Pre-Christmas York

York, usually one of our Christmas haunts but after far too much work and not enough play we thought we'd visit our safe place for a nice weekend away. (that wasn't supposed to rhyme!!!)

walking over Lendal Bridge into York

Lovely smoked kippers

Better still a food and drink festival was on.  York never disappoints food-wise but I can't think of anything better than a food festival on as well!!!

So many lovely treats to take home, Yorkshire chocolates, cheeses, meat, chutney, oh and a few pairs of smoked kippers for Dad.

No trip would be complete without at least one visit to Betty's, how could you go to York and not visit Betty's???  We had breakfast there on the Saturday which was perfect but instead of having afternoon tea we tried a new deli near to Betty's in St Helens Square called Mannions.  

I can't find a website sadly but they are quite new.  They stock the best quality local deli produce and I can highly recommend one of their platters.  There is a charcuterie platter but being someone who doesn't want to miss out on anything I opted for the 'bit of everything platter'. 

Oh my goodness, I can't tell you how good this was!  

Sorry Betty's, you know I love you but I'm afraid Mannions will also receive a visit from now on.

"bit of everything" platter - Mannions.

I never get bored of the Minster, well I never bore of York but the Minster is just special.

Some shots inside - 

 

 

 

 A few from outside -

and a few random York ones - 

walking through the Shambles towards the Minster.

 

From the gate on St Helen's Church, York.

Garden at the Royal York Hotel

ornate lamppost on Lendal Bridge

 

I really do love York, the only thing that beats this is York at Christmas.  My favourite festival is the Festival of Angels which is on the 10th and 11th December this year when our clan will descend onto York in all it's festive splendour and immerse ourselves in the cheery Christmas atmos, fake snow propelled out of shop windows in the Shambles, hog roast baps, mince pies and one or two mugs of mulled wine.

LB