This festival, run by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), will have more beers and ciders than any other festival in Yorkshire with over 200 available plus wines, prosecco, meads and soft drinks, plus a great selection of food on site.

The festival dates are Wednesday 17 September to Saturday 20 September 2025. Saturday evening is pay-on-the-door only this year.

At the minimum, there are six workshops available, covering a range of themes including bread making, pasta making, vegan dips, and smoking your own food. New workshop themes will be added in for 2025, ensuring that there is always something new to learn and discover at the festival.

The workshops are interactive and hands-on, providing participants with an opportunity to get involved in the cooking process and learn by doing. The workshops are suitable for all ages, and experienced instructors are on hand to provide guidance and support.

The York Food Festival is always on the lookout for talented volunteers to work with the public by delivering workshops. If you are someone who has a passion for cooking and wants to give back to the community, then we encourage you to consider volunteering with us. If interested, please fill out our online form

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.

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.

Participants receive a guide map (FREE for all) providing a unique and engaging way for families to explore the local chocolate scene, while also having fun and learning new things along the way.

Purchased ticket holders end the tour decorating a Chocolate Bar with York Cocoa Works.
Tickets can either be pre-booked online or purchase at the information point (while stocks last)

Collection of the guide map is from the Information Point any day of the festival from 10am, located on Parliament Street – In front of Claire’s (37 Parliament Street, YO1 8RU)

Last entry for the chocolate bar decorating at York Cocoa Works will be 4pm (Please allow at least 45 minutes to come back to collect your Chocolate Bar once it has set).

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.

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.

The tours will take about 2 hours.  All diets can be catered for, these tours are for small numbers and the venues can cope with diverse needs.

Your guide will be Ben Thorpe of York on a Fork, a regular of the Food tour scene in York and one of the festival organisers.  Ben knows the foodie scene in York intimately after having been closely involved with it for over a decade, make sure you ask lots of questions and get plenty of recommendations! Tours will take place on the Friday, Saturday and Sundays of the festival at 11am and 3pm.

During your time with us, one of our expert chocolate makers will share the secrets of our cocoa and how we transform it into chocolate. You will discover our origins and learn the rich history of chocolate making in York before taking a peek into our manufactory and watching our chocolate being made. This session concludes with a special tasting conducted by our cocoa connoisseur. You will sample the chocolate we make from cocoa beans all around the world, experiencing the different strengths and flavour notes in our range.

Following the journey, you are invited to join us in our Chocolate Cafe where you can use your ticket to enjoy further discounts across our whole product range.

Explore the chocolate making history of York and create your own mini Chocolate Bar!

Pre-booking available – 10.00, 10.30, 11.00, 11.30, 12.00, 12.30, 1.30, 2.00, 2.30, 3.00, 3.30 (4pm on Saturday and Sundays)

Tour Highlights:

Explore York’s Chocolate Heritage: Learn why York is celebrated as the Chocolate City, home to legendary chocolate-making families.
Craft Your Own Chocolate Lolly: Enjoy a hands-on experience and watch a live chocolatier demonstration.
Taste a Variety of Chocolate Samples: Enjoy chocolate in its purest form, sample iconic York treats, and indulge in freshly made creations by our chocolatiers.

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.

• Discover where cocoa comes from and its origins
• Learn how we manufacture our chocolate here on site
• Try a selection of our own chocolate
• Then work with your chosen chocolate to mould and design a chocolate bar
• Flavour & Decorate your chocolate bar

Begin your journey with our Classic Guided Tour, where you’ll:

Explore the rich history of chocolate, from its ancient origins to its transformation into today’s indulgent treat.
Learn the art of chocolate tasting like a connoisseur.
Dive into York’s chocolate-making heritage, discovering the stories behind its famous confectionery families.

At the end of your tour, enjoy an additional 15 minutes of hands-on chocolate making, where you’ll:

Roll four decadent ganache-filled truffles in the finest Belgian couverture chocolate.
Personalise and package your creations to take home as a sweet memento.

This one-of-a-kind experience, crafted for adults, invites you to explore the rich histories and intricate flavours of two of the world’s most beloved indulgences: chocolate and gin. Whether you’re a chocolate connoisseur, a gin enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique experience in York, this tour promises to tantalise your taste buds and expand your knowledge in a fun, interactive setting.

Sample Selection:

Hooting Owl Signature Gin: Paired with Rowntree’s first-ever chocolate, this pairing celebrates the humble beginnings of York’s confectionery legacy.
Chocolate Orange Gin: Complemented by a slice of Terry’s Chocolate Orange, this duo pays homage to one of York’s most iconic chocolate treats.
Sicilian Lemon Gin: Paired with a sweet treat inspired by York’s famous confectionery, this combination is a nostalgic nod to classic flavours.
Mystery Gin: Enjoy a seasonal surprise with this final pairing, offering a delightful twist on traditional gin and chocolate pairings.
Chocolate-Making

Your tour concludes with a hands-on chocolate-making session. Under the guidance of our expert chocolatiers, you’ll craft your own bespoke chocolate mendiants to take home, using high-quality dark or milk chocolate. Personalise your creation with intricate designs and transfer sheets, making it the perfect edible souvenir of your visit.

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:
Ham Hock Terrine
Roasted Vegetable and Goats Cheese Tart (V) (Ve Option Available)

Second Remove:
Chicken, with Smoked Paprika, Thyme and Vegetables.
Spiced vegetable and bean stew (V) (Ve Option Available)

Third Remove:
Spiced Chocolate Pots (V) (Ve Option Available)
Sticky Orange Cake (V)

Chocolate Truffle Making Masterclass

Ganache is a perfect balance of chocolate and cream, at the York Cocoa Works we work with ganache to create a whole range of different flavours and textures. During our Chocolate Truffle Masterclass we’ll share the secrets to be able to create exciting and perfect flavour combinations for your ganache that can be used in a range of recipes to different effect.

During the workshop you will:

Learn how to make water, alcohol and cream based ganache
By the end of this workshop you will be able to recognise and correct split ganache
You should be able to identify ways to effectively manage your environment to achieve perfect ganache.
You learn how ganache can be used in truffles, filled chocolates, filled tarts & sauces..
You will beautifully wrap your creations to take home and enjoy
Go home with recipes and your newly found chocolate knowledge
What do you take away with you?

Each participant will take home approximately 400g of your own chocolate as well as the recipes and technical worksheets to be able to make your own and perfect your skills at home.

Join Radek for a demonstration of what Corner House Grill has to offer! With a total of 13 years’ experience in the industry,  from outside catering to a 2 AA Rosettes restaurant there’s sure to be a wealth of knowledge shared!

Freya took Bake off by storm in 2021, pushing her vegan creations to the fore. We can’t wait to welcome her to our demonstration stage

Walks start from the junction of College Street and Goodramgate outside the National Trust shop YO1 7LG. Tours last for approx. 2 hours and can include an optional refreshment stop.

Get to know the brewery and their beers ahead of the opening of Northern Monk Refectory York in late October.
Attendance and samples are free. Over 18s only, you may be asked for ID.

Celebrate cultural diversity, food, and community right in the heart of York!

Featuring dishes from Iranian, Tunisian, African, and Jewish cuisine join chefs as they share the stories and spices behind heritage dishes, with a carefully curated menu.

YSS are the first salt house to produce sea salt in Yorkshire since the neolithic era. Aiming to reinstate a long-lost local tradition to the area using modern methods of production that have a low environmental impact and produce the purest, 100% natural, mineral rich sea salt.

This is our initial workshop for working with chocolate, it’s a perfect starter for any budding chocolatier or cake maker that wants to understand more about how chocolate works.

During the workshop you will:

Learn how to make your own traditional chocolate truffles
Prepare tempered chocolate for making truffles
Beautifully wrap your creations to take home and enjoy
Go home with recipes and your newly found chocolate making skills
What will you take away with you?

Each participant will take home approximately 300g of your own chocolate creations as well as the recipes to be able to make your own at home.

You might recognise Minal from this year’s Great British Menu, having previously featured on shows with the Hairy Bikers, Tom Kerridge and Gordon Ramsay.

Prashad has been awarded a prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand and two AA Rosettes.

For more of Minal’s kitchen secrets, tips and recipes, follow @Prashad_Veggie on Instagram.

For the 2025 York Food Festival, we’re turning our Filthy, Beastly Tour of York into a Filthy, Feastly Tour!

On this special walk we will uncover some of the mind-boggling historical delicacies eaten in York – especially at royal and religious feasts – as well as the foodstuffs upon which the city grew rich. We’ll also dig (metaphorically) into the filth beneath our feet that has enabled archaeologists to work out the diets of long-gone residents.

There will be porpoises and poo, dozens of oxen, and a startling quantity of roast birds, wine and fish. We’ll explore Roman menus, Viking dining, and medieval royal weddings. And we’ll finish our forage with the story of the reverend-professor who made it his mission to eat everything!

Starting on Piccadilly, outside the gates of the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, we’ll walk via Pavement, the Shambles, King’s Square and York Minster to finish outside the Yorkshire Museum. The walk will take 60-90 minutes and is suitable for people aged 11 and over.

Come view and share “In these Shoes” a film made by Carecent and  Nightlight Theatre – a documentary/film to raise awareness and challenge perceptions around homelessness and those who access Carecent in York. Opportunity to discuss with the makers of the film after the showing.

There is no charge made for this event but we ask guests to book and bring a donation of a Pot noodle or 2.
Soft drinks will be available to purchase on the night.

Kitchen for Everyone York (KEY) is an entirely volunteer led registered charity providing meals and other support to those experiencing homelessness or in vulnerable situations in York. If you’d like to support, donations are welcome

The Harrogate Chocolate Factory and Harrogate Chocolate Factory Café are social enterprises run by HS4LC’s Skills Bridge programmes, with the aim to support young people with learning disabilities and autism gain the confidence and skills they need to achieve paid employment – and in the process help everyone else feel good too.

Join the Society’s Community and Events Organiser at All Saints Pavement for the chance to make your own Rowntree’s chocolate box and see some of the original Rowntree’s box designs. As well as getting the chance to show off your design skills, you will also get to handle objects ranging from Rowntree’s sweets/chocolates boxes, a hands-on ‘game’ which was actually an entry test to see whether you could work in the factory, and magazines which the Rowntree’s factory produced for its workers to read. Whether you have your own memories of Rowntree’s in York, or if you’re just interested in chocolate, we’d love to see you there!

Staal Smokehouse is an award-winning, family-run business dedicated to delivering the finest smoked products to your door.

Situated near the beautiful market town of Beverley in the East Riding of Yorkshire – an area with a history of traditional artisan food production dating back to the Middle Ages. Staal are surrounded by a rich array of high calibre farms enabling us to source most of our produce from within the county of Yorkshire. This means that not only is their produce quality-assured, but less packaging and transportation also make it environmentally friendly.

Yorkshire Dama Cheese is a story of inspirational bravery by a woman who refused to let her circumstances define or constrain her. It is about finding a new place to call home and new experiences which has led to the creation of a British multi-award-winning cheese and dairy company.

Join us for a cheesy experience like no other. Taste and vote for your favorite cheeses as they battle it out for the title of the ultimate cheese champion.

Four amazing Yorkshire cheeses meet four formidable contenders from the rest of the world.

Join us to explore cheeses from here, there and elsewhere! From creamy textures to bold flavours – compare, contrast, and cast your vote to crown the winning cheese!

Which cheese will emerge victorious – and where is it from? Yorkshire – or the rest of the world?

We will be there to share some of the fascinating stories behind cheesemaking as you tuck into variety of cheeses.

Bring a date or grab some mates, it really doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned cheese aficionado or just curd-curious (!) this is a great way to explore new cheesy experiences.

Come and join us for a fun, informative, and delicious evening.

With a short presentation to talk you through the cheese you have been eating – this is an amazing way to find out more about awesome cheeses from two regions!

Please note – some of these cheeses will NOT be vegetarian and some will not be pasteurised!

NEET (a charity based in Shipley Bradford) have been working with neurodivergent adults for over 20 years in our allotment plots on the edge of Bradford, will be bringing harvesting cooking, growing, and making skills to the York food festival. Come along to learn more about NEET people and the work we do

Walks start from the junction of College Street and Goodramgate outside the National Trust shop YO1 7LG. Tours last for approx. 2 hours and can include an optional refreshment stop.

This is our initial workshop for working with chocolate, it’s a perfect starter for any budding chocolatier or cake maker that wants to understand more about how chocolate works.

During the workshop you will:

Learn how to make your own traditional chocolate truffles
Prepare tempered chocolate for making truffles
Beautifully wrap your creations to take home and enjoy
Go home with recipes and your newly found chocolate making skills
What will you take away with you?

Each participant will take home approximately 300g of your own chocolate creations as well as the recipes to be able to make your own at home.

Did you know that before restoration Bedern Hall was part of William Wright’s Pork Butchers, famed across the City for their pies? In search of the perfect pie, we’ve invited local pie makers to enter their very best pies for you to judge and vote for your favourites. Local ales from Yorkshire Heart Brewery, the perfect pie partner, available to buy.

We’ve partnered with The Company of Butchers of the City of York who sponsored the trophy and gave guidance on judging.

Last year’s winners in the Traditional Category were Voakes Pies and Ged Bell. We hope they’ll both be back to defend their Titles!

In our VIP Chocolate Masterclass, you’ll delve into the intricate art of tempering, master the techniques of shell making, and learn the delicate process of ganache filling and sealing. From crafting your own artisan chocolate moulds to exploring unique artistic effects with coloured cocoa butter and lustre powder, every moment promises to be a decadent adventure.

Here’s what the VIP Chocolate Masterclass includes:

Hands-on sessions on tempering, shell making, ganache filling, and sealing a variety of chocolates.
Decorating your artisan chocolate moulds to create stunning, personalised designs.
Exclusive access to our tempering tank for moulding chocolate shells and creating a mesmerising chocolate rain effect.
Utilising transfer sheets for layered chocolate designs and crafting additional chocolate mendiants.
Customising layered chocolate bars with intricate handwritten pipe decorations, decorative patterns, and sumptuous chocolate toppings.
Enjoying a refreshing glass of prosecco upon arrival to set the mood for your chocolate-filled journey.

Vegan and Vegetarian options available

HERE IS 2024’S MENU

Complimentary drink.

Starter – A Classic Syrian Trio of Hummus, Falafel and Khobz (Arabic Bread)
Main – Ouzi – Stewed Syrian Lamb with vegetables, Rice and Arabic Salad
Vegetarian/Vegan Option – Mushroom Ouzi – Stewed Syrian Mushroom with vegetables, Rice and Arabic Salad
Sweet – Our homemade Baklava

Mint tea to finish.

The tours will take about 2 hours.  All diets can be catered for, these tours are for small numbers and the venues can cope with diverse needs.

Your guide will be Ben Thorpe of York on a Fork, a regular of the Food tour scene in York and one of the festival organisers.  Ben knows the foodie scene in York intimately after having been closely involved with it for over a decade, make sure you ask lots of questions and get plenty of recommendations! Tours will take place on the Friday, Saturday and Sundays of the festival at 11am and 3pm.

York became home to confectionery giants Terry’s, Rowntree’s, and Craven’s throughout the nineteenth century, and by the mid-twentieth century the city was a hub for the confectionery community, manufacturing and distributing products on a global scale. Sugar, Skill and Shiftwork has been curated in collaboration with the public to reveal what life was like for workers and those living in York during this time.

The invitation to share lived experiences, objects and memories was welcomed by the community following a successful callout for information. York Castle Museum received a range of incredible submissions that have fed into the wider narrative of the exhibition.

The exhibition guides visitors through the history of confectionery in York, and other areas of working life. Nostalgia is a key theme throughout, with household favourites such as Terry’s Chocolate Orange and KitKat sporting retro wrappers and packaging, reminding visitors of childhood treats. Workers items, uniforms, images, film and oral history create five themed rooms exploring York’s confectionery industries. The exhibition has been supported by York Oral History Society who have generously allowed access to their archives, allowing workers voices to be heard in the museum.

Walks start from the junction of College Street and Goodramgate outside the National Trust shop YO1 7LG. Tours last for approx. 2 hours and can include an optional refreshment stop.

Having been in (and out) and around the craft beer industry since 2013, founder and chief brewer, Patrick established Trig in 2023. Starting on a 150 litre nanobrew kit he spent two years experimenting and developing beers which quickly gained a strong following in York.

At the start of 2025 Trig upgraded to a 2000 litre brewhouse on the Northminster Business Park in Poppleton. Since then production has been running at maximum capacity to keep pace with demand from pubs & bars in York, Yorkshire and across the UK.

Trig produces a concise range of small batch craft beers in cask, keg and can, taking a modern approach to classic brewing styles and emphasising the importance of high quality ingredients and technique.

Lyonnaise menu

Charcutière, Baguettes, Cervelle de canut

Traditional charcuterie, homemade baguette and a cream cheese and herb dip

Quinelle Sauce Nantua

Fish quenelles (fish flavoured dumplings) with crayfish sauce

Coq au Vin

Traditional braised chicken with red Wine sauce

Mille-feuilles crème diplomate

Layers of crispy puff pastry with a vanilla cream filing

This one-of-a-kind experience, crafted for adults, invites you to explore the rich histories and intricate flavours of two of the world’s most beloved indulgences: chocolate and gin. Whether you’re a chocolate connoisseur, a gin enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique experience in York, this tour promises to tantalise your taste buds and expand your knowledge in a fun, interactive setting.

Sample Selection:

Hooting Owl Signature Gin: Paired with Rowntree’s first-ever chocolate, this pairing celebrates the humble beginnings of York’s confectionery legacy.
Chocolate Orange Gin: Complemented by a slice of Terry’s Chocolate Orange, this duo pays homage to one of York’s most iconic chocolate treats.
Sicilian Lemon Gin: Paired with a sweet treat inspired by York’s famous confectionery, this combination is a nostalgic nod to classic flavours.
Mystery Gin: Enjoy a seasonal surprise with this final pairing, offering a delightful twist on traditional gin and chocolate pairings.
Chocolate-Making

Your tour concludes with a hands-on chocolate-making session. Under the guidance of our expert chocolatiers, you’ll craft your own bespoke chocolate mendiants to take home, using high-quality dark or milk chocolate. Personalise your creation with intricate designs and transfer sheets, making it the perfect edible souvenir of your visit.

Join Terra Sarda Wines on a journey in a glass across the beautiful island of Sardinia, pairing six rare wines with a selection of artisan cheeses made by an award-winning Sardinian cheesemaker in Yorkshire, using milk from local farms.

Each wine will reveal another chapter in Sardinia’s story, exploring its environment, history, food, culture – with some unexpected links to Wales!

These events are for curious connoisseurs and winelovers with a wanderlust. Our glasses are full, our platters are generous, and the evening is full of surprises.

The venue (appropriately) is York’s iconic Bonding Warehouse, by Skeldergate Bridge, which was built in the 1870s to store wine and spirits brought by boat from Hull.

Now a beautiful co-working and events space, run by Patch, this historic, waterfront building will be celebrating its own food and drink heritage during the York Food & Drink Festival 2025.

What’s included: 6 x 75ml/100ml tastings of red, white, rosé and sparkling wines. A generous platter of Yorkshire cheeses, traditional Sardinian bread and savoury nibbles. Tasting notes. A wonderful riverside view and good company!

This iconic clock tower features a clock with a ‘waiting train’ mechanism, powered by an electrical impulse from a master clock. The tower is part of five buildings designed by J G Davies and L E Wade for Terry’s chocolate factory (built 1924-1930). Tours in partnership with York Clock Group.

Opened in 1937, Bettys’ upstairs dining room was modelled on the art-deco glamour of transatlantic
liners. Our insider tours will explore the basement that was an informal WWII ops room, the staff canteen and store rooms that were once a ballroom.

For more information click here.

This state-of-the-art centre includes a small manufacturing facility, a development laboratory
and a confectionery kitchen to develop and reformulate products. DLA Architecture’s 2011
extension – which includes a unique glazed, tree-lined street linking the original and new
spaces – won a York Design Award.

For more information click here.

Originally the transformer house attached to the clock tower, water tower and boiler house, it’s possible that rum and coffee beans were later stored here. Now a restaurant, floor-to-ceiling original 1920s tiles and photographs of Terry’s factory employees complete the interior design by Banjo Beale (BBC Interior Design Masters winner).

For more information click here.

Yemi Adelekan is a Yorkshire-based fusion chef celebrated for her bold, spice-led cooking inspired by her Nigerian roots and global travels. Through her popular supper clubs and chef’s table experiences, Yemi creates unforgettable food experiences that feel like home, full of heart, culture, and creativity.

Previously this site was a trolleybus shed, aviation factory and garage, but SPARK renovated the then derelict land using low-impact shipping containers to create a community space. It’s a place to discover food, drink, retail and social enterprise start-ups.

For more information click here

One of York’s most well regarded restaurants!