The Riverfront York is a hidden gem in Bishopthorpe, just a short distance from the city centre. A beautiful destination where visitors can camp, walk, cycle, boat, dine, drink, relax and explore.
Owned by a local family, The Riverfront York is an offering like nowhere else. Bosun’s is the onsite restaurant where you can expect excellent food and drink.
Our writer, Rachel McAlley visited Bosun’s Restaurant recently on a Friday evening for dinner with her partner, and this is what she thought.
This was the second time I visited The Riverfront York, but only the first-time dining at Bosun’s. I was very much looking forward to trying some dishes from the seasonal Bosun’s menu.
The restaurant, led by Head Chef Kurtus Auty showcases local Yorkshire ingredients and is open Thursday to Sunday. Kurtus came to our table to introduce himself and give us an insight to his team and talk us through the menu.
I had been advised by a friend to try the Cheese & Onion Brioche with Roasted Garlic Butter (£8), so we ordered it from the nibbles menu. Wow! what beautiful bread, soft, flavoursome, and extremely moreish. She was quite right when she said we’d love it.
Bosun’s Restaurant
To begin we ordered Textures of Beetroot with Goats Cheese and Chive Mousse (£10), served with Sherry Infused Beetroot, Chive Emulsion, and Crushed Candied Pecans. Plus, Sticky Aromatic Pork Belly (£11) with Pickled Blackberries, Chive Emulsion, Red Grape and Shallot Dressing. They were both presented beautifully, and were very flavoursome, but the stand out dish was the Beetroot as it was perfect in every possible way.
For our main dishes we opted for the Slow Cooked Short Rib (£23), which came with Pomme Puree, Seasonal Veg, Caramelised Onion Puree and red Currant Jus. Furthermore, we ordered the Duo of Lamb (£25), which was served with Potato Fondant, Blackberry Gel, Pickled Blackberries, Mulled Wine Beetroot, and Chestnut Puree. It was hard to call on this one, but the Duo of Lamb just outshone the Short Rib due to the variety of flavours on the plate.
We couldn’t go without trying a few side dishes to have alongside our mains. Therefore, we chose the Beef Dripping Triple Cooked Chips (£5.50), the Beer Battered Onion Rings (£4), the Seasonal Veg (£4), and the Charred Hispi Cabbage (£4.50). Both the chips and the onion rings were quite dry, but the Veg and the Hipsi were insanely good. The Charred Hispi was especially tasty as it was topped with Chive Emulsion, Lemon Yoghurt, and Crispy Onions, which made it very special indeed. We could have easily eaten this over and over again!
More From Bosun’s
The wonderful front of house manager came to see if we wanted dessert, so we asked for her recommendations. She suggested the Sticky Toffee Pudding (£10) and the Tiramisu Soft Serve Choux Bun (£12) would be an excellent choice. So, that’s exactly what we chose, and boy-oh-boy was the Tiramisu Choux Bun something else! Delicious, full of flavour, presented beautifully, and simply divine. It was served with Chocolate Craquelin, Chocolate Coffee Sauce, and pieces of Coffee Fudge. Honestly, this was the best ending to any meal ever.
Firstly, to note that Bosun’s has free parking for all guests, and the views (during the day) are quite lovely as the restaurant overlooks the River Ouse. Secondly, you will see people milling around, that are staying in the onsite shepherd’s huts, cabins, or caravan park. Thirdly, there’ll be people just passing through for a walk, run or cycle, and there’s always a vibrancy about The Riverfront York.
Visit The Riverfront York to find out more and to book a table at Bosun’s. Moreover, if you’re into a leisurely Sunday Roast we’ve been told by many that Bosun’s is one of the best around.
Stunning Surroundings and Delicious Food at Bosun’s York – Words by Rachel McAlley / @LadyRach
