Sunday Lunch - Sutlers

While sauntering up an enjoyably pedestrianised Fossgate during a festival I spotted an A-board outside Sutlers announcing their Sunday Lunch.

Having not realised they did a roast on Sunday as it wasn't on the main menu that I'd seen previously, I grasped the opportunity and popped in to see if they could be a contender in my search for York's Best Sunday Lunch.

What's on offer?

I liked the simplicity of the choice for the Sunday menu:

And that was it, so we both plumped for the beef.

What worked?

I'll start with the beef as this was exceptional. There was absolutely no gristle to be found as it was both a fantastic cut of meat and had been cooked to perfection rendering all the fat leaving an incredible boozily basted crust.

The Yorkshire pudding was also bang on, fluffy and soft at the base, and just crisping off around the top. The spuds were full of flavour and combined well with the deep, rich gravy.

The simple steamed side veg gave a nice crunch and provided the perfect accompaniment to the richness of the main dish and the addition of the baby sweetcorn was popular at the table.

What didn't work?

Sutlers really feels like a bar designed for drinking in and not particularly with eating in mind. I felt crammed in, with the uncomfortable school-chairs back to back so neither person could get out without bashing against the person behind them and the sparse environment and hardwood furniture echoed with every noise. Fine for a weekend evening drinking, but not ideal for a sit-down meal.

Although the spuds were some of the tastiest I've had so far they lacked any crunch, the only personal disappointment with the food.

Is it York's Best Sunday Lunch?

It's up there and gains five stars from me, fantastic.