As the colder months loom over us, you might start thinking you want to hunker down for the winter and hibernate at home. But, we see it as a time to get out and explore Yorkshire. Autumn and winter months transform the county with its hues or warm colours. And, York even more so. The leafy city is a great place to explore in winter especially when you can enjoy a nice coffee from one of the best coffee shops in York.
We love chatting with a cheery barista whilst taking in the aromas that sweep through your local coffee shop. Whether a dark, or light roast we want to get tucked up in a cosy corner with a lovely pastry with a good book. Or maybe a nice catch-up with a close friend with the whirr of the espresso machine and the chatter from other customers in the background. There are plenty of top-rated coffee shops in York and we’ve selected favourites of locals and visitors alike.
So, what are the best coffee shops in York for your next trip to the city?
1. Spring Espresso
Found in two locations in the city centre this independent coffee shop in York serves up amazing artisan coffee from award-winning baristas. Found on Fossgate and Lendal, the Fossgate shop is their flagship location and the Lendal shop opened in 2016. Each serves up your favourites in a cosy environment where you can watch the world go by. You can also enjoy cakes and a seasonal brunch menu that’s currently serving up an array of great winter dishes to help warm you up. Find out more here.
Location: 45 Fossgate, York YO1 9TF & 21 Lendal, York YO1 8AQ
2. Kiosk Cafe
We love a quaint spot, and Kiosk is just that. It has the most beautiful window overlooking our favourite York street. It’s perfect for those looking to watch the world go by with a nice coffee. And, the guys at Kiosk serve up big-tasting coffee with a slice of cake and other seasonal goodies to go alongside. Whether you’re looking to sit in with a good book, chat with staff or take away this is one coffee shop in York not to be missed. Find out more here.
Location: 41 Fossgate, York YO1 9TF
3. Coffee Culture
Nestled on Goodramgate, a stone’s throw from the beautiful York Minster, Coffee Culture another fabulously cosy coffee shop in York that takes pride in serving up great coffee with a smile. Alongside their fantastic brews, they serve up freshly baked pastries delicious sandwiches, soups and sourdough toasties. What more could you want to warm up in the colder months? Get your caffeine fix whilst chilling in the ambience of the unique building with wafts of lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites filling the air. Utter bliss to us. Find out more here.
Location: 41 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LS
4. Heppni Bakeri
A good pastry is as important as the coffee in our eyes and these guys at Heppni aren’t pulling any punches. After dreams of opening a bakery whilst working in various bakeries and travelling all over the UK, Europe and South America this York gem was born. These pastries look like something out of a French patisserie and have proven popular with locals and visitors helping the new coffee shop amass a huge following already. We love the colour, and the style and we are sure to love chilling out with a coffee and a pastry. It’s on our list of York spots to visit that’s for sure. Find out more here.
Location: 14 Swinegate, York YO1 8AZ
5. Divine Coffee Roasters
Divine is a speciality coffee shop in York focused on roasting their own small-batch coffee, which you can try at their Micklegate coffee shop. You can enjoy an expertly brewed espresso or filter coffee with your choice of bean or blend. You can also grab their full range of coffee to take home as well. If you’re looking for folk who know the nitty gritty about coffee Divine Cofee Roasters are your guys. Their venue is as well thought out as their coffee and is a great spot to chill out. Find out more about their incredible story here.
Location: 74 Micklegate, York YO1 6LF
6. Gatehouse Coffee
Established in 2007, this is one of the more quirky coffee shops in York as it is housed in the Gatehouse along the York Roman walls. The building itself is quaint and a cool setting to chill out in with a nice coffee and some lunch located at Walmgate bar. For the warmer days, you can wander outside and explore the cool vibes of the place with seating overlooking the walls. We visited in the summer months and enjoyed chillin’ and enjoying the views, but inside is just as impressive and perfect for those colder days. Find out more here.
Location: Walmgate Bar, Walmgate, York YO10 2UB
7. SOPHiE
This cocktail bar and coffee shop on the stunning Lendal Bridge is another unique venue in York. The most amazing this about the historic city is when you find the best coffee shops in York, they’re not just great places to enjoy a special brew, but also stunning locations. And SOPHiE is just that. The bespoke coffee spot overlooks the River Ouse offering a special place to while away the hours in the autumnal months. They have also taken over another venue on Skeldergate Bridge meaning you can enjoy two locations both offering a different view of the spectacular river. Find out more here.
Location: East Lodge, Lendal Bridge, York YO1 7DP
8. La Bottega
The Italians take their coffee very seriously, as La Bottega is a Milanese-style espresso bar shows. Located on Goodramgate, they give the people of York the coffee hit they need. From lattes, flat whites and cappuccinos these guys know what you need. They’ve created the perfect hub away from the busy city of York for you to enjoy a relaxing coffee with a cake, croissant or fine imported meats delivered fresh each day. With a window full of sweet treats, it is hard not to be tempted into this welcoming York coffee shop. The coffee is roasted in Yorkshire, milk is local and fruit and veg from Leeds Market, what more could you want? Find out more here.
Location: 23 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LW
9. Perky Peacock
Had enough of quirky coffee shops in York? No, us either. Perky Peacock is a family-owned coffee shop and bar with all the trappings of a 14th-century tower. The coffee shop is housed within one of York’s oldest buildings and is full of character. We are talking about exposed wooden beams, windows in archways and more. The building was originally used for collecting tolls from visitors entering the city. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists. You can enjoy lovely cakes, breakfast rolls and more. And, they also serve fabulous cocktails, wine and beer for those that are wanting something stronger than a double shot of espresso. Find out more here.
Location: Barker Tower, North St, York YO1 6BE
10. Brew & Brownie
Located across from the popular Museum Gardens and a short walk from York Minster, Brew & Brownie is one of the most popular coffee spots in York. On busy days you’ll find people queueing down the road to get a chance to visit the cosy shop. They have two locations along Museum Street in York, just two doors apart. Inspired by seasonal, quality produce this spot is popular for breakfast, brunch or just a coffee and cake with the vision of northern hospitality keeping them as one of the top coffee shops in York. Find out more here.
Location: 5 Museum St, York YO1 7DT
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a place to stop for a coffee in the historic city of York we hope you find this list of popular spots helpful. York, in particular, becomes even more enchanting, its leafy charm enhanced by the crisp winter air. It’s the perfect time to wander through the city and enjoy a cosy coffee from one of York’s finest coffee shops, making the most of this magical season.
Read More: 9 Of The Best York Sunday Lunch Spots To Enjoy
Feature Image Credit: Spring Espresso
