The Star Inn The City Reviews 11

My girlfriend & I went for a coffee at The StarInn The City on Easter Monday. It took about 10 min for our coffee's to arrive. I paid and couldn't believe it i had a service charge of 12.5% added. I wasn't informed of this when I was making my payment. I told a staff member I didn't agree with this and nothing was done about it. The company should have mentioned this to me before payment and it is my decision if i wish to pay this. In my opinion this is stealing and totally out of order. I advise customers before you pay ask about the service charge. Also service was to long for our coffees...I wouldn't be going there again.

2x 250ml. Glasses of salv blank spv wine £30.
Mr. Turpin rides again !!!!

Formal Feedback Regarding Recent Visit.
A Sincere Account of an Unacceptable Experience.

To whom it may concern,
I am writing to express my deep disappointment following a recent visit to your establishment—a day which, despite its festive intentions and substantial expenditure of nearly £2,000, was marred by an unfortunate and poorly handled incident.
Allow me to outline my concerns clearly. After a significant portion of our day was spent enjoying your hospitality—during which the staff were exemplary and truly deserving of five stars—the transition to the evening shift brought about an abrupt and jarring change. Our group was abruptly informed that 'drinks were no longer being served to our table' due to allegations of children being 'unsupervised.' To clarify, I am not a parent, and the children present were not under my care. The policy enforcement seemed arbitrary, especially as I stood at the bar with my 10-year-old nephew, who simply wished to purchase a birthday cocktail for his grandmother—a sincere and innocent gesture.
What followed was, frankly, unacceptable: we were suddenly surrounded by staff in an intimidating manner, with no manager present and no one demonstrating the composure or skill expected in a high-class establishment. If your venue does not welcome children after a specific hour, this policy should be clearly stated on your website and communicated transparently to guests at the time of booking or arrival. Mixed messages only lead to confusion and frustration.
Moreover, there is a distinct difference between raising one’s voice out of exasperation and shouting. Unfortunately, your team failed to recognize this nuance—a basic expectation for any professional in the service industry. Rather than de-escalating the situation, the staff’s approach exacerbated it, leaving us feeling unwelcome and unfairly judged.
I urge you to consider investing in proper staff training, particularly regarding customer relations and conflict resolution. If the goal is truly to deliver a high-class experience, then every member of your team—regardless of shift—must be equipped to act with consistency, professionalism, and empathy.
In closing, I wish to express my gratitude to the daytime staff who set a high standard for hospitality. Regrettably, the evening team did not meet these expectations, leaving a sour impression on what should have been a celebratory occasion. I hope you take this feedback seriously, for only then can you ensure that future guests receive the level of service one would expect from an establishment of your reputation.
A disappointed patron

Went for lunch. Not busy very few inside no one on 1st terrace riverside terrace a bit busier . Were seated & two tables directly on the river vacated we requested to move told not possible to move tables on the terrace which meant we could not move
So left why spend money with such arrogant people. See from previous reviews this in not an uncommon (Mr Turton review Sept 23 Alex to move told table booked no one arrived whilst he ate so Fibbies told !)
This appears to be an ‘ too far up y own backside policy ‘ by a restaurant that feels its in a bracket or two higher than it actually is !! Whatever why should we spend our money with such an arrogant and rude company either appalling attitude’s toward customers The Star in is not The Ivy or Michellin star eatery but clearly some one there has delusions of grandeur!

Went for a dinner, sat outside by the river. Delightful food and lovely views

Had lunch on Monday 2nd December.
Was well looked after by Sebastian the waiter who provides service that should be the norm in all restaurants. He gave excellent advice on what to eat and the food was without doubt exceptional.
Hope Sebastian can stay at the Star Inn, they are lucky to have him.

Good atmosphere, great food and attentive staff. Our waiter, Sebastian, came on quite strong at first with his strong sense of humour! But he was very helpful when it came to choosing our meals, I chose the 10oz sirloin steak, medium rare, this was his suggestion and I have to say, delish! He also had great nail polish designs (off topic but worth mentioning!).
Overall a great family dinner!

After reading some of the review i was really looking forward to a spectacular meal here. OMG, it was so bad. The Scallop & Black pudding starter was more like a black pudding starter with 2 of the smallest scallops, one each end of the plate not bigger than a ten pence piece. At £17.99 this was outrageous and very disappointing. The Chicken liver parfait had very hard grains on the top that nearly broke my teeth, they were obviously not cooked! We had the Ling fish main that was like a slice of rubber, totally inedible! We also sent it back the stone bass main which was horrible. Do not waste your money here.

Each time we go to York we call at The Star for a drink. We were there on Tuesday and sat on the terrace. When a table became available near the front of the terrace we ventured towards it, only to be stopped by the waiter informing us that we could not sit there as it was reserved. After 20 minutes it was still vacant, and after another 10 minutes a waitress showed a couple onto the terrace asking them if they would like the said table. Obviously the table was not reserved. It’s a nice pub with a lovely terrace, but when you’re paying top dollar for drinks, you don’t want a waiter telling you lies. In future we’ll find another establishment that will be happy for our custom without telling us lies.

Just had lunch today on the terrace.
Great service and quality food with a lovely relaxing atmosphere.
What more could anyone want on a sunny Sunday afternoon with the family.

We booked this 19 days ago saying it was our anniversary asking for a nice river view. We were given the worst table in the restaurant nearest the kitchen looking at some food crates. SO disappointing.
It gets a good rating on google maps and I think they've become over confident. The prices match the reviews. The food was tasty but not up to 5* expectation.
The aspect is excellent and the evening was saved by the waiter moving us, mid meal, when we asked.