A Brief City Guide to York
If you weren’t already aware, we’ve recently opened a brand-new size? store in the heart of York. Situated on the corner of St Sampson’s Square and Feasegate, the store will be the first of its kind in the area, supplying the locals with the best footwear and apparel from brands such as Nike, adidas Originals, Carhartt WIP, Stussy and Columbia.
In anticipation, we give you a lowdown of everything York has to offer.
Where to visit?
The Art of Protest Gallery – 16 Little Stonegate, York YO1 8AX
You’ll find The Art of Protest Gallery nestled among the independent stores, bars and eateries around the cobbled streets of The Quarter on Little Stonegate. Inside, there’s an impressive selection of contemporary urban art, with a strong focus on 21st-century issues around the environment, consumption and identity.
According to McGee – 8 Tower St, York YO1 9SA
Overlooking York’s historic Clifford’s Tower, According to McGee is a contemporary art gallery which boasts some of the UK’s brightest prospects in art. The gallery hosts regular exhibitions celebrating established and emerging artists, and its intimate surroundings provide a uniquely intimate atmosphere.
York Shambles – York YO1 7LZ
Walk along the narrow, cobbled streets of the York Shambles and you’ll see the beautifully preserved Elizabethan buildings, formerly hot spots for butchers who would display their meat from the outside. Now, the quaint overhanging buildings are home to a selection of cheerful cafes and quirky boutiques – a must-see!
York’s City Walls
At 2 miles long, York’s 13th century City Walls are the longest town walls in England. When circling the route, you’ll become acquainted with the Museum Gardens, the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey, the Roman fortress wall and the Roman Multangular Tower, all of which offer an insight into York’s rich history. What’s more, there are four bars dotted around the route if you fancy the chance to take it all in with a drink in hand.
Rowntree Skating Park – Terry Ave, York YO23 1JQ
Fancy a skate? Head down to York’s Rowntree Park. The park is a pleasant 15-minute walk from the city centre down the River Ouse, and once there, you’ll find a quarter pipe waiting for you.
Where to eat?
Skosh – 98 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX
A five-minute walk from the station, Skosh’s (meaning “a little” in Japanese) delicious small dishes come infused with an assortment of cuisines. Chef-owner Neil Bentinck’s dishes tend to merge between East Asian, Indian, French and British influence, with each serving ranging from a very fair £3-£6. Reasonably priced and seriously tasty; you won’t regret Skosh.
Source – 1 Castlegate, York YO1 9RN
Located in the centre of York, Source has made a name for themselves since opening 18 months ago. Their menu has something to tickle the fancy of every eater, with equal emphasis on both meat and meat-free dishes. Highlights include a mixture of slow-cooked meats and they’re vegan-friendly pulled jackfruit.
Los Moros – Shambles Food Court Shambles Market YO1 7LA
Step into Shambles Market food court and you’ll find street grub galore. Los Maros is just one of several flavoursome food shacks situated around the court; their globally-inspired food is freshly made, and its fantastic flavours pack a punch with every bite. There’s a mixture of main dishes with meats, wraps and veggie delights aplenty, all served with a Moroccan mint tea on the house!
Le Cochon Aveugle – 37 Walmgate, York YO1 9TX
For those wanting to taste the unexpected, Le Cochone Aveugle’s eight-course menu comes with a twist: every course is a surprise. The small, stripped back restaurant features an open-plan kitchen where you’ll see each course prepared with only the finest ingredients on show. To wash down each course, Le Cochon Aveugle also provides a long list of 200 carefully selected wines to choose from.
Where to drink?
The Stone Roses Bar – 4 King St, York YO1 9SP
Despite being on the wrong side of the Pennines, The Stone Roses bar is exactly what you’d expect it to be. Playing music from the likes of their namesake, as well as an array of Britpop, indie and alternative anthems, the bar is a firm favourite amongst students thanks to their cheap midweek nights and throwback music.
House of Trembling Madness – 48 Stonegate, York YO1 8AS
Beginning life in 1180AD as the Norman House, the House of Trembling Madness is thought to be one of York’s oldest buildings of its kind. Sitting above one of the best-stocked craft beer stores in the country, the medieval-styled ale bar specialises in serving quality alcoholic beverages and has an interior design as mad as their name suggests. One of York’s hidden gems for sure.
Brew York Craft Brewery and Tap Room – Enterprise Complex Walmgate | Enterprise Complex, York YO1 9TT, England
At the Brew York Craft Brewery and Tap Room located you can enjoy one of the brand’s veggie-friendly beers with a view of the Brewhouse where it came from. While you’re there you can take a tour of the brewery, where you can sample everything the place has to offer and discover the process that goes into making the beer. An essential for lovers of craft beer.
Pivní- 6 Patrick Pool, York YO1 8BB
Serving up alcohol from all over the globe, Pivní is an award-winning ale and world beer free house located in heart of York’s city centre. Housed inside a 16th Century timber-framed building, the bar is spread over three small floors, with low ceilings and exposed wooden beams making for a cosy and intimate drinking space.
Where to go out?
Fibbers – 3-5 Toft Green, York YO1 6JT
Since 1992, the legendary music venue has played host to some of the UK’s biggest names, with the likes of many of today’s festival headliners practising their craft here before they hit the big time, including Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, and Ian Brown to name a few. Today, the venue still hosts plenty of live acts, with a varied mix of old and the new, plus legendary DJs such as Lee Scratch Perry who is set to play in early 2019.
Mansion Nightclub – 55 Micklegate, York YO1 6LJ
Every city should have one, a dingy basement nightclub licensed to stay open until 5am so you can party throughout the night. Sited within a Grade II listed building, the club hosts regular student and club nights, showcasing some of the best and up-and-coming house, techno and bassline DJ’s the country has to offer.
The Basement – City Screen Picturehouse, 13-17 Coney St, York YO1 9QL
Situated under City Screen Picturehouse, The Basement is right in the centre of the city and rest assured the venue has something for everyone. Having hosted a wide range of events including regular comedy nights, gigs, DJ nights and poetry readings, the 100-capacity venue with its low ceiling provides an intimate space for the audience to experience the varied performances.
The Fulford Arms – 121 Fulford Rd, York YO10 4EX
If up-and-coming bands are your thing, then The Fulford Arms is the place for you. Located just outside of the city centre, the pub-cum-music venue plays host to both local and touring talent from all over the UK. It’s independent venues like this that the UK needs to keep the live music scene alive and kicking. What could be better than catching the next big band on the rise in a tiny 150-capacity venue, whilst enjoying a crisp, cold, affordable pint?
If you can’t manage to visit our new York store, then you can still shop size? online now.