As one of the UK’s most visited cities, York has no shortage of cafes and coffee shops. In fact, many of us locals would actually go so far as to say there are too many coffee shops in the city, when there are a dire lack of certain other businesses on the high street (shoe shops, anyone?)
Having said that, I can appreciate a good social hangout as much as the next person, and as a devout coffee lover, I definitely have my favourites; places where you can get a very respectable cup of coffee in cool surroundings. So these are my picks for the best independent coffee shops in York, many of them “coffee-first” (as John Cena would say).
Kiosk
You know those trendy neon signs that say “this is the place”? Well, this is the actual place for coffee lovers in York. It’s first for a reason because if you had to pick only one of the places on my list to go to, I think it should be this one. Quirky, fun and skilled at making unbelievable coffee, Kiosk can compete with the big city big boys when it comes to latte art and atmosphere, but it still feels like it belongs to York, and I can tell you that the place (and their tote bags) are beloved by locals. They use Dark Woods beans, which for my money is the best roastery in the North, and there’s always a warm welcome.
Sitting in their front window with a flat white or a filter straight out of the Moccamaster and watching the world go by on Fossgate, arguably York’s best street for independent businesses, is the perfect way to spend a couple of hours.
Stanley & Ramona
Stanley & Ramona rewards all those who keep wandering past all the tasty brunch restaurants and pubs on Bishy Road. Located at the far end of most of the shops on York’s coolest high street, Stanley & Ramona offers up delicious coffee, cakes and a warm welcome.
Their little front stoop is small, no doubt, but if you can grab a seat, it’s a fine place to catch up with the locals and take in the action of the road. Perfect place to rest after doing a loop of the Ouse via New Walk or after a stroll through Rowntree Park.
Coffee Culture
Tucked away down Goodramgate, a little out of the chaos of the Shambles and King’s Square, Coffee Culture isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, just serve great coffee (they have their own house roast made for them by York Coffee Emporium) and pastries with a smile. It’s located in a wonky old building (York, obvs), and my favourite part of having coffee here is scrambling up the steep steps to try to score a seat by the window.
The top floor is especially characterful, and I can’t think of a better place to read a book with a brew on a cold winter day. Bonus points for the fact that the owners display their personal collection of snow globes they’ve collected on trips around the world.
Brew & Brownie (Bakeshop)
No discussion of coffee or baked goods in York is complete without a mention of Brew & Brownie. In fact, before I moved to York, a barista friend of mine personally vouched for Brew & Brownie, and all these years later, they are still pouring excellent coffee.
I’ve listed the Bakeshop here because the restaurant a couple of doors down is more of a sit-down-and-have-brunch kind of spot (which is a different post altogether), so the Bakeshop is my pick to just grab a coffee and a delicious cake or sweet treat. The bakes are made in-house and include everything from cinnamon buns and stuffed cookies to doughnuts, blondies and, obviously, their famous brownies.
Lè Specialty
A newer arrival on the York coffee shop scene, Lè Specialty feels like being invited into your friend’s cozy apartment, and that’s a good thing. In addition to all the classics, they have a wide range of fun, colorful iced coffees alongside matcha concoctions, as well as a range of “croffles” (croissants cooked like waffles).
They also take their matcha seriously, using ceremonial-grade matcha and turning it into some genuinely fun drinks, including strawberry, lavender and pistachio versions. Totally different from the others on this list, and that’s why I like it.
Gatehouse Coffee
Perhaps the most “Only in York” of all York coffee shops, Gatehouse is located inside Walmgate Bar. What’s interesting about Walmgate Bar is not just that it’s one of York’s four historic gates for entering the city, it’s that it’s the only one with a full, intact barbican (outside wall) still in place.
The coffee is solid, but you’re here for the views and the “medieval vibes” of the interior space. If it’s a nice day, head outside and sip your drink on the barbican for a peak York experience. Gatehouse is the perfect place to rest on a walk along the City Walls, too, as the walls literally cut across its front door. And if you’re hungry, they also do homemade cakes, so you can easily turn your coffee stop into a little afternoon treat.
La Bottega Milanese
This place doesn’t show up on too many lists like this, but I love it because it’s different compared to anywhere else in the city. Bringing a stylish Italian vibe to the proceedings, La Bottega Milanese serves us great cannoli on the side of fine coffee, and the atmosphere is really slick. Think of it as a little slice of stylish Italy in York.
The branding and aesthetic feels as though it could easily be part of a chain, but they only have three locations (two in Leeds and this one in York), so I’m still counting it as independent.
Busk
Located a little out of the centre of town (and another one that can be accessed easily from a river walk down the side of the Ouse), Busk is proudly using Square Mile beans from London, and this is just a good spot to chill and get some work done on the laptop.
It’s a little removed from the main tourist action, which is exactly why I like it. Grab a coffee, find a spot and settle in for a while.
Life on Mars
In addition to being a kick-ass cocktail bar that makes drinks that will have you questioning all your previous drink choices, Life on Mars takes their coffee very seriously, too. Expect locally roasted beans and lots of love in your flat white, and after you’ve got your caffeine fix, you’re all set to move on to the cocktails.
Leave a Reply