Best & Cool Bars in Stockton on the Forest

"They say location is everything, and whether you’re in York for a romantic weekend break, or to explore the city’s historical past, Greys Court Hotel makes the ideal location from which to base your activities. Steeped in history, and with parts of its architecture dating back to the late 11th century it appears squeezed between the Minster and the Treasurer’s House. However, once through the hotel’s entrance, the connotation with squeezed ends, and you can enjoy the luxurious, historically romantic ambiance that Greys Court Hotel offers, along with all the modern conveniences you would expect from a high-end establishment."

"Grays Court is housed in a beautiful historic building next to the York Minister. It was once the former home of King James I. In 10 minutes walk you arrive at York landmarks such as the York Museum and Gardens, the Theatre Royal and York Cathedral. Grays Court has 10 elegant rooms with antique furnishings, garden views and a private bathroom."

"Even if you stand in the ground-floor off-licence (its stock of over 600 beers will leave you slack-jawed), it is quite possible not to notice that upstairs lies one of Britain's most idiosyncratic beer bars. Tucked into the exposed eaves of a 12th-century Norman house, decorated with animal skins and ancient taxidermy, the House of Trembling Madness is a tight, friendly squeeze where hop-heads linger over two cask ales (both from the wonderful Wild Beer Co on this visit), specialist draft Belgian beers and an amazing, ever-changing selection of bottled brews (on top of which, you can drink anything that is for sale downstairs, paying £1.25 corkage). If the staff can't surprise you with something – say, a Japanese Hitachino Nest Classic Ale – you've officially exhausted the possibilities of beer."

"If you cross a 12th century Norman dwelling with a taxidermist’s lounge you’ll get an idea of the diverse character of this lovable trinket of a bar situated on the first floor which is bustling any time of the day and any day of the week you visit. The three cask beers regularly rotate with the likes of Great Heck, Brass Castle and recently the likes of Wild Child. 6 well chosen craft keg lines treat imbibers to juicy IPAs from the likes of Deya, Verdant and Odyssey as well a Belgian and German beers."

"The main focus of the Trembling Madness is the stunning three rooms upstairs; each is finely presented in the grand Georgian style but with that quirky Madness shining through with a smattering of taxidermy and quite disturbing renaissance gothic works of art mainly depicting hell. Two of the rooms are set out with tables and chairs, the high ceilings and big windows giving a spacious and relaxing atmosphere."

"From grain to glass, see how traditional ale is created at York Brewery. Located just inside the city walls on Toft Green, York Brewery has been handcrafting real ales since 1996. The brewery site was built in the late 16th century, and has seen many uses over its history, but now it is home to a 20-barrel brew plant, with six traditional open top fermenters and five conditioning tanks."

"Spark is a relatively new addition to the city of York but it’s certainly one that’s been welcomed with open arms (at least by me). Offering a vast selection of different cuisines, as well as gorgeous seating areas and unique shipping containers disguised as shops and food stalls, Spark is a great place to grab some pictures."

"Perhaps one of the most unique establishments in York – Spark is a vibrant hub of some of the best food and drink in the city. With large benches on the lower and upper floors, this venue is the perfect place to grab and go, or to spend an evening with a few friends and drinks."

"When to go: When you fancy something quick, casual and can’t decide so visit more than one. What to have: The buttermilk fried chicken burgers from Clucking Oinks are unbeatable. Wash one down with an ice-cold can of craft beer from resident bar Piccadilly Tap."

"Another repurposed building, The Judge’s Lodging is a Grade I-listed Georgian townhouse which in its former life was, well - it’s all in the name, isn’t it?. The imposing red brick exterior of this former home now gives way to an eccentrically stylish high-end hotel. Where The Grand does classical five-star grandeur, the Judge’s Lodging offers a kind of quirky, opulent, nudge-wink decor - as you can see in the bar’s judge-themed wallpaper."

"Judges Lodging is an elegant Gerogiaans mansion with a view of the cathedral of York. The city has several attractions such as the York Castle Museum, The Shambles streets Breezy Knees Gardens and Clifford's Tower. Judges Lodging offers 29 comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and are fully equipped."

"Côte Brasserie serve breakfast and brunch from Saturday to Sunday, and Bank Holidays, from 10am to 2pm. Highlights include a breakfast set menu that involves any cooked breakfast with fresh orange juice or cloudy apple juice and a hot drink of your choice. Options include a full English breakfast, Crepe Complete (pancakes, bacon and comte cheese), Eggs Florentine, Eggs Royal and Eggs Avocado."

"Côte’s tagline is “Relaxed all day dining inspired by the brasseries of Paris” and I would agree with that. They serve breakfast/brunch between 8am and noon Monday to Friday and 9am till 1pm Saturday and Sunday. They have a good lunchtime and early evening set menu at two courses for £11.95 that includes French classics like steak frites and baked camembert."

"Lotte Inch Gallery first came to York in 2012 in the form of a pop-up art gallery space – but many glorious years later and after several small pop-up exhibitions, the gallery moved from its previous space near York Minster to its current location in bustling 14 Bootham. The eponymous Lotte comes from a background in Art History and Heritage, having worked for The National Trust; Scampston Hall and Gardens; and The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery at The University of Leeds, amongst others – making her a mastermind when it comes to art. The gallery is the ideal place to discover new artists, designers and makers, alongside established names and figures, hoping to be a “welcoming and inclusive place with a regularly changing programme of exhibitions."

"Spark is a relatively new addition to the city of York but it’s certainly one that’s been welcomed with open arms (at least by me). Offering a vast selection of different cuisines, as well as gorgeous seating areas and unique shipping containers disguised as shops and food stalls, Spark is a great place to grab some pictures."

"Perhaps one of the most unique establishments in York – Spark is a vibrant hub of some of the best food and drink in the city. With large benches on the lower and upper floors, this venue is the perfect place to grab and go, or to spend an evening with a few friends and drinks."

"When to go: When you fancy something quick, casual and can’t decide so visit more than one. What to have: The buttermilk fried chicken burgers from Clucking Oinks are unbeatable. Wash one down with an ice-cold can of craft beer from resident bar Piccadilly Tap."

"Sushi are a slick chain sushi restaurant with dine in and takeaway options. You can choose from classic sushi dishes like a Dragon Roll, Dynamite Roll or Salmon Maki or Sashimi. You could also go for Takoyaki or a Yasai Roll."

"They serve ramen with mushroom and kombu, spicy chilli beef and tonkotsu. Sando (Japanese hot sandwiches) with chicken, pork belly and tamago egg, bao buns, Robata (Japanese BBQ) and specials of the day,"

"The website defaults to the menu in Japanese, which says to me that this restaurant is catering to the large number of Japanese visitors we receive. I’d say that it does not get more authentic than that!. If you want sushi like it’s served in Japan, then this looks ideal."

"Thomas Atkinson, an 18th century English architect, is famous for remaking the Bishopthorpe Palace in York in the Gothic Revival style. Though a rather influential figure of his time, very little is known about Atkinson's private life. His house, located at 20 St. Andrewgate, is one of the sparse evidences of his life in York."