Slug And Lettuce Christmas Menu, York Riverside

It doesn't sound a very tempting name - Slug and Lettuce. Don't let the name put you off. Up until visiting the York Riverside outlet I had never been in one of their establishments.

It was pouring down outside, the hustle and bustle of Christmas shoppers were starting to get on my nerves so to step inside a warm and inviting atmosphere was just the tonic.

The dining area is set at the back of the cocktail bar - the noisy part is at the entrance but thankfully the dining area is quiet. It is Christmas though so you are going to get in a few rowdy parties, but they will not spoil your enjoyment as they are well away from your eating experience.

With a table reserved overlooking the River Ouse it felt, even if we were not eating, it was a nice view to enjoy a drink, those mad Christmas shoppers seemed miles away.

The Festive Set Menu is either two courses for £22.99 Sunday to Wednesday or £25.99 Thursday to Saturday. Three courses are £24.99 Sunday to Wednesday or £27.99 Thursday to Saturday.

I chose the Margherita Arancini as a starter - hot and tangy served with a Piri Piri mayo that was so hot you would only need a little of it. My partner chose the Prawn and Smoked Salmon Cocktail - with a copious amount of salmon it could have been a main course.

We both went for the Hand Carved Turkey for our mains - 4 thick pieces of turkey with pork, cranberry, orange and fig stuffing and pigs in blankets. The potatoes were crispy, the parsnips fresh and the sprouts cooked properly and not nearly raw like you sometimes get. A veritable feast indeed.

There is also the option of Filet of Salmon, 8oz Rump Steak and for vegetarians Mushroom, Butternut Squash and Spinach Tart.

My partner chose the Pornstar Martini Cheesecake for her dessert which was tangy with a crisp but not soggy bottom.

My Christmas Fruit Pudding seemed to have been overlooked a little and didn't have the moisture you tend to get with Christmas pud. Apart from that the meal was excellent, plus we had a very pleasant server who was studying in York - if you are lucky enough to be served by Connor you will be well looked after.

By the time we left the Christmas shoppers had gone, York was in its glory again and we had a very enjoyable experience.

Slug and Lettuce, 1-1a Low Ousegate, York YO1 9QU
https://www.slugandlettuce.co.uk/yorkriverside/food-and-drink