York, a long, long time ago back in the middles ages, teaming with people before The Great Plague hit [you mean COVID…Ed] there were very few good restaurants. Yes we know, the Blue Bicycle – long gone – and Bettys of course. But now – dozens. Skosh, Star in the City, Meltons [to be fair they were there in the middle ages], Brancusi, Roots, Fish and Forest. Loads of them.

Also back in the mists of time was Le Langhe, a small exuberant restaurant and deli. Jay Rayner had been before of course, and we only went once as it closed shortly afterwards. We described it as “Wonderful. Unexpected. Welcoming. Astounding”.

Enter the 21st Century and a couple returned from Australia seeking new challenges.

After four years, Lovaine and Adam felt the pull to return to the UK to start a family and spend quality time with theirs, and so the search for the next challenge ensued. With no particular plan as to what to do next, Adam and Lovaine scouted sites for two years in York to house a suitable project until they found the Old Coach House. After an extensive refurbishment of the interior, Arras finally came home.

So fifteen years on we’ve been back to the ‘new’ Arras. Clean, white, simple, friendly we’d call it this time. No deli but they have Little Arras down the road, producing great sourdough – you’re brought a whole loaf to your table and invited to take home what you couldn’t eat. We had a simple 2 courses at lunchtime – £32.00. Great value for the quality of food on offer. 

York, of course, flooded again. We had drought conditions last summer – hosepipe ban for months. Then, after the ‘hottest summer on record’ come the ‘wettest winter etc etc’. And now the Great Yorkshire Water want to put prices up by 5.9%. Get yourselves to Arras and enjoy it while you can still afford it.

Restaurant and delicious sourdough Arras York