Built in 1906 as a ‘Palace of Business’, originally the headquarters for one of the most powerful railway companies in England, it was built during the Golden Age of travel. The Grand is an iconic building, which reflects the elegance and glamour of the period, the success and wealth of the company that commissioned it. As far as York conference venues go, The Grand provides the perfect backdrop for your meetings and events. We have a total of 6 event spaces complete with WiFi, which can be expanded to 7 when utilising the beautiful the Cookery School meeting space. The State-Of-The-Art-Cookery-School at The Grand opened in March 2019 and offers express, half-, and full-day courses focussing on a selection of international cuisines, speciality classes along with teambuilding experiences set to add a dynamic and immersive element to conference and events for our business clientele.

In 2010, this imposing building was reborn as one of Yorkshire’s finest hotels and meeting spaces. Splendidly retaining many of its original features, The Grand exudes luxury and grandeur and has a reputation for exceptional service in the style and tradition you would expect from a five-star hotel, combined the warmest of Yorkshire welcomes.

The Grand’s impressive history coupled with its luxurious reputation makes it an ideal location for meeting rooms in York. The perfect venue for special occasions or your next conference or event. Allow our team to create you a bespoke package which can include anything from cookery classes to afternoon tea, dinner at The Rise and even spa treatments.

Perfect for Teambuilding

Take some time away from working and bring the team together. Whether it’s learning new skills in the kitchen, a spot of stargazing or even some competitive axe throwing, The Grand, York is the perfect location for your next team building event. With its versatile event spaces and city centre location it is ideal for visitors from across the country.

Bedrooms, Lounges and Dining

The Grand offers 207 spacious, uniquely styled bedrooms and suites; an elegant reception area, arrivals lounge and executive lounge.

Intimate, fine dining can be offered in the Legacy Restaurant which offers a modern British and Yorkshire inspired menu alongside an exceptional wine list, served in an iconic setting. The restaurant boasts innovative cuisine and interiors with locality, sustainability, and great northern hospitality at its core.

Head Chef, Ahmed Abdalla, has created a menu which is dedicated to local provenance and showcases classic Yorkshire produce with a modern twist. Sommelier, Derek Scaife, has carefully chosen wine pairing options to perfectly complement each dish on the tasting menu, allowing guests to experience the maximum impact of both the food and the wine.

 The very best of British cuisine is served in the contemporary and lively setting of The Rise Restaurant, with innovate dishes created by Executive Chef Sameer Sehgal, using locally and ethically sourced produce. Guests are also able to revive or retire to the stylish 1906 Bar, with a sophisticated selection of cocktails and an impressively stocked whiskey cabinet, should guests prefer a wee dram.

The Cookery School

The Cookery School is entirely self-contained, creating the perfect setting for corporate groups and private parties. Led by Cookery School Director, Marc Williams, the state-of-the-art kitchen includes 16 workstations, each of which can comfortably accommodate two cooks working side-by-side, offering a superb team-building opportunity. The Cookery School also has a large, modern meeting space for delegates to further enjoy the culinary atmosphere. The Cookery School experience offers a wholly interactive addition to an event, giving attendees the opportunity to relax and engage with one other.

With over 50 classes to choose from, ranging from two-hour express classes, half-day, and full-day classes, guests are able to enjoy the food they have made, accompanied by a well-earned glass of wine.

Conference Suite and Meeting Spaces

The Grand's Conference Suite is located at the west end of the first floor and was once the domain of the North-eastern Railway's directors. With six versatile event spaces (some rooms taking their name from previous NER Chairman’s), The Grand can hold events for up to 120 delegates, the largest space being The Grand Boardroom. An elegant and spacious room, with magnificent oak panelling, two original marble fireplaces with call bells either side and views of York Minster and the famous City Walls. The Grand Boardroom was once equipped with a map of the North-eastern Railway network, which rolled back into the panelling when not required. The map was replaced by a "scribbling board" in 1963, by then Chairman, Arthur Dean and delegates can incorporate this huge blackboard into their event as an interesting talking point and equally useful feature! The Chairman's Suite, whilst smaller in size, is just as imposing, benefitting from original parquet flooring, marble fireplace, ornate wooden pillars, oak panelling, and large Edwardian windows.

During its original tenure, the offices were intentionally designed with understated grandeur, indicating the confidence of a successful business, secure in its prospects, which in its current tenure, provides the ideal backdrop for a successful and inspiring event.

Awards:

2023

•          Historic Hotels Worldwide – Top 25 Afternoon Tea experience

•          Visit York Tourism Awards – Experience of the Year – The Cookery School at The Grand, York

2022

•          Conde Nast Johansens – Best Afternoon Tea

•          The Cateys – Hotel of the Year (group)

•          Visit York Tourism Awards  - Large Hotel of the Year

•          Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award – means that based on our TA reviews we are placed in the top 10% worldwide.

2020

•          Visit York Awards - Business events venue of the year (gold)

•          Visit York Awards - Experience of the year (highly commended) – Cookery School

•          Visit York Awards - International tourism award (gold)

•          Visit York Awards - Large hotel of the year (gold)

•          Visit York first ever #LoveYork award – Home Away From Home *the place people are most looking forward to visiting after lockdown* (gold)

•          We were recognised as an I Prefer Members Choice Award Winner which represents more than 750 counties worldwide.

•          Welcome to Yorkshire White Rose Awards – Business Event Venue of the Year (gold)

•          Welcome to Yorkshire White Rose Awards – Large Hotel of the Year (bronze)

•          Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award – means that based on our TA reviews we are placed in the top 10% worldwide.