New riverside restaurant The Cumberland opens in York

The doors to Cumberland House, an 18th-century, Grade I-listed building, opened to the public for the first time in three years on Friday (March 27).

The Cumberland, on the corner of Cumberland Street and King’s Staith, serves seasonal British cuisine from its elegant 70-seat dining room.

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Crafted by head chef James Whitlock and his culinary team, the menu incorporates a blend of meat and fish dishes made with local ingredients.

The Cumberland overlooks a picturesque River Ouse (Image: Newsquest)

Guests can begin their dining experience with a starter of roasted heritage tomato soup, spring tartlet, a trout and nori mosaic, ham hock pressing or pan-seared scallops.

The restaurant includes a modern bar, stocked with a variety of wines and spirits, which leads to the building’s sweeping staircase and separate dining space.

Outside, there is a 30-seat dining area by the river – a hotspot in the summer months.

The restaurant includes a 70-seat dining room (Image: Newsquest)

Owners, Shaun and Jamie-Lee Binns, said that they wished to restore the building to its “former glory”.

The pair recruited an interior designer, who helped preserve some of the four-storey building’s historic features, including an original fireplace.

The interiors were brought to life by Rich Andrews and his company AC Building, who have been described as “instrumental” in the building restoration and its maintenance – ensuring it opened on schedule.

A bar leads to the building’s sweeping 18th-century staircase and upstairs seating (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking ahead of the restaurant’s launch, a spokesperson for The Cumberland said: “Hospitality is deeply rooted in the Binns’ family history, which has owned The Lowther since 1987.

“Shaun and Jamie took over The Lowther in 2003, later expanding with Lil’s on the Waterfront in 2016.

“The decision to take on The Cumberland was driven by a desire to preserve a beautiful and historic building that had stood empty for three years after previously being used as solicitors’ offices.

“Recognising its potential and importance, Shaun and Jamie stepped in to protect it from further deterioration, including flood damage, and to restore it to its former glory.”

You can find out more here.