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.
West Trail Participants
East Trail Participants
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.
The York Food Festival offers a series of FREE cookery workshops – hands on events, which are designed to provide visitors with an opportunity to learn new culinary skills and understand how food is made. All the activities are available at all times during the opening times – on a roll up and start basis.
Opening times for public:
(also home to our Schools Workshop programme, where we welcome over 1000 children to participate over the weekdays)
Fri 18th introductory session only see below 2pm to 4pm.
Sat 19th & Sun 20th – 10:30-5pm (last entry at 4pm).
Mon 21st to Thurs 24th – 3:30-4:30pm (last entry at 4pm).
Fri 25th – 12pm to 2pm (Last entry 1:30).
Sat 26th & Sun 27th – 10:30-5pm (last entry at 4pm).
Activity: Bread making, pasta making, dairy (including, butter, ice cream and cheese) and preserving (smoking and salting and fermentation and bottling)
The workshops are open to all ages and held at St Sampsons Centre
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
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 extensive free food education programme for all visitors to the festival.
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.
Join York Cocoa Works for their exciting family friendly chocolate activities
York Cocoa Works will offer a range of fun and family-friendly chocolate activities throughout the York Food & Drink Festival, giving visitors the chance to discover more about chocolate-making in the heart of York.
Based at 10 Castlegate, York Cocoa Works will welcome festival-goers for a selection of hands-on activities designed to bring the story and craft of chocolate to life. Visitors will be able to get involved, learn new skills and explore the fascinating processes behind one of the world’s favourite treats.
The activities will provide an enjoyable experience for chocolate lovers of all ages, with plenty of opportunities to get creative and discover more about York’s long association with chocolate-making.
With its combination of history, creativity and hands-on fun, the York Cocoa Works activities will be a great addition to the festival programme and an ideal experience for families and chocolate enthusiasts alike.
Live wheel thrown demonstrations all day, alongside pots and sculptures for sale
Crafting high-quality, handmade ceramic pots and vessels that blend artistry with everyday living. Driven by a passion for craftsmanship and creativity, each piece is thoughtfully designed and meticulously handcrafted to bring a touch of uniqueness and beauty into your home. Discover pottery that’s as functional as it is artful.
Explore York on a Kid Friendly Walking Tour, 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. Collect a free activity sheet from the Festival’s Information desk on Parliament Street (In front of Skipton Building Society)
A demonstration from the chef-proprietor of Skosh, one of York’s most well regarded restaurants!
Acclaimed York chef Neil Bentinck, chef-proprietor of the highly regarded Skosh, will take to the stage at St Sampson’s Centre as part of the York Food & Drink Festival. His cookery demonstration offers festival-goers the opportunity to see his distinctive approach to cooking up close.
Known for Skosh’s creative small plates and bold combination of international flavours, Neil will bring his experience and expertise to the festival kitchen, sharing techniques and ideas that visitors can take away and try themselves.
The demonstration will provide an insight into the thinking behind one of York’s most celebrated restaurants, while showcasing Neil’s passion for inventive, flavour-driven cooking. Whether visitors are keen home cooks or simply passionate about great food, the session will offer inspiration, practical tips and a taste of the creativity that has helped make Skosh such a popular part of York’s food scene.
Explore York Food Festival’s Offers with York on a Fork’s Ben!
The Insider’s Guide Walking Tour will offer festival-goers a unique opportunity to discover some of the best food and drink that York Food & Drink Festival has to offer. Led by York on a Fork’s Ben, the guided tour will take participants around the festival, combining tastings, demonstrations and introductions to local producers.
Along the way, guests will be able to sample a selection of tasty treats, discover more about York’s vibrant food scene and learn a new culinary skill during a demonstration at St Sampson’s Centre. The tour will also provide an opportunity to meet and hear from local food producers, giving visitors a greater insight into the people and businesses behind York’s thriving food culture.
Priced at £25, the tour will offer a fun, informative and delicious way to experience the festival from an insider’s perspective
Join UK’s Pastry Champion Florian Poirot
UK Pastry Champion Florian Poirot will bring his exceptional pastry skills to the York Food & Drink Festival, with a series of free demonstrations at the festival’s St Sampson’s Centre.
Visitors will have the opportunity to join Florian for a masterclass in pastries, where he will showcase the precision, creativity and artistry behind high-quality French patisserie. A former UK Pastry Champion and winner of the Sugar Prize at the World Pastry Cup, Florian is renowned for his intricate chocolate work, elegant macarons and innovative pastry creations.
With his York and Malton boutiques offering a taste of French patisserie in Yorkshire, Florian will bring his expertise and passion directly to the festival stage.
The demonstrations will provide an inspiring insight into the world of professional pastry-making, with plenty of ideas and techniques for budding bakers and sweet-toothed festival-goers alike.
Join the Medieval custom of trying the cities Ale Houses
The Assize of Ale and Bread is a medieval tradition that requires the Sheriff of York to visit local pubs, tasting the ale to ensure it is of good quality.
The expensive equipment required for brewing led to a commercial market for these goods, and so a need for regulations to control quality and pricing, therefore the Sheriff summoned their sergeants to visit the city’s ale houses to test the quality of the ale. Any sergeant who failed to answer the summons was guilty of an offence and liable to fines or time in the pillory, so be warned !
Starting at York Mansion House, the event involves participants visiting several pubs in the city centre with the final stop at the York Food and Drink Festival Marquee in Parliament Street for the closing declaration.
Guests are then invited for a Fish and Chip Supper and an ale sponsored and supported by ‘Mr Chippy’, ‘Brew York’ ‘Dough’ and ‘The Potions Cauldron Group’. All this fun, excitement and tradition for only £20, with all proceeds going to the Lord Mayor’s Charity Fund which this year is local charity ‘York Cares’ and community group ‘Shared York’. The event is held at St Sampson’s Centre, York.
Participants wearing medieval or ancient costumes will be eligible to 10% discount off drinks in all the participating pubs. Should you need inspiration, Festival of Fun on Goodramgate is offering 10% off purchases if you quote “Assize of Ale” !
The events starts at 2pm at York Mansion House where the Town Crier will start proceedings by introducing The Sheriff of York to perform the traditional proclamation. There will also be fanfare in St Helen’s Square provided by YO1 Radio with Owls also in attendance.
Please book the Fish and Chips Dinner separately!
EMAIL civicyorkfundraising@yahoo.com TO BOOK
Demonstration in St Sampson’s Centre by Masterchef’s Claire Syrenne
MasterChef UK 2025 runner-up Claire Syrenne will take to the stage at York Food & Drink Festival for a special live cookery demonstration at St Sampson’s Centre on Saturday 26 September. The free demonstration will give festival-goers the chance to see Claire showcase her cooking style and share her passion for food.
Claire’s appearance will offer an insight into the creativity and techniques that helped take her all the way to the MasterChef final. Alongside her television success, Claire has developed a strong connection with food through her work as a writer and her passion for cooking.
Visitors can expect an engaging and inspiring session, with Claire sharing ideas, skills and culinary inspiration. Her appearance will add another exciting name to the festival’s impressive line-up of chefs and food personalities, making it a must-see demonstration for food lovers and aspiring cooks alike.
Explore some of York Food Festival’s offers with York on a Fork’s Ben!
Take a guided tour of York Food and Drink Festival’s offers, sampling tasty treats. Learn a new skill at a demonstration in St Sampson’s Centre and try an array of food from local producers.
Sample and try different freshly made bread and pastries with Matthew from Dough.
The Assize of Bread will bring a taste of York’s medieval food traditions to the York Food & Drink Festival on Saturday 26 September, with visitors invited to discover and sample a range of freshly made breads and pastries.
Taking place in the festival’s main tent on Parliament Street, the event will showcase the skill and variety of local baking, with Matthew from York-based Dough on hand to share his knowledge and introduce visitors to different styles of bread.
The Assize of Bread has deep historical roots in York. The medieval tradition was designed to regulate the quality, price and weight of bread, and York’s modern revival celebrates this heritage through local artisan baking.
The session will offer food lovers the chance to taste, learn and discover more about the craft of bread-making, while celebrating one of York’s oldest culinary traditions.
Who will come out on top in the first “Takoyaki-off” ever at York Food & Drink Festival?!
Frankie Dunn is a former chemistry teacher and civil servant whose colourful personality captured the nation’s attention on BBC’s MasterChef 2026, reaching the semi-finals. Inspired by extensive travels and time living in South Africa, Frankie’s cooking blends bold, global flavours with holistic health. Under her newly established “Feasting with Frankie” brand, she offers private dining and supper clubs across Cheshire and beyond. For more details visit www.feastingwithfrankie.co.uk
Tony Kennedy is a passionate cook who loves to experiment. Taking flavours and styles from around the world, Tony incorporates them into modern and elegant British cuisine. Tony’s venture into the culinary world took him to the semi-finals of MasterChef 2026, a self-proclaimed highlight. “It was a truly fantastic experience and pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of.”
A demonstration by MasterChef’s quarter-finalist Darren Gurry
MasterChef 2025 quarter-finalist Darren Gurry will bring his passion for bold, flavour-packed cooking to the York Food & Drink Festival with a free live demonstration at St Sampson’s Centre on Saturday 26 September.
Darren’s appearance will give festival-goers the opportunity to see his cooking style up close and discover the techniques and ideas behind his food. During his time on MasterChef, his dishes were praised for being gutsy and flavourful, reflecting his enthusiasm for creating food with plenty of character.
Passionate about using local ingredients and encouraging people to cook fresh food, Darren will share his knowledge and inspiration with visitors during the demonstration. He now hosts supper clubs and private dining events across the country, bringing his distinctive approach to a wider audience.
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 event 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!
2026 ARTISTS LINE UP
Join the Assize of Ale for a Fish and Chips and Ale dinner in St Sampson’s Centre
Following the Assize of Ale Pub Craw, guests are then invited for a Fish and Chip Supper and an ale. Sponsored and supported by ‘Mr Chippy’, ‘Brew York’ ‘Dough’ and ‘The Potions Cauldron Group’. All this fun, excitement and tradition for only £20, with all proceeds going to the Lord Mayor’s Charity Fund which this year is local charity ‘York Cares’ and community group ‘Shared York’. The event is held at St Sampson’s Centre, York.
If you are interested in the Assize of Ale Pub Crawl see the separate page or email civicyorkfundraising@yahoo.com
An evening tasting Yorkshire Wines, Beers and Spirits.
A selection of Yorkshire producers will be showcasing some of their finest products, for you to taste and discuss with them. The wine area is co-ordinated by the Festival and hosted on the night by Lucy Hjort from Melton’s restaurant – Lucy has raised awareness of the quality of Yorkshire wines for many years featuring them on her renowned wine flights.
Yorkshire Breweries, York Wine Merchants and Distillers will take a range of stands and offer you the opportunity to meet the makers.
Love Cheese? Love Whisky? Then this is for you.
Cheese and whisky lovers will be in for a treat at the Cheese and Whisky Tasting, taking place at Belfrey Hall on Saturday 26 September as part of York Food & Drink Festival.
This special tasting will bring together Jordan from Love Cheese and the team from York Whisky Club for an evening exploring the delicious relationship between two very different, but surprisingly complementary, flavours. Guests will be treated to four carefully selected whiskies paired with four generous helpings of cheese, creating an opportunity to discover new flavour combinations and learn more about both.
Whether visitors are passionate about whisky, devoted to cheese or simply curious to try something different, the event will offer a relaxed and sociable tasting experience in the historic surroundings of Belfrey Hall.
With expert guidance, generous tastings and plenty of opportunities to discover new pairings, this promises to be a must for food and drink enthusiasts.
