Top, Best & Fun Rooftop Bars in River Ouse

"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."

"An unexpected pleasure in the heart of York, this 16th-century mansion hotel's small restaurant focuses on British, locally produced food, some of it plucked from the house gardens. As well as multi-course..."

"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."

"Just like the name suggests, this eccentric restaurant offers something a little unique. It is designed to resemble a medieval ale house with stuffed animals sprawn across the walls and Belgian beers on tap. Food is served all day long with bar snacks, authentic Yorkshire ingredients, and craft beer all round."

"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."

"Housed in a cavernous old warehouse, half the floor space in this craft brewery is occupied by giant brewing tanks while the rest is given over to simple wooden drinking benches and a bar with rotating keg and..."

"Spark:York is a place that looks and feels like no other venue in York. It’s a vibrant, relaxed place to eat and drink, with kids or without, and a good option if you’d like a range of food and drink to choose from and take away (or eat there). There’s a changing rota of pop-up bars and restaurants, but if you imagine craft ales, edgy cocktails and some of the best street food in town, you’re not too far from the mark."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Cote are a French Restaurant that serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday, as well as Bank Holidays, from 10am to 2pm. They serve a full breakfast as well as French classics such as Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame."

"The Phoenix prides itself on being a traditional institution, retaining so much of its old charm this independently run pub is steeped in history and is known for its fantastic ales and hosting some of the best live jazz around. You’ll not find a tv or jukebox here. This charming pub that sits alongside the York city walls is great for those looking to get away from the rabble and enjoy a pint of great ale in peace."

"The ideal place to enjoy anything from a cup of tea to a full meal. 13-17 Coney St, York YO1 9QLT: 0871 902 5747"

"Fancy Hanks is a welcome addition to York, serving American deep South good mood food. They have an excellent all day breakfast menu that includes an American Breakfast (Two Rashes of Streaky Bacon, Homemade Sausage Pattie, Two Eggs, Home Fries, Toast), Chorizo Hash (Chorizo, Potato, Onion, Tomato, Roasted Pimento Pepper and Scallions stir fried and topped with Chipotle Mayo & a Fried Egg) and Mushrooms On Toast (Sauteed Mushrooms, Parmesan, Pine Nuts, Mixed Herbs, Spinach, Guacamole and a Poached Egg on top of toasted bloomer.)"

"Eat & Drink, Chinese, Thai & Asian"

"Transporting you back in time, Flares nightclub is the place to go for 90s tunes and throwback fun. When it comes to nightclubs in York, don’t take Flares to seriously as it’s all about the cheesy music and colourful dance floor. This is the perfect venue for a girls night out or hen party where you want to dress up and singalong to hit songs and musical numbers."

"What: The clue is in the title with this one, which is very definitely grand. Housed within York’s only five-star hotel, Hudson's is a destination for occasion dining (unless you’re fabulously wealthy of course) on account of its opulent surrounds and pricey tasting menus. The five- and nine-course set menus change with the seasons and, like all fine dining restaurants worth their salt, make full use of locally-sourced and foraged ingredients presenting a collection of modern British dishes."

"York's only five-star hotel is well-named: it offers tip-top service, a good choice of eating options, a spa and a pool. The building's original Edwardian features have been splendidly retained while bedrooms are vast, crisp and uncluttered."

"Enjoy a sumptuous selection of the finest sandwiches, sweet and savoury snacks at this 5-star hotel in the heart of York. You’ll dine with a view of the historic city walls. A wonderful treat for all the family!"

"Dusk always reminds me somewhat of Evil Eye as it has a quirky and unique vibe to it. I’ve had many a night out that ended with drinks in Dusk and there’s also an elusive magician that often pops in to perform magic tricks right in front of you; it’s even more impressive when you’re quite a few cocktails in!. The cocktails also have the coolest names including the ‘Phil Collins’, ‘Graham Norton’ (a personal favourite of mine) and the ‘Britney Spears’."

"Modern gastropubs tend to fall prey to all sorts of pretentiousness. Not the Duke of York. Opened at the back-end of 2013 by Leeds Brewery, the Duke’s griege makeover is smart but sober – it is still very much a pub (with craft beers and real ales to the fore), and the pricing of its food, particularly in a tourist honeypot like York, is refreshingly sensible."

"Holiday Inn Garforth is a spa hotel near Leeds which is fantastic for those who want to stay on the outskirts of the busy city. Book one of the lovely rooms here for your stay and you will receive compli­men­tary access to this Leeds spa’s You Fit Health Club!. Make the most of the swimming pool, sauna, and steam room to relax, or reach your health goals in the fitness suite, fully equipped gym and even some fitness classes."

"Popular with students and young professionals alike, Zoo Café is a lovely place to relax and enjoy the day. In 2016, it underwent a rather lengthy refurbishment and is as popular as ever. On the menu, you’ll find lots of vegan and vegetarian snacks which makes Zoo an ideal destination for a lunchtime trip."

"Mlucyjack said: “Sweet and lovely little place with friendly staff and fabulous food at great prices. I am not a vegetarian but could easily eat this food every day for the rest of my life and never miss meat at all."

"Located off Newland Avenue resides Zoo Cafe, possibly one Hull’s best kept secrets. Zoo Cafe was one of my favourite eateries even before I became a vegetarian. Zoo Cafe’s menu is colossal and has food perfect for any meal of the day."

"25/04/2021: LOVE Zoo, eaten almost every option on the breakfast menu. All options available as either veggie or vegan, and always fresh and really tasty. Staff are lovely, as are the surroundings!"

"The Botanist is a great place to both eat and drink in York as it has such an extensive cocktail menu, as well as great foodie options, too. I’ve been to The Botanist on several different occasions, both with Matt, my friends and old work colleagues for our Christmas party last year and it’s delivered beyond my expectations every single time. I’d recommend: lamb kofta or chicken hanging kebabs (SO good) or the crispy chicken burger."

"From The Botanist website: “Discover the origins and history of our botanists’ favourite tipple, as our experts guide you through our gin tasting masterclass. Enjoy a range of expertly selected gins, as you learn to identify the unique flavours and botanicals in every bottle.”. £25 each, minimum of six per party, maximum of twelve."

"One of the Best Bottomless Brunch destinations in York, located along the city’s busy Stonegate street. Stumble into the Botanist and you would be forgiven for thinking you had walked into a secret garden. Their menu is short and as sweet as their triple-layered french toastie, with veggie and vegans also looked after."