Acclaimed chef planning new venture by historic riverbank

Andrew Pern, chef and owner of the prestigious Star Inn in Harome, is to open The Star Inn The City in the converted Engine House building in the city’s Museum Gardens.

The restaurant will be situated close to the historic Lendal Tower and have a focus on locally sourced Yorkshire produce. The move will see him reunited with his friend, fellow Scarborough Catering College student and former rugby team mate, Justin Brosenitz.

Mr Pern said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with the Museum Gardens Trust to be able to bring a little part of the countryside to town in this landmark building, flying the White Rose flag and using its incredible produce.

“We are aiming to offer whole package – great food, beautiful setting, warm service and genuine Yorkshire hospitality.”

The restaurant will be able to accommodate up to 130 guests and is scheduled to open in autumn 2013.

The area, like much of York’s city centre, is notorious for flooding but Mr Pern and Mr Brosenitz said they are confident that the new, slightly raised site, “will be able to overcome problems that other establishments on the river banks have endured”.