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.
Leeds Pride has confirmed the dates for its 2026 festival, which will mark the event’s 20th anniversary this summer.
And you bet that organisers are pulling out all the stops.
The city-wide celebration champions local LGBTQ+ talent alongside world-class headline acts, and this year for the first time ever, celebrations will be held across two days on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026.
Headlining the main stage will be Strictly Come Dancing Icon and RuPaul’s Drag Race Star La Voix, Charlie XCX tribute performer Rachel Fuller and International Eurodance act Livin Joy.
Image: Supplied
Joining them will be The Harry Styles Show and UK dance act Sweet Female Attitude. More acts and performers are due to be revealed in the coming months.
The announcement was made at the official Leeds Pride pre-festival campaign launch, held at Crowdedhouse and attended by Emmerdale’s Bradley Riches, sports star Keegan Hirst, council leaders and supporters of the annual event.
Leeds Pride will also feature a full weekend of diverse events, including the Leeds Pride Drag Brunch Fest, street parties across the city and of course the iconic Pride parade, which is set to be even bigger and better than ever before.
A Leeds Pride spokesperson said: "We're incredibly excited to celebrate 20 years of Leeds Pride. This milestone anniversary represents two decades of bringing our community together, championing LGBTQ+ voices and creating unforgettable moments.
Images: Supplied
“Leeds Pride is growing and stronger than ever and we're committed to giving Northern LGBTQ+ performers a platform to shine. This 20th anniversary festival will be our biggest and best yet, but as we expand, we need public and sponsor support more than ever to make our vision a reality. We're calling on businesses and individuals to get behind Leeds Pride and help us deliver an incredible celebration that our community deserves.
“Expanding to two days for the first time shows just how far we've come, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back to Leeds this summer for what will be our most spectacular Pride yet."
More details will be announced soon and you can find out more here on the Leeds Pride website.
Five of the best new openings to come out of Leeds so far this year
Clementine Hall
It's been a very busy start to 2026 so far this year in Leeds, and we're definitely not complaining.
It's safe to say our city is thriving, we've welcomed everything from shops and Italian cafes to tequila bars in just two months.
In case you've missed any of them, allow us to give you the lowdown of what's new in the city.
So, without further ado...
Salon Madre
Wellington Street, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Leeds welcomed its newest late-night destination last Friday, and it’s going down as smoothly as its tequila. Salon Madre is a Mexican-inspired bar with a dedicated margarita menu, fabulous food, and an atmosphere that’ll make you want to get up dancing almost immediately. And if you fancy unleashing your competitive side, then there’s plenty of pool tables ready and waiting to be played.
A slice of Puglia has landed over in Pudsey with this fabulous Italian cafe. Nodding to his hometown of Puglia, Fabio has created the Italian experience right here in Leeds, inviting people to swing by for Italian coffee, homemade pizza slices, as well as gelato by the cone (or tub) full.
Topshop
John Lewis in Victoria Gate, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
One for the girlies… because Topshop is officially BACK in Leeds. The iconic high-street favourite has returned, taking over a dedicated space inside John Lewis inside Victoria Gate and yes, we’re already planning the outfit rotations. After Topshop and Topman disappeared from the high street back in 2021, it’s safe to say we’ve all felt the gap in our wardrobes. And of course… Joni jeans, we’ve missed you dearly.
Pollini's Pizza
Lands Lane, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
These guys are known for dishing out huge New York-style pizza slices for less than £4 in Leeds Kirkgate Market since 2022. And now with a second site in Leeds, the big boy slices are making their way across the city, from classic margaritas to meat feasts.
And you best believe we were the first people down to grab it, because we can’t resist a slice from Pollini's.
Pop Mart
Briggate, Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Pop Mart officially opened on Briggate in January, and Leeds turned out in full force with queues stretching all the way down Thornton’s Arcade. With endless blind boxes to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a Labubu girlie or obsessed with the Crybaby series, you can now get your favourites right here in Leeds.
Georgina Pellant -
23rd July 2021 
