Cocktail deals, vintage games, afternoon tea and a 1940s-inspired anniversary soirée headline a week of celebrations.
York’s landmark hotel, The Milner York, is marking the first anniversary of its rebrand with Milner Week – a week-long celebration filled with vintage-inspired fun and exclusive offers.
Formerly known as The Principal, the four-star hotel has stood proudly on Station Road since 1878. In 2024, the hotel was rebranded as The Milner York to honour the city’s railway heritage and commemorate station foreman, William Milner, who tragically lost his life after entering a blazing building to recover vital medical supplies during the Baedeker raid of April 1942.
Today, the hotel carries his name as a lasting tribute to his bravery and selflessness.
A Week of Celebrations
Throughout Milner Week, the hotel will be brought to life with the charm and character of the 1940s. Guests, visitors, and locals alike are invited to step back in time and enjoy a specially curated programme of activities:
· Birthday Cocktails – Raise a glass with a celebratory drink offer and enjoy 2 cocktails for £15, available throughout the week.
· Vintage Games in the Lobby – Play 1940s-style parlour games in the hotel’s reception, bringing a touch of wartime nostalgia to the heart of York.
· Afternoon Tea Surprises – Indulge in a Full Chocolate Afternoon Tea experience during The Milner York’s birthday week for the chance to take home a special gift – from Milner-inspired G&Ts to one-of-a-kind chocolate treats.
· 1940s Anniversary Evening Event (Friday 17th) – An exclusive one-night-only event featuring a glamorous drinks reception, bespoke three-course dinner, live music from era-inspired favourites That Old Swing Thing, and a series of special surprises.
A Year of Investment and Innovation
One year on from its rebrand, The Milner York has achieved an impressive array of successes, underscoring a period of significant investment, innovation, and growth.
A key focus of the rebrand has been the reculturing and development of staff, resulting in an 80% staff retention rate in 2024 – 2025, up from 57% in 2023.
Under the guidance of a newly appointed hotel manager, the team has undergone extensive training to ensure seamless communication with guests and to bring the new brand ethos to life. Regular sessions with the General Manager, alongside focused workshops across all departments, helped establish and embed the refreshed brand standards.
Alongside this, the front-of-house team has exceeded expectations, achieving a 30% increase in service quality scores on guest review platforms. Arrival and departure experiences have been particularly well received, scoring 4.35/5 and 4.42/5 respectively across more than 500 reviews.
Strategic upselling initiatives have also proven highly successful for the hotel. In just one month, the check-in team generated over £4,000 in additional revenue, enriching the guest experience through room upgrades, premium dining options, and enhanced afternoon tea offerings.
Meanwhile, the Meetings & Events division has continued to thrive, with room hire bookings up 14% year-on-year and revenue increasing by 10% against both last year and budget forecasts. The department has also maintained an impressive 92% service score, reflecting its commitment to excellence.
Speaking on the milestone, Victoria Poole, Director of Sales at The Milner York, said:
“The Milner York is more than a hotel, it’s a part of York’s living history. Our first birthday is a chance to reflect on the heritage of our iconic building, to honour the bravery of William Milner, and to bring that spirit to life through a week of 1940s-themed events.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming our local community, loyal guests, and first-time visitors to celebrate with us, whether that’s raising a glass with our birthday cocktails, joining us for the Anniversary Evening, or simply popping in to soak up the atmosphere.”
Images supplied
