makes it a real bargain!

The Forbidden Corner, Yorkshire Tel 01969 640638

2010-07-08T04:33:00.000-07:00

The Forbidden Corner
Tupgill Park Estate
Coverham
North Yorkshire
DL8 4TJ
Telephone: 01969 640638

For other attractions in York

Since the summer holidays are just around the corner, it started me thinking about what i did last summer. One of my most enjoyable days out involved a day out with my neice to Forbidden Corner near Middleham.

It was my second visit and i couldnt wait to introduce my family to it. It really is a fantastic day out for children. Its just like visiting Alice in Wonderland.

Set right in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales near Leyburn, it is about an hours car ride from York. It only accepts advance ticket bookings,these can be bought from the tourist office in Middleham or by advance telephone bookings. The website www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk/ will also give you the datails you need however do not use the website to make an assumption of the attraction, it does not do it any justice.

I am not going to give its secrets away as it would spoil the effect of your visit my advice is to take a camera, a picnic (though there is a cafe) and most importantly a comfortable stout pair of shoes.

Children who are of a delicate nature may be frightend of the experience but dont be put off there are loads of other things to do.

Piccolinos York. Restaurant Review.

2010-07-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

Piccolinos York

18 Bridge Street
York
YO1 6DA
TEL 01904 521155
WEB Piccolino's Italian Restaurant York

Usually on or day off we like to try sample local attractions, restaurants bars and venues so that we can give our customers ideas before they arrive.

Last night Russ and i visited Piccolinos in York. What a lovely restaurant with an upmarket continental feel. It is an ideal restaurant to visit for that "special meal". It is a little pricey but the fact that everything is freshly made including the pasta and desserts one would expect to pay the price for high quality cuisine.

We shared a a Garlic bread with Tomato £4.50. This was very thin and crispy but packed with flavour

Russ had Veal Escalope with chestnut mushrooms and a Marsala sauce £17.50. it looked delicious and certainly Russ approved

I had Crispy roast duck with honey roasted apples and and a Valpolicella red wine sauce. £14.95. I cannot decribe how tasty it was. 2 large confit of duck sat on 4 delicately honey flavoured apple quarters, the sauce was sticky sweet with a hint of a liquorice flavour. The confit was well cooked, tender and crispy.

Unfortunately the main courses are not served with any side dishes at all. These are extra at £3.75 per portion i would highly recommend the creamy mash.

To round the meal off I enjoyed a delicious desert of Roasted fruits and marscapone cheese crostini

Russ had an extremely rich drippy chocolate fudge sponge with vanilla ice cream
finished with a frothy cappuccino.

I would definitely suggest an advance reservation if you wish to visit the restaurant whilst in York

Other restaurants in York

Foodies of York Event 16th June 2010

2010-06-18T03:17:00.000-07:00

Dates for York Food Festival Event

My sister Pam and I went to the Merchant Adventurers Hall on Wednesday 16th June for a local food/drink networking event. There were several local businesses with samples of their produce. I think my favourite had to be the homemade chocolates... so unusual. eg Yorkshire Curd or Blackcurrant. The creator is Little Pretty Things and well worth taking some of her chocolates home with you. They also do chocolate workshops and partys etc visit her website here http://www.littleprettything.co.uk/about-us/contact-little-pretty-things

York Brewery also had a stall there. Take a tour of the brewery and sample some of their beers. Pam and I were driving, so sadley we had to decline :-(

The Yorkhire Food Company is situated on Micklegate Hill just around the corner from The York Brewery. It has a small coffee shop style area where you can buy a freshly prepared meal, it also has a deli serving locally sourced produce. Pam and I often go here just for a coffee and a cake. Its a nice place to relax especially after the Brewery Tour. Thy had a selection of different flavoured sausages I think my favourite had to be the pork and black pudding.

The cheese stall had a selection of local cheeses. My favourite was the Yorkshire Blue. OMG it was so delicous I shall be treating myself the next time I visit there.
www.deliyork.co.uk. Interestingly they offer picnics to go if you need

Another interesting thing to do whilst in York is take some lessons at The Cooking Rooms. http://www.thecookingrooms.com/

Russ keeps telling me I need some lessons so perhaps this might be on my Christams list. Ill keep you posted

Race for Life

2010-06-08T05:04:00.000-07:00

I lost my Mum and Grandmother through cancer and have been affected both directly and indirectly with friends and relatives.

I have always wanted give back something in the memory of my Mum and Grandmother and all those i know affected by this terrible disease. It has taken me some time to get the courage to attempt to do something like this. I have always been extremely un fit and felt frightened of enrolling. 18 months ago I decided to turn my health around and explore the possibilties of new challenges.

This is my first fitness challenge Cancer research Uk 5K race for life.

http://www.justgiving.com/lizziejackson

If you would like to support us please come down to the racecourse on the 27/06/2010 we would love to see you. You can also post a donation on line here.

Thanks for your support and wish me luck

Lizzie Jackson

Hotel or Guesthouse

2008-10-31T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hotel or Guesthouse

After nearly 80 years of trading the Priory Hotel in York is rebranding to be called The York Priory. As from January 2008 we were no longer able to call ourselves a hotel as we do not provide an evening meal. We are now classed as a 4 star guesthouse. Over the years the hotel has been expanded, improved, developed and changed. After 19 years of struggling to keep a restaurant open and running we had to close it in 2003. This was a very sad decision for us but with the rising costs and yearly losses the restaurant was draining all investments and improvements scheduled for the bedrooms etc.

Now 2008 we are about to embark on our next phase of improvements and although we are sad to change the hotel name if we had stayed in the hotel branding we would have only ever been able to achieve a 1 or 2 star hotel.

We decided that York Priory is more fitting for the grand old building that has been in my family for years. We are to big to be an intimate small guesthouse and to small to compete with large hotels that are now so dominant in York.