Ate O’Clock gives Christmas parties in York plenty of personality, with several distinctive dining rooms, a dedicated private space and a festive menu that goes well beyond turkey. The restaurant has been part of the city’s dining scene since the mid-2000s, growing from a smaller, intimate eatery into a prominent, 120-cover restaurant with a courtyard and lounge bar.
For smaller celebrations of eight to 14 guests, groups can book either the Pink Dining Room, with its low ceiling and feathered lighting, or the Original Dining Room, where deep blue tones and chandelier-style lights create an atmospheric vibe. Parties of 22 to 32 can take over the private dining room, while Christmas party bookings are available for groups of 12 to 30 - depending on the day and time. A really fun touch? Christmas party tables are dressed with crackers and individual place cards noting each guest’s menu choices which makes the occasion feel extra special.
Guests are invited to pick three courses from a festive menu in advance. Choices across starters might include chicken liver pâté with red onion marmalade and toasted bread, tomato, chilli and red pepper soup with Parmesan and herb mascarpone, or ham hock croquettes with confit garlic Dijonnaise. For something more indulgent, pan-seared king scallops come with cauliflower purée, apple and hazelnuts.
Mains include the traditional turkey dinner with pigs in blankets, sage and onion stuffing, roast potatoes, vegetables and gravy, alongside confit duck leg with dauphinoise potatoes, greens and an orange, cranberry and red wine jus. Plant-based guests can opt for a winter nut roast with all the trimmings, while the wild mushroom and pistachio risotto is finished with white truffle oil, pistachio crumb and Parmesan crisp.
Finally, dessert keeps the festive mood going with Baileys custard tart and whipped cream, cranberry-poached pear with caramelised puff pastry and raspberries, or traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. What's more, Ate O’Clock takes dietary requirements seriously, with dedicated gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan menus, plus suitable drinks options.