If you're off to York for the races but don't know the city too well, this guide will help you find the best places to go for a drink to carry on the fun.
We've picked out a selection of our favourites, ranging from cosy pubs to swanky cocktail bars, so no matter what you're after there should be something on here for everyone.
Keep reading to discover the best places to drink in York after the races.
Fossgate Social
There's so much going on at this quirky, independent bar lined with neon-lit walls adorned with work by local artists. In the morning the space is filled with sourdough breakfasts and flat whites galore and in the evening there are innovative, fun cocktails filling up the tables. Located in York's foodie quarter, this is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner aperitif before enjoying some of the great food that Fossgate has to offer.
Image: Fossgate Social
Drawing Board
Open until 4am all weekend, this is a popular end of the night haunt for the students in York and we can see why. The venue is almost like a maze with two bars downstairs and two floors worth of space for live events. They also serve amazing pizza if you're feeling a bit peckish after a long night of drinking and dancing.
Image: The Drawing Board
Evil Eye
Cocktail bar Evil Eye is well known amongst Yorks' more distinguished drinkers. This bar holds the world record for the sheer quantity of gin behind its back bar, which totals over 1,000 bottles. Outside you'll find a small graffiti-painted courtyard, whilst inside the bar is set over two levels. Not a fan of gin? Then opt for a cocktail instead - the menu is extensive.
A relatively new arrival to the York drinking scene, Thor's Tipi began life as an outdoor pop-up for the festive season but has carried on this summer with two locations - one at The Principal hotel and another on Parliament street. Head down for frozen pornstar martinis, firepits and street food from a load of local traders.
Impossible
A new addition to York's iconic St Helen's square, Impossible bar can be found inside the beautiful former Terry’s chocolate orange building. Head down for cocktails like the 'mad quacker' (a twist on a white lady made with gin, lychee, and hibiscus) and the Terry's Chocolate Orange martini. You won't be disappointed.
Dusk
Describing itself as 'Glastonbury without the wellies', independent bar Dusk is a favourite for its 2 for 1 cocktail offer (which runs until 10 pm Friday to Sunday) - but you'll also find a really great, diverse crowd here. Go for the offers, stay for the atmosphere.
Cocktail trees are a popular order at Manahatta in York / Image: kruppyfoodie
Manahatta
Whether you're after a few cocktails, a big cocktail tree or bottles direct to your table, New York-inspired bar Manahatta does it all. Open until 2am on the weekends, it's a great place to carry on the party after the races.
Fossgate Tap
This cute looking old English pub, formerly known as Sutler's, can be found in the heart of medieval York. A stone's throw from The Smables - one of the most famous streets in York - the pub has partnered with local brewers Turning Point Brew Co to offer some of the freshest pints in the city. Of course, if that's not your thing there's a good selection of gins and wines to be found here too.
The Printer's Apprentice
A three minute walk from York Minster, this charming little spot is a coffee house and cafe by day but come the evening it transforms into a gorgeous little drinking den. Head down for fine cocktails, 'wine club' and a seat in one of York's oldest hospitality venues.
Revolution York
This individually-styled chain bar is a solid choice if you want to get your hands on some reasonably priced cocktails and kick bar after the races. You'll find all the favourite heres - pornstars included, of course.
A bookshop in Leeds is inviting its customers to vandalise Harry Potter books for charity.
Well, this is definitely one we haven't seen before.
The Bookish Type on Great George Street in Leeds is a fabulous independently-owned queer bookshop that prides itself on being a safe space for all.
They're raising money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to vandalise Harry Potter novels for just 25p per go.
A bargain if you ask us, and all for a good cause. And don't worry, all the books are second hand and have been donated.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not understanding the immediate connection between the two, then allow us to fill you in.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the famous Harry Potter novels, has over recent years expressed transphobic comments and anti-trans political beliefs on social media.
Yesterday, Wednesday 25 March, the trailer for the new HBO Max Harry Potter series was released which has encouraged many people to speak out against Rowling and claim she should no longer be supported.
So, The Bookish Type are showing support for the trans community and asking those who feel frustrated to have a doodle and whilst they're at it, donate to a good cause.
If you're not able to make it into the shop, The Bookish Type have said "You will soon be able to donate online and we will personally deface a page with your message/doodle/scribble."
We're absolutely obsessed.
Find out more about The Bookish Type and if you can, pop in for a browse and a doodle whilst you're at it.
Featured image - The Bookish Type Leeds (Supplied)
News
Leeds to be transformed into a giant board game as Trivial Pursuit takes over the city
Clementine Hall
Leeds is set to become a giant board game this summer as Trivial Pursiot arrives in the city centre to celebrate a landmark moment in its history.
To mark 400 years since Leeds was granted its royal charter, LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) is transforming the city into a live interactive version of Hasbro’s iconic Trivial Pursuit board game, inviting residents and visitors to test their knowledge of all things Leeds.
It follows the huge success of the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover back in summer 2024 and this year, LeedsBID is once again working with leading game, IP and toy company Hasbro to bring another of its iconic games to life.
This time, the focus is on the stories, achievements and surprising facts that have shaped Leeds over four centuries.
Running from 25 July to 30 August 2026, the free experience will see participants journey across the city centre answering questions and collecting wedges, just like the classic trivia game.
Key locations will represent the six traditional Trivial Pursuit categories: Entertainment, Geography, Sports & Leisure, Science and Nature, History, and Art & Literature.
Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro said: “After the incredible response to the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover in 2024, we’re proud to collaborate with LeedsBID once again to reimagine another iconic brand in a bold new way.
"This is exactly how we think about Global Experiences at Hasbro - taking our brands beyond the table and creating experiences that are social, shareable and deeply connected to the communities they celebrate."
Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID, said: “TRIVIAL PURSUIT Leeds is about celebrating everything about this great city, from those headline facts and figures people know to the lesser-known surprising details and discoveries.
“LeedsBID’s raison d’etre is to put Leeds on the map and tell the stories and successes of the city. Trivial Pursuit Leeds is doing just that, providing a free, fun and entertaining activity for all ages while sharing new and interesting achievements of this amazing place.”
Georgina Pellant -
23rd July 2021 
