Anyone who’s been lucky enough to visit the Sora restaurant at Malmaison Hotel— (if you haven’t then this is your reminder to get booked in as soon as possible!) will be familiar with what I reckoned to be the best view of York’s skyline around.
From their sky bar balcony, you’ll remember looking across the Ouse and seeing York at its best. A perfect combination of traditional architecture, like our thirteenth-century Minster, that has been intertwined with more modern tasteful adaptations and updates. The new menu we were invited down to Sora to try follows suit, combining one of York’s best trusted foodie exploits —the classic afternoon tea— with delicious influences from their pan-Asian inspired kitchen. Read on for tales of matcha scones, sushi, and braised pork belly — all on the same plate!
As soon as you arrive at Sora, it’s clear that this stunning seventh floor restaurant is a class above. The environment is elegantly decorated with beautiful Japanese-esque artwork and embellishments, and the views are exemplary. The rooms are brought to life by the natural light that pours in from giant windows all around. From the moment you sit down, it’s clear by the chopsticks— rather than knife and fork— at your table that this is no ordinary afternoon tea. It was lucky for us, as chopstick amateurs, that Ethan, one of their lovely team members was on hand to offer a quick and simple lesson on how to use them.
Then, just 30 minutes later, a tower of freshly cooked afternoon tea delights arrived in front of us. It included those hot and fluffy matcha scones, tempura prawns, and my personal favourite, the sweet and salty perfection of pulled pork, presented with a burnt apple puree. They were accompanied by a refreshing cucumber sesame salad, garnished with chopped chilli. The sushi, both California rolls and Tuna Gunkan, arrived fresh and crispy — and made for a faultless palate cleanser as we prepared for dessert. Whether you opt to finish off with the flavourful explosion of a mango coconut dome or decide on a brightly coloured blueberry bergamot roll, what is for certain is that you won’t be disappointed.
In terms of menu, innovation, flavour, location, and atmosphere, Sora is an absolute must — they’ve provided an exciting update on one of our favourite meals that genuinely lives up to the hype.
Sora is located at Malmaison Hotel on Rougier Street, head to www.malmaison.com/locations/york/sora/ to have a look at the menu or call up on 01904 946060to book your seat.
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