Gray's Court

An unbeatable setting even for York: this Grade I-listed townhouse hard by the city walls was once the residence of the wealthy Treasurers of York Minster. Newly restored & opened as a tearoom, you can lounge on a sofa in the oak-panelled long gallery or cosy up in an alcove beneath the oriel window; on sunny days take advantage of the beautiful lawned garden for a spot of outdoor chilling. There’s nothing especially fancy about the food – salads & sandwiches support daily specials that might feature tomato & red pepper soup, a rustic Yorkshire rarebit or poached balsamic mushrooms with Yorkshire blue cheese, plus lemon drizzle cake to follow. In all, it’s a seductively beguiling prospect: nestle into the most luxurious & historic corner of York, & pretend it’s all yours for an hour or two.