Grimston, Sandwiches, Cakes, Etc Restaurant Guide

“This iconic tea room is in a league of its own” and “almost as charming as the Harrogate original” (it was built later, in 1936, with its interior modelled on the Queen Mary). It can be “a pity that it is overwhelmed by tourists with the resultant queues” but this is a trivial quibble – for practically all reporters it’s an “old favourite that never fails” and “it’s rare to be disappointed here”. Cosset yourself with afternoon tea, sandwiches, scones and patisseries galore, or there’s always the opportunity to eat here all day from the ‘Grande Breakfast’ onwards. “Always go there when in York and always delighted!”

A popular little bistro around the corner from the Minster (with views from its garden at the back) that fans claim “would be worthy of awards if it had more than 8 tables and tablecloths”. In business since 2002, “if anything it improves”: last year, Ian Pragnell, son of co-founder and self-taught chef Chris, joined the team to add lunchtime openings on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Top Menu Tip – “excellent goat’s cheese and tuna starters, lamb and pork main courses”.

The Mannion clan first opened this venue as a greengrocers’ three decades ago; its current incarnation is as a “charming café-deli that consistently delivers on quality, atmosphere and indulgence” (be it Full English breakfasts or pork belly sandwiches), and offers “very efficient and friendly” service to boot. There’s also a sibling in Helmsley (the Easingwold spin-off having closed in summer 2025).