ONCE upon a time, coffee was a simple mundane drink. Today, café-goers are spoilt for choice, and York is at the forefront of a revolution.

Over the past few years, numerous independent venues have opened across the city, offering unprecedented choice.

But which venues stand out? We asked two York experts to choose ten of the best places in York to visit in York for coffee.

Gordon Howell runs Cafe Harlequin and The Attic in King's Square. Steve Dyson runs Spring Espresso in Fossgate. Both are multi-award winners, so it goes without saying that their own cafés are worth a visit. 

But where else would they recommend? This is their list:

 

York Press:

1) The Perky Peacock, Lendal Bridge - This is the original Perky Peacock cafe in York and takes pride of place in a postern tower just off Lendal bridge and has a sister cafe near St Johns University. The original has an abundance of charm & character, combine this with great coffee, wonderful homemade cakes and friendly service makes this venue a must visit if you’re in York.

 

York Press:

2) Bison Coffee, Heslington Road - Bison is unique and is the combination of great coffee shop, in a rustic and vintage bric-a-brac surrounding. They even allow their customers to purchase and take home as nearly everything in the shop is for sale. Relaxed, fun and a great place to hang out on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

 

York Press:

3) Brew and Brownie, Museum Street - Inspired by the seasons, a countryside upbringing, an urban adulthood. A good range of coffee, relaxed surroundings with a well sourced food menu from around Yorkshire makes this the ideal spot to graze or even grab and go if you’re near museum gardens on a sunny day.

 

York Press:

4) Stanley and Ramona, Bishopthorpe Road - Unpretentious, functional, friendly and literally crammed with locals who come for the excellent coffee and warm thoughtful service. What it lacks in size in makes up for in personality and charm. There's often eccentric playlists of favourite songs on the go from one of their regulars.

 

York Press:

5) Puddin' & Pie, Bishopthorpe Road - Offering three of life’s great comforts under one roof and although new to Bishopthorpe Road, it’s no surprise the locals have adopted this venue as one of their own. Good solid coffee, great treats, wonderful pies and some of the best customer service you will find anywhere. There also a few seats outside to boot too.

 

York Press:

6) Gatehouse Coffee, Walmgate Bar - Above Walmgate bar, a mix of locals, students and tourists bypass head to this unassuming place for a quality brew and a chance to settle down with the papers. There's a good range light bites too.

 

York Press:

7) Mannions, Blake Street - The real star here is the breakfast menu, the indulgent array of patisseries and a great selection of platters made fresh to order from their deli counter.

 

York Press:

8) Coffee Culture, Goodramgate - This cafe has established a strong local following due to its great coffee and welcoming staff. As well as a good range of coffee and a food menu that offers wraps to home-baked cakes, lovingly prepared in-house but its Coffee Culture's full English that truly stands out.

 

York Press:

9) Pivní, Patrick Pool - This venue is one of the UK finest craft beer free houses but behind the scenes are beans sourced from one of the world finest roasters. They aim to compliment their passion for beer with the coffee they offer. To find coffee of this quality from 12am to 12pm should be applauded.

 

York Press:

10) Ambiente, Goodramgate and Fossgate - Another surprising venue to find great coffee is Ambiente, offering Origin coffee from Cornwall. It’s great to see a restaurant support a wonderful food menu (in this case tapas) with well sourced and made coffee. This attention to a meal's final course puts most UK Michelin star restaurants to shame

 

What are your favourite coffee spots in York? Do you think Steve and Gordon have missed any gems? Share your thoughts below or tweet @yorkpress using the hashtag #yorkcoffee

 

 

Gordon Howell won the award for best espresso in the UK in 2011, and was northern barista champion in 2012, and came 3rd in the "world coffee in good spirits" contest in 2013, was a sensory judge in the 2013 and 2014 UK Barista Championships and won the UK Brewers Cup award in 2015.

Steve Dyson was a UK Barista Championship semi-finalist and Bevex winner in 2009, won the Beverage Standard Association best latte award in 2012 and best tea award in 2013, and has been a sensory judge in the UKBC awards in 2014 and 2015.