Named for the road on which it is located, 1 York Place is the second independent family-owned neighbourhood restaurant of Bristolian husband and wife duo Freddy and Nessa Bird. 1 York Place follows in the footsteps of the Little French, the couple’s inaugural restaurant in Westbury Park showcasing an unpretentious French fare of sensible charming food and pleasing wines. Since then, Bird has opened the Little Shop, created the Menendez & Bird Oil, and Buxton & Bird Pies, which used to have a unit at Bristol’s Cargo 2.
Now, they have snapped up some prime real estate in the neighbourhood of Clifton Village known for its elegant boutiques and cosy cafes. It’s one of Bristol’s most picturesque and sought-after quarters, popular with tourists and locals alike. 1 York Place is a quaint and cosy 46-cover neighbourhood restaurant which spotlights the best that European produce has to offer. The group’s ethos asserts that small businesses should support other independent family-led businesses both on the continent and closer to home.
This might have something to do with their background. Freddy, trained at Ballymaloe Cookery School before moving to London and gaining experience at the prestigious two-Michelin-starred restaurant, The Square - then headed by Phil Howard. After, he did a four-year stint at Moro alongside Sam and Sam Clark. In 2008, finding his way back west, Freddy took on the role of executive chef at the Lido Bristol before extending his expertise to the Thames Lido in Reading. A familiar feature on the small screen, Freddy cohosted the Channel 4 programme Hidden Restaurants with Michelle Roux Jr in 2017. He more recently worked with Roux again on the BBC's Remarkable Places to Eat.