Harker’s occupies the ground floor of the former Yorkshire Insurance Company building (1824). The room is high-ceilinged and quite elegant with large Georgian windows, columns, large cornice moldings… it’s all very classical and attractive. There is also a massive bar across the back where all orders are placed.
Sitting across from Mansion House, the building echoes the grandeur of the mayorial palace and more than that, it’s an absolutely great place for lunch. Prices are extremely reasonable and a snack of chicken fillets or fish goujons can be had for 3.50. (I have no idea what a goujon is, but it is extremely tasty and they are all well presented on a very good salad.) Hot and cold sandwiches run 4 to 5 pounds but they are absolutely massive and main meals run 5.50 to 7.50 (for an 8 oz. sirloin).
We went twice… it’s hard to find a place where two can sit in such a pleasant surrounding, have a couple of pints of beer and a light snack in the 10 to 12 pound range. It also happens to be within easy reach of almost anywhere that you’ll be when you’re walking around York. There is also a non-smoking room available. I recommend it highly.