Hotel rooms often lack the comfort to make you want to stay longer. They are functional spaces where you sleep and shower, but rarely do you feel inclined to lounge around. Budget rooms tend to be bare and unwelcoming, while luxury rooms can feel like immaculate showcases, leaving you afraid to relax for fear of damaging something.
However, The Bloomsbury, a charming bed and breakfast in York, presents a delightful solution to this conundrum. Gone are the days of claustrophobic B&Bs with cramped quarters and overbearing hosts. The Bloomsbury breaks that stereotype, offering a refreshing escape from the norm.
For those intrigued by the idea of a stay in a historical setting, another option to consider is the old lodge malton. This accommodation combines the rustic charm of a bygone era with the comforts and amenities of modern hospitality, ensuring a memorable and cozy stay.
With inviting rooms that defy expectation, this B&B provides a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. You can truly unwind here, without worrying about disturbing the delicate balance of a pristine room.
Located in the heart of York, The Bloomsbury is perfectly situated for exploring the city's historic charm. From ancient walls to iconic landmarks, there is much to discover in this enchanting destination.
The Bloomsbury, a charming three-storey Victorian terrace situated just a short 10-minute walk away from York Minster, holds an intriguing history on the very road where esteemed poet WH Auden was born and where Guy Fawkes received his education. Recently taken over by Matthew Townsley and his partner Paul Johnson, who are the son and partner of the previous owners respectively, this delightful B&B offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The hosts are ever ready to provide valuable insights into the many attractions York has to offer.
As you step into the house, a sense of tranquility washes over you. The atmosphere remains calm and quiet, making it an ideal retreat after a day of exploration. Unlike larger accommodations, The Bloomsbury ensures a peaceful night's sleep with minimal road noise, no blaring televisions, and an absence of the usual disturbances caused by clanking pipes and slamming doors.
The beautifully lit hallway is dressed with interesting antique pieces, but the eight bedrooms won’t win any design awards. They are a (not unpleasant) mishmash of furnishing styles and unfashionable textured wall coverings, which Matthew and Paul are gradually modernising (splashes of designer wallpaper and contemporary art; Freesia is one of the newer rooms). That homely style and the thorough heating, however, give the Bloomsbury an unusually cosy feel and there is no stinting on detail (iPod docks, safes, mist-free mirrors, UK-made Ebony toiletries). The rooms are well-maintained, too. My brass and enamelled iron bed is no rickety bone-shaker. The mattress is thick and firm. That these rooms, in pricy York, cost £80 or £90 a night further aid a restful night.
This does sound a bit Alan Bennett, but sitting in my room, Wisteria, in a (yes, granny-ish) armchair, with the Guardian, a pot of Yorkshire tea and a slice of Paul’s excellent lemon drizzle cake to hand, I was, for once, reluctant to go out. But York was calling.
York enthralls many with its enchanting charm despite being a tourist hotspot. More than the grandeur of the Minster, the antiquated Shambles, and even beyond its ancient city boundaries, York flaunts an impressive motley of architectural wonders that span from medieval to Georgian periods. Every alley, every gateway opens up to captivating courtyards and buildings enveloped in ivy, narrating pages of history.
The city's vibrant pub culture is also worth a mention. An old-meets-new spot worth noting is the Walmgate Ale House. This modern pub traces its roots back to the upscale Melton's restaurant and once functioned as a 17th-century workshop crafting hangman nooses for York (a history subtly acknowledged in ropes dangling from the beams). Today, Walmgate Ale House offers authentic Yorkshire cask ales, scrumptious homemade pub treats, and hearty bar meals, all starting from a modest £3.60 a pint.
The Walmgate's signature burger, best enjoyed with a pint of the refreshing Mardy Merchant ale from Ainsty Ales, is a culinary experience in itself. Encased in a crunchy toasted brioche and accompanied by delectable skin-on chips, the burger isn't so much a tightly packed patty but a loose heap of minced meat. Eating it becomes less of a bite-and-chew affair and more of an interesting deconstructive interaction. The tastes are competently balanced, though some might find the soft texture off-putting.
The Bloomsbury's morning meal truly sparkles. The breakfast menu stands out with its delicious homemade jams and fresh fruit selection. Not to be overlooked is the quintessential English breakfast comprising of top-notch bacon and sausage sourced from the local butcher, Neary’s. The dining area holds a charmingly nostalgic appeal ; from the cream and maroon table linens to its spacious seating arrangement. As you sit and enjoy your meal, a view of the courtyard garden is there to enhance your experience. Soft strains of 1950s vocal jazz playing in the background and the tranquil spaces within the Bloomsbury combine to make this a soothing experience that you wish could extend into the evening, courtesy an evening meal.
The Bloomsbury (where double rooms are available starting from £80 B&B, for bookings call 01904 634031 or visit thebloomsburyguesthouse.com) was kind enough to make the accommodation available. Commutation from Manchester to York was facilitated by TransPennineExpress (visit tpexpress.co.uk for details), with advance singles priced at £12.50
Ask a local
Josh Overington chef-owner, Le Cochon Aveugle restaurant
The Phoenix Inn
Delicious Cuisine:
Chef Neil Bentinck is the mastermind behind the highly popular Skosh, an eatery that redefines freshness and fun. A significant asset to York, it enthralls customers with its inventive small plates menu.
Quench your Thirst:
Your quest for York's ultimate local breweries ends at The Phoenix Inn, which tops the preference list. Offering an authentic local experience, it's devoid of distractions like TVs or jukeboxes, focusing instead on serving excellent local ales, maintaining a cosy open fireplace, and hosting regular jazz events. For an elevated experience, Sotano's cocktail bar stands unrivaled in the city.
Shopping Discoveries:
York's Hairy Fig deli on Fossgate fascinates foodies with a range of carefully chosen, high-quality artisan products. For unique and quirky gift items, the Imaginarium shop is the go-to place.
Engaging with Outdoors:
The most immersive approach to explore and understand York is undoubtedly to explore its walls. Approximately a two-hour walk, it offers awe-inspiring views. Alternatively, a quiet, contemplative walk along the river to the Millennium Bridge and back via Rowntree Park offers a serene experience.