Why this guest house in central York is the best bar none after a two year makeover

​The religious order of nuns who live here, now known as the Congregation of Jesus, was founded by Yorkshire woman Mary Ward (1585-1645), who made education for women one of her main missions in life. Her followers continued her work and opened the first two schools for girls, one in London and one at the Bar Convent in 1669.

The convent is still the main house for a global order of sisters and its story is shared with visitors via The Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre and its 18th century chapel. Known as the Hidden Chapel, it is a rare and remarkable example of a Catholic place of worship that survived the English Reformation and its repercussions.

Built in secret in 1769 by renowned York architect Thomas Atkinson under the direction of Mother Ann Aspinal at a time when Catholicism was still illegal and punishable by death, it is a beautiful, spiritual creation with gilding rather than conventional stained glass, which would’ve given the game away.

The Atrium is another remarkable addition to the convent. Built in the 1840s as a winter garden, where the schoolgirls could exercise, no expense was spared on it and railway architect George Townsend Andrews added the cast iron beamed roof and the iron furniture, still going strong, is original Victorian Coalbrookdale.

The Atrium is now home to the much-loved Bar Convent cafe, which, along with the garden and shop is open to the public. The spirit of enterprise and a willingness to move with the times underpins the success of the convent and its much-loved guest house is one of the best examples of this.

It replaced the former school, which closed in 1986 when OFSTED began its box ticking and when the pioneering mission to educate all girls had been well and truly accomplished.

The guest house started as basic accommodation that graduated to better and now, after a two year renovation, is at its absolute best. There are 22 ensuite bedrooms, including nine singles, six doubles, five twin and two superior doubles, along with a fully equipped kitchen for those who want to make their own meals plus a communal sitting room and laundry facilities.

James Foster, CEO at the Bar Convent, who has a background in design, says: “The guest house has always been renowned for its unique location within this beautiful historic convent and for its warm welcome and award-winning breakfast. Following this extensive work, our new rooms have a fresh new look while remaining sympathetic to this special heritage house.

“You could say it’s more of a boutique guest house now. Everything has been modernised, the bedrooms have been redecorated and have flat screen TV’s and internet access. We’ve also invested in really good quality beds, bed linen and curtains.”

Hannah Wilkinson, guest house manager, adds: “We have the rare advantage of offering self-catering facilities with the guest kitchen and we are in an ideal location just a five minute walk from York railway station and a stone’s throw from the royal entrance to the City Walls.”

Needless to say all the above mean that there are many return visits and advertising is unnecessary thanks to word of mouth recommendations.

The reviews sum it up nicely: “Friendly staff, very clean room, fantastic breakfast”; “Historic and lovely building. A privilege to be able to stay there."

While York is a magnet for stag and hen do’s, the Bar Convent doesn’t take bookings for them, though there was an exception after a mistake was made and a gang of stags descended on the tranquil guest house.

“They thought they were staying in rooms connected to a bar and were horrified when they realised they had booked into a guest house connected to a living convent,” says James. “They stayed with us and really enjoyed it here and gave us a great review, even though it was definitely not the experience they expected.”

While stag and hen parties are not the right fit for the guest house, racegoers who visit York racecourse are warmly welcomed, though there was one memorable mishap.

“One customer enjoyed himself a bit too much after the races and came back at 4am so blind drunk he walked through the kitchen and found his way into the sisters’ accommodation and put himself to bed in their guest room,” says James. “It could’ve been worse, of course. He was very sheepish when he came down and, needless to say, doors have been locked so it won’t happen again.”

*If you book directly with the Bar Convent you get a cooked breakfast included in your stay. Visit www.barconvent.co.uk/guesthouse/ or call 01904 643238.