Ate O'Clock is an independent, vibrant restaurant serving up classic British and European crowd-pleasing dishes in the centre of York. It boasts a wealth of private dining options, from dedicated spaces to party tables to more casual group dining, with a capacity of up to 32 guests.
Groups of eight to 14 can book a celebration table in either the Pink Dining Room, with its low ceiling and feathered lights, or the main Dining Room, distinguished by deep-blue tones and chandelier-style lighting. Everyone can sit around one long table, or two placed side by side with room to move between. For a larger gathering of 22 to 32, the Original Dining Room becomes private. The team can help arrange the layout, seating plan, menu and decorations, taking some of the fiddly jobs off the host’s hands.
While the Ate O'Clock brand has been around since the mid 2000s, in 2017 three brothers took over the restaurant, drawing on their mixed cultural backgrounds and experience in hospitality to create an eatery that "York was missing". Their ethos is founded in crafting a space beautiful enough for an occasion, but relaxed enough for everyone to feel at home. It has since grown into individually designed dining rooms, with a year-round courtyard and lounge bar next door.
The interiors strike a playful note from the moment guests sit down. Deep-blue walls and ceilings meet chandeliers, botanical panels and greenery, with blue velvet, burnt-orange chairs and golden banquettes gathered around the tables. Patterned carpets and decorations keep the scheme from feeling too polished: this is a glamorous backdrop for a party, but one where guests can settle in and enjoy themselves.
Guests are invited to choose from the three-course set menu in advance. You could begin with smoked salmon and crayfish tian, layered with avocado, cucumber and tomato. Pan-roasted sea bass follows with mashed potato, mussels, pak choi and tarragon lemon butter; alternatively, baked aubergine parmigiana brings together mozzarella, Parmesan and rich tomato sauce. Dark chocolate brownie with honeycomb ice cream and salted caramel makes an indulgent finale.