Spice up Christmas at the Old Liquor Store

The Old Liquor Store (OLS), which is set in the historic Grade 2 listed former Terry’s Chocolate Factory, has kicked off the festive season in style with the launch of its Christmas cocktail menu.

Inspired by the flavours and spirit of Christmas, the menu has been expertly curated by resident mixologist, Paddy Lewis, formerly a bartender at Grantley Hall. Paddy has reimagined and elevated beloved tipples, blending fragrant winter spices, seasonal fruits, nostalgic spirits and festive flair to capture the very essence of Christmas.  

Options range from elegant spritzes to dessert-in-a-glass indulgences, with highlights including:

OLS White Russian – Cherry, Mozart dark chocolate liqueur, cacao, vodka and cream

• Elf on the Shelf – Arette Reposado Tequila, St-Germain elderflower, medium sherry and triple sec sugar

• Clementine Sour - Saliz Amaretto, fresh clementine and lemon

• OLS White Russian – Cherry, Mozart dark chocolate liqueur, cacao, vodka and cream

• Mulled Apple Wine – red wine, apple cider and house blend of spices

• Bombo hot chocolate – Bombo Cornish spiced rum, chocolate and cream.

Alongside cocktails, the restaurant’s party menu runs from Wednesday – Saturday until 20^th December and reservations can be made for between 2 and 50 people to cater for groups wishing to celebrate Christmas with family, friends or work colleagues. The three-course menu is priced at £59.00 per person and includes a glass of fizz on arrival. Pre-booking is essential with a pre-order required 48-hours in advance.

Led by acclaimed head chef, Matt Leivers, the kitchen will serve up some Christmas classics combining seasonal produce and traditional ingredients with a contemporary twist that showcase the restaurant’s distinctive style such as:

• Whipped chestnut mushroom & winter truffle pate, clementine & lemon thyme jam, spiced grains, sticky plum loaf

• Turkey breast “Saltimbocca”, caramelised onion & fennel seed stuffing, pigs in blankets, poultry & Madeira gravy

• Baron bigod cheese, mulled wine & red onion chutney, warm mince pie Eccles cake

The Old Liquor Store will be closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but normal service will resume on 27^th December.

For those looking for a venue to ring in the New Year in style, OLS is offering a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration, where guests will be treated to an unforgettable 11-course tasting menu. From 7.30pm until 1.00am, guests can indulge in exquisite cuisine while enjoying live music from Chloe Rushworth, all set within one of York’s most historic industrial buildings. Tickets are priced at £95 per person, offering a night of culinary delight, celebration and festive cheer in a truly unique setting. On New Years’ Day, the team will be serving a traditional roast between 12 and 4pm.

Ben Williams, Owner of the Old Liquor Store, said “Our Christmas packages are created to offer guests the ultimate festive experience while highlighting the ingenuity and creativity of our incredibly talented kitchen, bar and front of house team. We’re looking forward to delivering memorable celebrations that reinforce our reputation for exceptional hospitality.”

Throughout the year, the Old Liquor Store hosts monthly tasting events and a weekly speed quiz night with street food burger menu each Wednesday at 6.30pm, which is hosted by veteran quiz master, Pete Martini. Bookings are also open for Valentine's Day celebrations featuring a 4-course menu for £50 per person.

The Old Liquor Store is nestled between York Racecourse and the award winning Bishopthorpe Road and the name pays homage to its confectionery heritage. Located in what was originally the Transformer House, it’s widely believed that this was subsequently used to house coffee beans and barrels of rum imported from America for chocolate making, with the rum being added to the truffles in Terry’s All Gold boxes.

The dog-friendly restaurant is open Wednesday to Saturday, serving brunch, lunch and evening meals (10am – 9pm) and Sunday 12-4pm for roasts. The restaurant will close for its annual holiday from 2nd of January, reopening on Saturday 17th January.

Reservations can be made by visiting www.theoldliquorstore.co.uk