Matt KeayThere are many independent coffee shops in York, and sometimes it’s difficult to choose which one to visit. The decision can be affected by various factors; geography, finances, taste. Sometimes, however, you fancy something a bit different.
There is a certain joy in having to work to find something. The work involved with the search, and the thrill of the chase, are only matched with the prize at the end. There are a few coffee shops in York worth searching for, and we’re going to tell you how to locate them, and what you will find there.
The Perky Peacock, Lendal Bridge
In the 13th century North Street Postern Tower, below Lendal Bridge, lies The Perky Peacock, a small, but perfectly formed, coffee shop. Fronted by award-winning barista Nicola Peacock, the coffee shop is charming, friendly, and fortunately does not exhibit the insufferable piousness that tends to accompany the successful and talented. Recently featured in The Times, The Perky Peacock is situated just outside the main city centre area, but is more than worth a peek. The brownies, incidentally, are to die for.
There are various specialist and exclusive businesses down Fossgate way. The Hairy Fig, for instance. Loch Fyne, and on to Meltons Too, also. Spring Espresso is the newest of the bunch. Bright and airy, the welcoming café is a joy to visit. It might be a little out of the way, but the owners, Steve and Tracy have created a haven for coffee aficionados. The branding is fresh and modern, the coffee is spot on.
In a tall, rickety building, almost at the end of Goodramgate, there is an excellent coffee shop that pulls no punches. Coffee Culture is a bustling city centre independent reeking of charm and passion. The table service is a nice touch, and the waitresses know a hell of a lot about their craft. Coffee Culture’s flat whites are the ace up their sleeves, and on a rainy day the top floor is the perfect place to while away the hours. Recommended.
Gatehouse Coffee, Walmgate Bar
Now, Gatehouse Coffee is the most difficult to find, and it is the furthest from town, but it is well worth the jaunt. Tucked away in the upper floor of Walmgate Bar, Gatehouse Coffee is a cosy spot, (mostly with American baristas, owing to it being owned and run by Calvary Chapel, an Evangelical Christian fellowship, who also own the nearby Bible College). Food is great, coffee fantastic, environment is heavenly, which is just as well, really.
All four of these coffee shops require a little walk, and a little hunt, but, trust me, you won’t regret it. (And do it now. They won’t stay secret for long).
