June 20th, 2010
Kuja Lounge opened three weeks ago, in the building that formerly housed the Alley Cats Restaurant Bar/Cafe. We had walked past last weekend and noticed a number of people dining out in the courtyard area. Thinking the food looked good, we decided we would make a trip back this weekend to give it a try.
We arrived at 1.30pm on Saturday and took a small table at the ground floor window. After a few moments a young waitress arrived with nicely presented drink and food menus. We both opted for sparkling mineral water while we chose our lunch. After the drinks arrived, we ordered up our food. I opted for the Kuja burger with hand cut chips while Paul went for the ploughman’s lunch, both priced between £9 and £10.
While waiting for our meal to arrive we soaked up the surroundings that had been radically changed since our last visit. When it was Alley Cats, we described the service as poor and the décor as that of a cat loving French spinster. The Kuja Lounge makeover is modern, contemporary and despite the small size of the building, well laid out and uncluttered. At the rear of the ground floor area lies the bar and judging by the drinks on offer; many a decent cocktail could soon be rustled up.
Lying across three floors (they have opened the basement, which although small and windowless, is quite cosy) they can cater for about 50 covers at full strength. The toilets were clean and tidy but Paul moaned about the lack of loo roll holders and cheap hand-wash, but did compliment the individuals towels available.
Our food arrived and despite a slight mix up over the side salad (this involved Paul making the waitress cry), it was well prepared and went down a treat. My burger was very good and with home cut freshly cooked chips, I was very happy with my lot. Paul’s ploughman’s lunch was equally good and clearly enjoyed along with the fresh crusty bread that accompanied it.
In the name of research, we both also tried something from the desert menu. Both were priced around £6 but my chocolate cake served up with nutty ice cream was just that little bit better than Paul’s sticky toffee pudding.
Settling up the £45 bill that included a reasonable tip, we were happy to have found somewhere new for lunch while out in York. Away from passing tourists and appealing to slightly more upmarket folk we’ll certainly go back.
UPDATE. We have subsequently been back for an evening meal and equally enjoyed the food and atmosphere on offer. Judging by the number of hits this review is getting on our website, Kuja Lounge is certainly attracting a lot of attention. We wish the owner, Sam the manager and all the staff well.
Pryordurkin rating 4 stars.
Tel. 01904 651002
Posted in Food and Drink
I totally agree – what a find – in a beautiful little back water in the middle of York.
I have visited twice in the last ten days with my husband and both times have enjoyed excellent food accompanied by a smooth and fruity Italian Chardonnay – although not as well known as its French counterpart – a better choice, I think.
On my first visit the hand wash and lotion were indeed Molton Brown, however, by my second visit they had been replaced with ‘palmolive’. On telling the waitress of my disappointment – apparently two sets had been removed by customers in the first week and the owner was awaiting the delivery of fixed soap dispensers before displaying a third. Sensible and understandable!
The upstairs ladies’ toilets are clean, well presented and equipped with loo roll holders et al. However the attention to detail has prevented loo roll holders being placed in the ground floor loo – I understand holders matching the other fittings are proving hard to locate!
Having found this haven, I shall not let these two minor failings delay my return for what I feel will be yet another excellent evening meal in welcoming surroundings.