Chapter House in York

Called for a drink on Thursday early evening expecting a nice quiet drink only to find a table of six mixed sexes bawling and shouting. Wanted a Mahou but off tap, settled for a stella at £3.80 for a half and a pint of guiness. Should be a nice place to have a peaceful drink but it seems that parties seem to be taking over the Chapter bar as well as business meetings. If you go do not expect it to be quiet.

This is the bar at The Principal Hotel in York; which is the big old hotel next to the train station. Not your average station hotel, this place has atmosphere. Must have been properly luxury in its day, with many period features. Still nice now. Bar itself can be accessed from hotel or from outside. Good range of seats inside. Leather chairs are best. The beer, on this occasion, was Mahou. Decent lager; previously only seen in Manchester. Small food menu. Scotch egg. Nice place for a pint. Well done.

Popped in for drink and light bite while in town shopping on busy Saturday staff very friendly and polite place very busy how ever however waited 45 minutes for food witch was very good once arriving MO who served us looked after us really well

These were the best fish and chips I’ve had in a long time. The batter was very light and crispy, cooked right through. The fish was cooked to perfection, soft and flaky. There were just enough chips and I enjoyed the tartre sauce, which had shallots running through it.

Excellent fish and chips. Friendly service. Cosy surroundings. Great view of bar walls. Handy for station.

A beautiful bar let down by rude and inefficient bar staff. Customers are treated like a burden.

Nice building but the worst old fashioned I've ever had. He didn't even put bitters in. Come here for a larger before your train, don't buy a cocktail.

Excellent, staggered out of Wetherspoons into there, way more atmosphere, enjoyed the experience, had a nibble tray to wash down the copious amounts of cider I was drinking.

The people were very nice and the food was outstanding. The music was amazing. I just love this restaurant.

Calling in today at 2pn, there was four of us with a bill of £90. Two flat pints of peroni it actually suited the flat service by the staff. Food was mediocre the burgers were pink which is illegal in the UK. Fries were cold and the easiest meal ploughman's lunch come 10 minutes later than the other meals. No 5 minute check. Staff are not very good or poorly trained, I would never return. Hopefully management Read this and get their finger out.

Fantastic bar at this hotel, well worth a visit, great choice of drinks and friendly professional service, thanks Sam for being so helpful

Lovely drinks. Staff were lovely both nights we went (as staying in the hotel). We had the yellow tree, amaretto sour and xprarie across both nights and all 3 tasted gorgeous. The barman remembered us from the night before and was really helpful and happy to chat. He asked what we thought of the xprairie as he said it wasn't ordered often. If we had stayed at the Principal more than 2 nights, we would have gone back again.

Ignorant bar staff and slow service including and in particular the short bearded suited kind of manager so rude. Drinks very expensive and the diet coke bottle plonked on the bar without a glass for £10 with a pint of peroni.

Do not go , Warm drinks !!!! Ordered Gin and Tonic and a Vodka and Coke, mixers came warm off the shelf with a bottle of coke for 2 drinks as they didn't have small ones, was told would charge for small but didn't. They said they could give me more ice to cool drinks down.......

Ordered 2 spirits and the mixers came warm , they keep them on a shelf. They said they could give me more ice to cool them down . 🙄🙄🙄. £18 and didn't enjoy

Lovely decor but not much atmosphere, and an absolute joke how expensive the drinks are. 2 pints of Grolsch and 2 house G&Ts coming in at £34. Save your money and head into town!

Having had a business meeting in the Principal Hotel this morning, this afternoon was spent filming, and the backdrop for the filming was chosen to be in Chapter House, given it's great alcoves and general layout. Sam, the duty manager of the bar was very accommodating while we were filming and even helped us out. 10 out of 10 for the staff service in there today. For those wanting a drink, the bar is extremely well stocked and the prices are quite fair too, which in today's economic climate is a total bonus. Recommended!

Came in for a quick drink. before checking in to the Principal Vodka on its own before the tonic £7.25! Barmaid tried to make me buy a double so this would have been about £20 if I hadn’t quickly scanned the bar menu and corrected her. Barmaid mistakenly gave me bitter lemon thinking it was tonic…. too late I’d poured it in my drink!

Absolutely incredible service from Sam. Sam knows said they cocktails and they most definitely do. they made me and my friend some specially based on after what flavours we after and got it perfect. Very impressed.

My partner visited this bar with his colleagues on business and recommended it as a place to visit. As I was in York today, also on business and had a while to wait before my train home I decided to visit the bar for a quick drink. Seemed a lovely idea to end to the day. Unfortunately when I asked the receptionist for for directions to the bar area I was refused entry because I was "not a guest at the hotel." When I asked if this was a new policy as I'm aware my husband and his colleagues visit frequently, she repeated rudely "the bar is not open for visitors today." Terrible customer service and such a shame. If the lady had at least been polite about the matter i may have been more understanding and actually believed her.

Part of the beautiful Principle hotel situation a stones throw from the train station. Professional bar staff, very knowledgeable and helpful. A classy place for a date, a grand place for a meet up with friends and the ideal start and end of the night if you’re staying at the hotel. Enjoy!

Very quirky and unique decor, all mod cons plus extras such as yoga mat excellent service and staff. Might not suit those after a quiet stay as it's in the middle of Reading and rooms are above a busy bar.

Excellent lunch Huge Club sandwiches - 2 were enough for 3 Great staff, beautiful surroundings right next to station, prompt and attentive service Highly recommend

this was fun and great the barman gave us both a local Cocktail and it was good and the price was very good to The barman was very friendly and polite

Had a lovely coffee and meeting in The Chapter House. The staff were friendly and attentive and the coffee and little ginger bread man was excellent.

Nice atmosphere. Good cocktail selection but they had run out of rhubarb gin which was a shame!

I met two of my friends here we went into the garden room. We had to wait 25 minutes before anyone came and ask what we would like. We waited another 20 minutes for the hot drinks to us. We then moved into the bar to have a light lunch and drinks. Where we ordered drinks, Pitts bread with hummus and two cheese boards. While my friend was still ordering drinks the hummus came. My friend had eaten her hummus even before our cheese was brought out, we had to ask for cutlery and napkin. The waiting staff and bar staff blamed each other and then I was told you had a new system in. I really would suggested that you spend some valuable time and carry out staff trIning with your staff. Look forward to your speedy reply on this experience

Ok station bar, a lot of money has been spent in updating the rest of the place, but the bar area needs some updating but without losing its pub feel.

Our train was delayed for over an hour and not wishing to snack on sandwiches we dived in here for a burger. I had a chicken one and my partner had the normal burger. Both were served in super quick time with a very small portion of chips (well roast and deep fried potatoes really), but they were both more than adequate. Providing a quick nourishing meal, washed down with a glass of wine. My partner said the loos were very nice. Nice atmosphere, high ceilings (lots of dusty ornaments) and soft lighting. Friendly and efficient staff.

Our bartender, Alex, was knowledgable and ran the class well. He demonstrated making three different cocktails and we copied his instructions to make our own. Held in attractive private room off main bar.

Disappointed that The Principals bar menu serves such widely differing portion sizes for different dishes on its bar menu. Ham hock terrine was £8.50 for a disappointingly small portion compared to similarly priced dishes. Had a similar experience previously with a ploughman's lunch which wouldn't have kept a harvest mouse full much less an actual plough man!

I came here for a little dutch courage when I got married at the Principal Hotel. The drinks, service and staff were all wonderful. I tried my first Old Fashioned here, absolutely recommended if you like bourbon. I was allowed behind the bar for a couple of shots by the videographer and made to feel very welcome. The bar has a very intimate, classy feel with low background music.

Attended a cocktail masterclass at The Chapter House Bar for a networking event. Alex was a very good host and was very knowledgeable about the drinks that we made, including the final drink which was his own concoction and also cocktail of the week!! It was also nice to be away from the main bar in a room to ourselves. The only negative I have is that the “nibbles/snacks” could be more extensive than bowls of crisps. All in all, many thanks to Alex and I would be happy to do another master class in the future!

Came to a Cocktail Masterclass evening yesterday and what a great evening it was.

Over priced and not the best quality beer, the barrel ran out when the barman was pouring my pint and I was given it 7/8ths full with just a shrug of the shoulders! Nice ambience though and far better than the nearby pub in the station.

Quality food in the principal hotel. We booked the private snug room which was as name suggests a cosy little area. Buffet bought which was great food.

2 couples in a hurry. Place not busy. Ordered simple bar meal food. Plenty of bar staff. Only 1 of them organised or alert. 4 meals ordered but only 2 arrived. Too late to correct as train to catch. Only one female bar staff was helpful and concerned (She gets the star). Male staff member unconcerned . Customer service to him was an alien concept.

The Chapter House is part of Principal York and offers a range of cocktails from the classic to the contemporary as well as an impressive selection of beers, wines, spirits and hot drinks.

Quiet, classy place - and much cheaper than the bar on the side of the railway station

Got given a free pint of Peroni as a conciliatory gesture for a wait at the bar, nice touch Chapter House!

We’d had a busy day out so didn’t want to stray far from our hotel to eat. We popped our heads round the door of this bar which is attached to our hotel and found a nice child free haven with soft jazz playing in the background. We sat at a bench table beside the street. The service was very friendly. The food was ordinary at best. The hand cut fries were soggy - as though they had been sitting around for hours before being warmed up to lukewarm for serving.

Despite looking good on paper - Chapter House failed on complete lack of hospitality. Miserable welcome (felt like I'd intruded) and as a solo drinker all the best cocktail bars in the world welcome people to sit and pass time at the bar. In an empty bar at 6pm I was told "no you can't as its too busy' Wow!........and exit.

Very classy with good atmosphere and food

Lovely bar, great cocktails. Better than waiting in the station for your train

Considering we were having a late lunch (at around 15h), the restaurants around were closed, and the art nouveau craft bar next door were only serving nibbles, we have virtually no choice but to get in the hotel.

Really sophisticated place to have a drink and eat.

1) The place have a really great bar ambience, chill, loud and great for a get together.

The bar is decorated really well and is very stylish, however, be prepared to pay TOP LONDON PRICES for OK wine, circa £18 per glass Wobbly tables, poor attention to detail Probably setting high prices to keep the hen's and stags out

Three of us went there for lunch A very Yorkshire theme to the menu but not really delivered The fish and chips were verging on disgusting when there are many superb fish restaurants in Yorkshire

I visited on Monday 23 rd April with my partner for my birthday. The barman that served us did a fine job and took the time to explain the differences with the champagne that was served. We were so impressed with the great service we stayed for the afternoon and decided to eat from the bar menu. The shepherds pie was excellent with pieces of lamb as oppose to minced. This is well managed with very pleasant bar staff. Even the toilets were immaculate ( I think a lady called Sarah Jane was doing a fine job ) We hope to return the next time we visit York and will look to stay the night. Thanks for a lovely day.

We went to meet friends on a Friday afternoon, as they were travelling in from the West and we agreed to meet here for drinks. There was one bar member on and another restocking her station, so average drinks time was 10 minutes. After our attempt to get our second round, we decided to head into the City for a drink instead.....We probably got served just as quick (including the walk in). This bar needs to up its game.

I ate here with members of my family. We had hoped to eat in the main restaurant but it was closed because of a Conference. We ordered one burger (very good) and three of their lamb shoulder shepherd pies. I really liked the shepherd's pie - it was made with shredded lamb not lamb mince - but the other members of my party weren't so keen on it. It was quite expensive too, £15.95 a portion with no sides. The location is excellent, right next to the station. The hotel is fab - after lunch we sat in one of their lounges and ordered tea and coffee - the lounges are lovely, spacious and elegant with sofas and large comfy chairs - perfect for an afternoon tea I would think.

Great bar, ideal for meeting someone off a train. Good decor, ambience and super cocktails!

Went here for a spot of lunch on a Friday - Ploughman’s was delicious but we were given butter that was out of date - the manager came and apologised which was fine. We were quite surprised as to how dark the bar was even in the early afternoon, it would have been nice if the lights were made a bit brighter. Overall a good bar though with good service.

I have visited this bar on many occasions and couldn't fault it in the past. This visit was a totally different story. The staff were unbelievably rude and didn't have the right drinks in to make the two cocktails I requested. They said it was because they had been busy!!! When I asked if they could make a cocktail with a different mixer they said they couldn't and asked me to choose another in a very abrupt manner. I'm assuming that the staff that night were temporary summer staff as I've never had a problem before. The prices are high and you expect a certain level of service from a hotel bar with such a good reputation. I have stayed at the hotel on many occasions but won't go into this bar again due to the terrible service.

What a find. Nice location and te decor is amazing. Friendly service from start to finish. Great drink selection and menu. Bar food was good, no it was better than good. I will be back next time I'm in york

Good venue next to station for drinks with plenty of space.

We were staying at the principal hotel and decided to go in for cocktails on our last night. The 2 bar men were friendly welcoming and good fun. We even decided to stay for dinner. The cocktails, food and service were excellent. Definitely recommend a visit here

Fantastic bar staff! Approachable, friendly, knowledgeable and they make a very good old fashioned!!

We booked a cocktail masterclass for 7. Joe was the instructor, he was informative but good fun and pitched the lesson just right, we were allowed to request which cocktails we wanted to make, Joe demonstrated and we followed ( sort of ). Joe was professional and we all learnt a bit and had a great time in good surroundings.

Joe, Joe and Rob at the bar were fantastic! They remembered our drinks order, were quick serving us and made an effort to spark up easy conversation, on top of being so friendly. Very professional and the service was second to none! Can't rate them enough, especially after their special gift to bring home to my father. Thank you!

Nice bar conveniently located next to York Railway Station. Staying at the Principal Hotel in which the bar is located so great for a nightcap.

This bar was attached to our hotel but a great location next to the train station. Two piece band playing their guitars getting the crowd going. Posh cocktails. Clean and elegant bar. And a separate room to watch some sport. Excellent bar - and such friendly staff. Thank you

Came here when staying at the Principal hotel and what a fantastic place. Live music, tasty drinks and well decorated.

The bar staff have bow ties. The decor has a sort of don't look too close opulence that means that the bow ties don't look silly or out of place. Grab a drink and pretend you're in a P. G. Wodehouse novel.

We pop in before heading to the Refectory for dinner and the service was exceptional, I definitely would recommend a visit.

Nice for lunch. Friendly service and lovely restaurant in the conservatory area. We had a few cocktails, eggs benedict, a steak sandwich and chunky chips and a few soft drinks. The hotel itself is beautiful with a grand stairwell. Fascinating. However, lunch did cost over £60. This is not a place to visit if you're watching the pennies. Value for money is quite poor in that respect

We had a hour to wait at York station and decided to try this bar out. Very relaxing atmosphere and although we didn't eat the food looked good.

Enjoyed drinks in the bar while staying in the hotel. There was a really good live band on the Friday night playing a mix of modern tunes and classics and putting their own twist on some. Great atmosphere and good selection of drinks and cocktails

Really nicely appointed bar with good service and lovely cocktails. Very nice place to sit and enjoy a drink, near the station.

Arrived back at the train station a little early as we were all shopped out and needed somewhere nice to relax and saw this fantastic looking place. Sat with a couple of drinks in the lovely bar - not too bad prices for a bar of this high standard.

This beautiful renovated old building oouses character, just a stone's throw from York Minster - the food was to die for ! Everything was cooked to perfect I had a cauliflower soup to start which may sound ordinary but believe me it wasn't . Everything about the place was exquisite the food, wine, cocktails and the service: my daughter and I were made to feel important rather than a 'punter', the place is a hotel also and though as we live in York we didn't stay ( though I am tempted just for the hell of it!) I am sure it would be amazing and the building has such character I am sure one could immerse oneself in it for days just finding out it's history. Apparently it is also I sort after wedding venue and even though they obviously had a wedding party there on out visit bumping into lovely satin dress child bridesmaids whilst washing my hands gave the game away: the other diners in a different room were still attended upon with utmost attention so if the staff were feeling at all stretched they never let their guests know it.

I write this as someone who likes nice things and right by the Railway station this venue is a great place to finish your trip to York. If you want food, the Refectory restaurant is next door with a wide menu. This bar is everything that anyone would want, it is high end and the service is great as are the surroundings. I have stayed here some time ago and the hotel is faultless, if you want a taste of it, try the bar or the restaurant

Met in 'The Snug'. Best coffee I have tasted in ages. Had a simple Eggs Benedict for lunch. Really tasty but would have preferred the yolk slightly more runny. Staff exceptionally good and friendly. Great atmosphere. Lovely hotel and you can get to the station without going outside!!!!!!

We visited here on an early Saturday afternoon having just stepped off a train. Upon arrival it was clear the bar was busy as the only empty table had a reserved sign on it but as we were about to give up hope a party left and we promptly took over their table which was near the bar.

This bar is situated in the Royal York hotel right next to the station. It's got a gentleman's smoking room feel to it with a lovely relaxed lounge in the room just next to the main bar.

My husband and I have called at the Chapter House bar in the Royal York Hotel for a drink several times recently before heading for the Railway Station, which is just yards away. The staff are very efficient and friendly, and we've had table service each time. Excellent - definitely worth a visit.

Lovely bar, with lovely surroundings and when it's quiet you get table service! We went on a Tuesday and Wednesday night. Can get busy when people are waiting for there trains but still lovely. Very good selection of drinks on menu. I had the Yorkshire fizz cocktail was lovely and fresh.

Stayed at the hotel and had a drink in the bar was very noisy due to a lady singing with amplified music. Bar staff were not great think I was invisible !!!

There was an excellent bar menu, including tasty snacks, using local produce. Very extensive wine list, cocktails etc.

We were both happy! The choice of beers and cocktails was excellent. Will have to return for the Slingsby Rhubarb gin! Bar meals very tasty. What is there not to love?

This is a place to relax, to have a cocktail, or perhaps just an excellent coffee. The hotel has been refurbished in a tasteful, stylish and very comfortable manner. The bar has been relocated to the side of the hotel but is more accessible and has more space. It has an excellent range of wines, spirits and the service is faultless. A linked room gives armchair comfort so there is plenty of choice for those relaxing moments. And the rest of the hotel offers dining and an afternoon tea atmosphere in the garden room. Spoilt of choice.

We paid a brief visit whilst waiting to get back onto the Belmond Pullman Train after a long hot but enjoyable walk around York. The place was very quiet but the young man serving was very nice and made us two excellent cocktails. Shame he's so far from where we live! We had the Sidecar and a Margarita.

We had a few drinks here whist staying at the Royal York. We loved it! It is furbished beautifully and the drinks were made very nicely. The seating is comfortable and the music is not overly loud. Being from London, the prices were not shocking, however in comparison to other York bars, this place is quite pricy.

While on holiday in York I daily visited the Chapter House Bar for drinks before dinner and to relax in the late afternoon. It is a very comfortable and inviting Bar/Lounge to visit. They have a wide range of drinks and the staff are every helpful and friendly. The location is also very clean and tidy and worthy of a visit.

Stunningly decorated bar in a great location - but £5 for a pint of ale and possibly the slowest service in all of York

2 nights running in the bar before heading up to our room. Great atmosphere. Lovely view out on the castle walls and tremendous staff. Will definitely be back again.

A gorgeous bar, beautiful decor, nice ambience, and a great range of drinks (creative cocktails, local craft ales, fine wines and even local gin). The food is good too, as it comes from the same kitchen as The Refectory next door where they pride themselves on serving local, seasonal produce.

We went to have a little treat of tea and cake with my family. Got inside and went straight into the garden room which had few tables with reserved signs on so we found one without. As we sat down and took our coats off my wife already started to breastfeed our youngest child I went to look for a menu when suddenly a member of staff came to say that actually this table was reserved, explaining that why it's got a white cloth on. She said that they were expecting someone in 20 minutes and said for us to go to the pub type place down the coridor but didn't mind us to stay and finish feeding the baby. As we didn't want to completely feel unwelcome we went to the chapter house and squeezing and moving all the chairs round finally found a small table but obviously they didn't have any cakes. We also find it frustrating that the baby changing facilities are on the lower ground floor and we couldn't take the pushchair so we just ended up changing the nappy in the coridor.

friendly staff bar snacks good n fresh . recommend the black pudding sausage rolls. the legion beer worth sampling also. good selection of spirits.

This is a friendly place but the drink prices are not cheap but that is to be expected when it is part of an excellent hotel.

The bar is newly refurbished and attractive with a good cocktail menu. We both enjoyed our drinks but the bar seemed to be lacking in atmosphere. The staff seemed to be more concerned with each other than interacting with customers. I also wonder if the proximity of the bar to the station means that a number of customers are killing time before a train and whether this kills the atmosphere.

Popped in after a wonderful meal next door at the Refectory for a sneaky cocktail. Recently re furbed to a top end quality. Beautiful furniture with fantastic decor. Great range of quality drinks. Classy, elegant and extremely stylish.

stayed at the Royal York Hotel - attached. Top end bar with good drink/cocktail section. bit pricey but then you are in good surroundings.

Excellent meal, staff very friendy and professional - glass of shiraz £8.75 which I thought a little pricey - house wine is around the £5 mark.

Great location and good place to meet. A little dark and could do with the few snacks to go with the expensive drinks. No service, but otherwise recommended.

Drank here a couple of times on a long weekend stay in the hotel. The bar is open to the public as well as hotel guests. Service was great, most of the drinks reasonably priced. Free guest wifi.

The Refectory Kitchen and Restaurant and Chapter House Bar are located within the grand ambiance of the hotel adjacent to York station. So this is a great location for meetings and if you are waiting for a train and want to do so in style. The rooms are very elegant and service highly professional. The snack/light bites menu is small but interesting and the food is beautifully presented and tasty. I thoroughly enjoyed an 'open' egg sandwich with a very flavoursome dressing. Seating is remarkably comfortable and not cramped and the bar serves a very extensive range of cocktails and other drinks. I definitely recommend this place for sophisticated drinking and casual eating. It is not cheap, but the surroundings and service are worth paying for.

Amazing new bar in York. The best cocktails made by Craig the bar Manager. I'd very much recommend a visit to anyone visiting York.

What a gorgeous bar! Decorated in keeping with the Victorian history of the rest of the hotel, yet you wouldn't even know you're technically in the hotel bar! Cocktail list is amazing, The Black Bison is probably my new favourite in York, though there is definitely something for everyone! (We tried a few....)