Welcome to Yorkshire
Inspiration • September 18th, 2026
|Exciting changes are on the horizon for Legacy, the fine dining restaurant at The Grand, York. Culinary Director Kevin Bonello has announced a brand-new concept set to launch on 4 November, aiming to elevate the dining experience and showcase the best of Yorkshire's ingredients.
New Concept Launching Soon
Kevin Bonello, who has an impressive 30 years of culinary experience, is passionate about his role at The Grand, where he oversees all food and beverage outlets in the hotel, including Legacy. His latest initiative is to position Legacy among the UK's top fine dining destinations, comparable to some of the finest restaurants in London.
The new menu will feature a unique approach, changing across three distinct seasons each year:
Game & Wild starts in November
Foraged & Roots takes over in February
Fish & Harvest will be celebrated from June
Yorkshire's Flavours at the Forefront
Bonello's new menu is all about highlighting the rich flavours of Yorkshire. He plans to use ingredients sourced from local farmers, producers, and even his own village, ensuring that every dish tells a story about the region. This commitment to local provenance means that diners can expect fresh, seasonal ingredients that reflect the best of what Yorkshire has to offer.
In addition to the delicious food, the dining experience will be enhanced by handcrafted elements. Bonello has personally carved utensils and wooden cutlery rests to add a personal touch to the table settings. The restaurant will also feature murals painted by local artist Lily Roberts and a bespoke cheese trolley crafted by York woodworker Ollie Abell.
Connecting Guests to the Food Journey
Bonello believes that the heart of the dining experience lies in the ingredients themselves:
“Legacy’s new future is one that allows the ingredients to shine. The only thing taking centre stage in our restaurant is the food and the guest experience."
His vision is to connect guests to the entire food journey, ensuring they understand where their food comes from and the care taken to prepare it.
Adam Dyke, General Manager at The Grand, echoed Bonello's sentiments:
“This is a new Legacy and this is Yorkshire served in a way that has never been done before. Kevin’s creative vision and passion to make this all come to fruition has been infectious and a joy to watch.”
Dyke emphasised that the dining experience will be both formal and informal, making it inviting and full of personality.
York's Thriving Visitor Economy
The timing of this new menu is significant, as York's visitor economy remains strong. In 2025, the city welcomed around 8.88 million visitors, contributing approximately £2.08 billion to the local economy. A considerable portion of this spending—27%—went on food and drink, highlighting the importance of dining experiences in attracting visitors.
Bonello is determined to give diners a compelling reason to visit Legacy and experience the new menu. With his background, including a Michelin star at the de Mondion restaurant in Malta, he aims to bring that level of excellence to York.
