A self-guided walking trail around the city of York and an opportunity to try samples from some of the best York’s food scene by visiting a range of deli’s, restaurants and suppliers.
We have two Taste Trails for you to enjoy, with each trail featuring around 20 stops to sample the best of York’s food and drink scene as well as a tasting hub with more samples to enjoy.
Participants are to be confirmed but here is last year’s leaflet for your information: East Trail 25 and West Trail 25
You will receive the map and guide outlining the various participating businesses, along with a schedule of when each business is open and offering samples.
The samples provided on the taste trail vary widely depending on the participating businesses, but may include small bites of food, such as cheeses, meats, breads, and desserts, as well as drinks, such as wine or beer.
Overall, the Taste Trail is a fun and engaging way for visitors to sample a wide variety of local food and drink offerings and experience the unique flavours and culture of a particular York.
Tickets are limited to 100 per day – You can either pre-book online or purchase your booklet at the information point while stocks last
Collection of the trail booklet is from the Information Point any day between 10am to 4pm, located on Parliament Street – In front of Claire’s (37 Parliament Street, YO1 8RU)
*Please note:
– Some samples will involve alcohol and therefore under 18s will not be able to participate with all of the stops on the trail.
– While you can collect the booklet between 10am to 4pm, each business has different opening times and some will close as early as 3pm
– Some businesses are closed on specific days.
Did you know that the York Food Festival is a not-for-profit organisation?
Any money generated (from trader fees to ticket sales) goes back into the festival to improve it year after year.
During the festivals we run this demonstration programme for all visitors to the festival to attend.
Please consider making a donation to support this programme and keep it running.
A self-guided walking trail around the city of York, with some of York’s food establishments offering a vegan alternative to their non-vegan samples.
Details are still being confirmed but last year’s participants were: Vegan Trail 25
You will receive a guide map listing the various participating businesses, along with a schedule of when each business is open and offering samples.
The trail features around 20 stops to sample – small bites of food or drink samples – which will vary depending on the participating businesses.
Overall, the Taste Trail is a fun and engaging way for visitors to sample a wide variety of local food and drink offerings and experience the unique flavours and culture of a particular York.
Tickets are very limited – You can either pre-book online or purchase your booklet at the information point while stocks last.
Collection of the trail booklet is from the Information Point any day between 10am to 4pm, located on Parliament Street – In front of Claire’s (37 Parliament Street, YO1 8RU)
*Please note:
– Some samples will involve alcohol and therefore under 18s will not be able to participate with all of the stops on the trail.
– While you can collect the booklet between 10am to 4pm, each business has different opening times and some will close as early as 3pm
– Some businesses are closed on specific days.
Explore York on a Kid Friendly Walking Tour
Explore York finding hidden letters to spell a secret word and finish by tasting some yummy treats at the St Sampson’s Centre Tasting Hub.
A FREE walking tour orientated towards pre-schoolers.
City Centre play for pre-schoolers
Sammie’s is our new Grandparents’ café which is open every Friday morning in the Annexe from 10 AM – 2 PM during term time. We know how difficult it can be to find somewhere in the city centre that is suitable for pre-schoolers, so we are here to help. Sammie’s is a relaxed and safe environment with a low-cost kid’s menu, toys, plenty of space to run around, baby changing facilities, and space for buggies.
Whilst Sammie’s was created with Grandparents in mind, as a familiar place for them to bring their grandchildren, we are here for anyone with pre-schoolers and hope that Sammie’s will become a known, child-friendly hub in the city centre.
Immerse yourself in hands on kitchen learning!
Have you ever wondered how basic ingredients become the foods we love? Get to grips with the processes involved in the Food Factory!
The Food Factory takes you on a hands-on tour exploring the production of several well known food items and York itself. It’s a great opportunity to get your hands dirty (if you want to) making some of these foods yourselves and at each station you’ll get something to try or takeaway!
Times: Fri 18th- Sun 20th 10:30-5pm (last entry at 4pm). Mon 21st-Thurs 24th 3:30-4:30pm (last entry at 4pm). Fri 25th 12pm-2pm (Last entry 1:30). Sat 26th and Sun 27th 10:30-5pm (last entry at 4pm)
Price: FREE. If you can, we kindly ask for donations to cover food costs. Walk-in oriented NO BOOKING REQUIRED
Activity: Bread making, pasta making, dairy (including, butter, ice cream and cheese) and preserving (smoking and salting and fermentation and bottling)
Due to the technical nature of some of the workshops this activity is most suitable to Adults and Family groups with children over 5, but if you want to bring your little one along there’s still plenty for them to do!
For groups of 10 and more, please email admin@yorkfoodfestival.com
Each day of the festival at Noon, we will stage a demonstration in our theatre at the St Sampson’s Center – details to follow.
Each day of the festival at 1pm, we will stage a demonstration in our theatre at the St Sampson’s Center – details to follow.
Each day of the festival at 2pm, we will stage a demonstration in our theatre at the St Sampson’s Center – details to follow.
Each day of the festival at 3pm, we will stage a demonstration in our theatre at the St Sampson’s Center – details to follow.
Become a master at cocktails in this cocktail master class!
More info and prices to follow…
Live For St Leonard’s will return between 18th and 26th September. This live music event is organised by York BID, as part of the York Food & Drink Festival, and all charitable funds raised are donated in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice. Over the last 2 years the initiative has raised nearly £9,000 for the charity. The events is free for the public to attend and St Leonard’s volunteers will be on-site collecting cash and card donations.
This year’s event will feature two separate stage areas with performances running in parallel. The main stage can be found in the marquee on Parliament Street, and the acoustic stage on St Sampsons Square.
Patrons can expect performances from great local talent, every evening from 5pm!
The line up will be published shortly
A Five Course Tasting Menu accompanied by five wine pairings!
Bilbainito
A classic Pintxo; spiced shrimp and egg skewersPimientos del Piquillo Rellenos
Piquillo peppers stuffed with chorizo & pork with a tarragon &
mustard sauce
Celebrating the outstanding food & drink of La Rioja with a five course Rioja-wine paired tasting event! Join us for five outstanding Riojan wines, five flavourful courses and stories straight from Rioja Alta, all poured and hosted by a member of the team from Bodegas Navajas.
Bonito con Tomate
Fresh tuna belly served in a rich, homemade Basque tomato
sauce with tapenade
Chuletas de Cordero al Sarmiento
Grilled lamb chops with hasselback potato, roast pepper purée,
caramelised onion & tomato
Fardelejos (v)
Traditional Riojan almond & citrus pastries
York Archaeology invites you to step back in time and experience the splendour of medieval dining at Barley Hall.
As part of the York Food and Drink Festival, York Archaeology invites you to an unforgettable evening of feasting, entertainment, and historic atmosphere in the grand surroundings of the Great Chamber—once home to William Snawsell, Medieval Lord Mayor of York.
This unique event offers guests the rare chance to enjoy a lavish three-course medieval-inspired meal, complete with table wine and traditional entertainment between courses. Expect games, music, and merriment, all served in the glow of candlelight and authenticity that only Barley Hall can provide.
A bar will also be available on-site for the purchase of additional drinks.
Spaces are strictly limited and this event SOLD OUT quickly last year so early booking is highly recommended.
Please note: Barley Hall is a limited access venue. For access information please see the Barley Hall website, and contact them if you have any queries.
First remove
(Both served with bread trenchers and butter)
Roasted vegetable and cheddar cheese tart with a trio of little salads and gooseberry chutney or Chunky spiced vegetable soup (vegan & Gluten free)
Second remove
(Both served with vegetables and brown rice)
Hot pot of chickpea, lentil and spinach with medieval spices (Vegan and gluten free) or Chicken with a tomato and herb sauce, cumin and smoked paprika (Gluten free and dairy free)
Third remove
Sticky orange cake with star anise and fruit compote (gluten free and dairy free) or Spiced chocolate pots with ginger biscuit (Gluten free and vegan)
