If you're off to York for the races but don't know the city too well, this guide will help you find the best places to go for a drink to carry on the fun.
We've picked out a selection of our favourites, ranging from cosy pubs to swanky cocktail bars, so no matter what you're after there should be something on here for everyone.
Keep reading to discover the best places to drink in York after the races.
Fossgate Social
There's so much going on at this quirky, independent bar lined with neon-lit walls adorned with work by local artists. In the morning the space is filled with sourdough breakfasts and flat whites galore and in the evening there are innovative, fun cocktails filling up the tables. Located in York's foodie quarter, this is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner aperitif before enjoying some of the great food that Fossgate has to offer.
Image: Fossgate Social
Drawing Board
Open until 4am all weekend, this is a popular end of the night haunt for the students in York and we can see why. The venue is almost like a maze with two bars downstairs and two floors worth of space for live events. They also serve amazing pizza if you're feeling a bit peckish after a long night of drinking and dancing.
Image: The Drawing Board
Evil Eye
Cocktail bar Evil Eye is well known amongst Yorks' more distinguished drinkers. This bar holds the world record for the sheer quantity of gin behind its back bar, which totals over 1,000 bottles. Outside you'll find a small graffiti-painted courtyard, whilst inside the bar is set over two levels. Not a fan of gin? Then opt for a cocktail instead - the menu is extensive.
A relatively new arrival to the York drinking scene, Thor's Tipi began life as an outdoor pop-up for the festive season but has carried on this summer with two locations - one at The Principal hotel and another on Parliament street. Head down for frozen pornstar martinis, firepits and street food from a load of local traders.
Impossible
A new addition to York's iconic St Helen's square, Impossible bar can be found inside the beautiful former Terry’s chocolate orange building. Head down for cocktails like the 'mad quacker' (a twist on a white lady made with gin, lychee, and hibiscus) and the Terry's Chocolate Orange martini. You won't be disappointed.
Dusk
Describing itself as 'Glastonbury without the wellies', independent bar Dusk is a favourite for its 2 for 1 cocktail offer (which runs until 10 pm Friday to Sunday) - but you'll also find a really great, diverse crowd here. Go for the offers, stay for the atmosphere.
Cocktail trees are a popular order at Manahatta in York / Image: kruppyfoodie
Manahatta
Whether you're after a few cocktails, a big cocktail tree or bottles direct to your table, New York-inspired bar Manahatta does it all. Open until 2am on the weekends, it's a great place to carry on the party after the races.
Fossgate Tap
This cute looking old English pub, formerly known as Sutler's, can be found in the heart of medieval York. A stone's throw from The Smables - one of the most famous streets in York - the pub has partnered with local brewers Turning Point Brew Co to offer some of the freshest pints in the city. Of course, if that's not your thing there's a good selection of gins and wines to be found here too.
The Printer's Apprentice
A three minute walk from York Minster, this charming little spot is a coffee house and cafe by day but come the evening it transforms into a gorgeous little drinking den. Head down for fine cocktails, 'wine club' and a seat in one of York's oldest hospitality venues.
Revolution York
This individually-styled chain bar is a solid choice if you want to get your hands on some reasonably priced cocktails and kick bar after the races. You'll find all the favourite heres - pornstars included, of course.
She's big, she's green and she's ready to ruin your figure.
A lot of you will have seen the viral ‘Bertha’ cake by Leeds born beloved sweet treat specialists Get Baked.
They recently opened another site in Manchester's Northern Quarter, where queues literally formed round the block of hungry punters wanting to get their hands on the infamous sugary treats.
And now it's going to happen all over again, as they've recently unveiled their newest flavour which is sure to go down a storm.
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a current food and drink trend that’s about as big as Bertha herself – it’s not matcha, it’s not hot honey (duh), and it’s not Guinness…
Images: Get Baked
Yes—scratch that; HELL YES!Get Baked is set to welcome Bertha’s equally beautiful twin sister, and she’s officially a pistachio girlie.
Having started out life simply as ‘Bruce’, after taking inspiration from the iconic scene from Matilda, this thing has become a phenomenon in its own right, and who doesn’t like more flavours of a good thing?
Probably one of the biggest foodie crazes going at the minute, thanks to the popularity of pistachio cream, cookies, lattes and the similar social media sensation that is the ‘Dubai Pistachio Bar' people are rather fittingly going nuts for this particular flavour of almost absolutely anything.
With that in mind, the Leeds-born bakery and dessert shop – founded by Rich Myers over in Headingley back in 2011 – have shown no hesitation in hopping on the bandwagon and creating a new twist on their own viral menu item.
Teasing the full details in a post on their Instagram this week, they wrote: “What’s big, green, and is going to destroy your life in a couple of weeks’ time? Pistachio Bertha. Strictly limited to 5,000 slices. Coming oh so soon. GB.”
In case you were wondering just how mad those with a sweet tooth could possibly go for a slice of cake, just look at the recent queues when they finally launched in Manchester city centre:
Speaking on the grand opening here on our turf and his partner Amy’s hometown, Myers said simply: “Manchester, what a launch. Thanks for much for the warm welcome. Stay baked.”
Leeds Tattoo Expo to return to the First Direct Arena for 10th anniversary
Clementine Hall
The tenth annual Leeds Tattoo Expo will showcase some of the best in tattooing both local and internationally.
If you fancy getting yourself a fancy new bit of ink, then look no further than the iconic Leeds Tattoo Expo that will be returning to the First Direct Arena this June.
Taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June 2025, over 200 tattooists and 70 traders will be flocking to the city to show off their skills.
And not only that, but there’ll also be a whole host of market traders for you to browse as well as live music to have a boogie to.
The artists will be tattooing with options for both pre-booked appointments and walk ups available throughout the weekend.
Image: Leeds Tattoo Expo
There will also be a piercer, tooth gems and a henna artist ready to adorn your body.
Alongside getting tattooed, there’s plenty to do and to see over the whole weekend; there'll be an alternative drawing class, an illustrators market with kids’ workshops provided by Art Gecko, an art fusion event on the main stage, burlesque performances and competitions, a small vintage clothing pop-up, fire breathing and break dancing demonstrations in the square outside the arena.
The annual tattoo competitions will also be taking place each evening, where tattooists showcase their work to a panel of judges, sponsored by Killer Ink!
To celebrate Leeds Tattoo Expo's tenth anniversary, they'll be hosting a Pre-Party at Belgrave Music Hall on Thursday 5 June which is a completely free entry event complete with live music and free pizza.
You can find out more about the event and book your tickets here via the First Direct Arena's website.
Georgina Pellant -
23rd July 2021 
