The Cut & Craft York
Re-opened with a flourish following a major refurbishment, northern heritage steak, seafood and champagne restaurant The Cut & Craft York has undergone a significant transformation, with luxury and glamour at its heart.
Proudly northern operated and owned, The Cut & Craft York opened in St Sampson’s Square in 2018, before expanding into Leeds in 2022 and Manchester in 2025.
The York venue’s dramatic new look, designed by Studio Two Interiors, can be seen throughout the space – from the entrance, through to the restaurant, bar and restrooms.
This evolution of the space, which aligns closer with Leeds and Manchester, was brought to life through the premium palette of materials used, whilst preserving York’s distinct character.
Considered detailing, materials, textures and craftsmanship modernise the existing venue yet ensure that York’s market heritage and royal associations are celebrated.
Richer stones and darker timbers are met with deep blues, warm brass tones and heavily marbled details to create a subtle yet elegant nod to the city. These are softened by bespoke wallpapers and fabrics to create a space that feels both historically grounded and quietly luxurious.
Curated artwork moments and carefully designed feature mirrors are met with specialist metalwork which celebrates traditional skills interpreted through a contemporary lens.
The ladies’ restrooms at The Cut & Craft York have been elevated to feel immersive and indulgent rather than purely functional. Aligning the brand more with Leeds & Manchester, the restrooms feature an impactful pink palette, met with bespoke wallpaper, where hand-painted monuments of York are presented in a feminine-style mural, playing on the concept of ‘Roots to Royalty. Look up and you will see a spectacular rose gold leaf mirror adorning the ceiling, a true jewel of the space, which has been paired with brass embellishments and front lit mirrors for the perfect photo lighting. The space also features cultured marble vanities in a linear marble finish, which adds a soft romantic feel to the restrooms
Within the heart of the restaurant, the central bar remains, elevated with a blue-leather bar front, now a hallmark feature of The Cut & Craft. New soft furnishings and ambient lighting enhancements compliment the space, creating more of a destination bar.
Served within new elevated surroundings, the venue’s exceptional food offering remains the same. Renowned for its superb selection of high-quality steaks, signature fish dishes and specials, The Cut & Craft York continues to celebrate great local ingredients with its menu.
Megan McWhire, Senior Interior Designer at Studio Two Interiors and project lead on The Cut & Craft York commented: “The overarching vision for the refurbishment was one of evolution rather than reinvention. The design builds upon the strong foundations of the existing restaurant, originally designed seven years ago, retaining its successful spatial planning while enriching the experience through more considered detailing, materials and craftsmanship.
“The concept continues to celebrate York’s historic setting, drawing inspiration from Sampson’s Square and its transformation from medieval marketplace to civic and social heart.”
She continued that the brief was elevate The Cut & Craft York brand by introducing a more refined and premium material palette, while maintaining the warmth, impact and robustness the brand is known for. There is a stronger emphasis on craftsmanship, layered textures and atmospheric lighting, aligning the York site more closely with the Leeds and Manchester locations, yet ensuring York retains its own distinct character.
Zoe Wheatley, Co-Founder & Creative Director at Studio Two Interiors added: “Guests will immediately notice an enhanced sense of depth and richness throughout the space. Key features include upgraded lighting schemes, refinements to the central bar, more tactile surfaces, layered wall treatments, new flooring throughout, crafted detailing and enhanced feature moments at entrances, staircases and key circulation points.”
She added that the refurbishment enhances guest experience through improved comfort, atmosphere and sensory quality. Softer lighting, acoustic considerations, richer textures and more intimate detailing all contribute to a space that feels both elevated and welcoming. Accessibility and ease of movement have also been carefully considered.
Megan McWhire concluded: “York holds special significance as this was The Cut & Craft’s original restaurant, and we are incredibly proud to be involved in its refresh. Being trusted to reimagine and enhance such an important location within their portfolio was a real privilege. The project allowed us to respect the character of the original venue while elevating the design to reflect the brand’s continued growth and ambition.”
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “We are thrilled to have elevated our York dining experience. To us, it was more than a refurbishment, it is a really special moment which truly marks the success of the brand and our future. York is where The Cut & Craft began, and where we call home, so to have invested back into the city, is a huge honour.”
