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 planning application has been submitted for a ‘container village’ attraction at Leeds Kirkgate Market.
It was submitted today, Friday 27 March, by STACK Leisure - a company that already runs popular food, drink and entertainment hubs in Lincoln, Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland.
The proposed STACK Leeds venue would be a two-storey structure made up of repurposed shipping containers, located in Leeds Kirkgate Market’s outdoor trading area.
It would feature six bars, eight street food outlets, a coffee shop, a large stage for live entertainment and giant digital screens.
The development is expected to increase footfall and broaden the customer base across the market and would also benefit the wider city centre and its existing hospitality businesses.
Neill Winch, chief executive of STACK Leisure, said: “We know from our previous experience that once STACK opens it brings huge economic benefits to the wider area.
“It will turn a spotlight on the Leeds Kirkgate Market area and bring in greatly increased footfall, not just to STACK Leeds but to both the indoor and outdoor market. One of the many reasons we are successful is because we offer something for everyone – we are family friendly, pet friendly and our entertainment programme is designed to have widespread appeal.
“It is important for us to become part of the local community and celebrate it, while supporting independent businesses at the same time. We firmly believe that STACK Leeds will be a huge asset to the city and we look forward to moving on with the scheme.”
Kikgate Market’s outdoor trading area currently has room for a total of 185 stalls, with around 85 of those being filled.
Should STACK Leeds secure planning approval, the number of pitches would be reduced and the freed-up space used as the location for the scheme.
Leeds Festival announces second wave of artists including Skepta b2b set
Thomas Melia
One of West Yorkshire's biggest live music events , Leeds Festival, has announced its second wave of artists including a Skepta DJ set.
Back in December, Leeds Festival announced some impressive acts would be headlining like Fontaines D.C., Florence and the Machine, Charli xcx, Raye, Dave, and Chase & Status.
Leeds Festival 2026 also marks the first time this live music extended-weekender will have a Thursday night headliner courtesy of rock band Kasabian.
Alongside the stellar headliners, this year's line-up also sees Skepta, Sombr, Skye Newman, Role Model, Kneecap and more major acts performing next August.
Leeds Festival 2026 announces second wave of artists with over 60 new names / Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Now, Leeds Festival has dropped its second wave of artists with over 60 names that are just as hard-hitting and extraordinary as the previously mentioned music moguls.
Headliner RAYE is making her Leeds Festival headline slot a family affair by bringing along her amazing sisters along for the ride too as Amma and Absolutely are now playing sets.
Violet Grohl, the eldest daughter of Foo Fighters' frontman Dave Grohl, is making her first ever festival appearance and bringing her alternative-indie sound to Leeds.
Skepta announced for a b2b set and Violet Grohl makes festival performance debut / Credit: @henrygoodfell0w / Press Shot via supplied
Get ready for Cruz Beckham and The Breakers to step out for a set like no other too, as they prepare a performance all 'for your love' and attention.
There's even a brand-new stage titled The Warehouse which will act as the home for all things dance music, with exclusive b2b sets, DJ performances and a club-like experience.
The acts taking to this stage include Skepta b2b with East End Dubs, Omar +, Bou, Hedex, Rossi, Mall Grab and lots more.
More artists ready to wow the Bramham Park crowd include Arthur Hill, The Lathums, Duke Dumont, Slayyyter, The K's, Paris Paloma, Holly Humberstone and more.
Leeds Festival is taking place from 27 August to 30 August at Bramham Park and to find a full line-up HERE.
If you're after getting your hands on tickets for one of West Yorkshire's biggest festivals when it returns this August, you can do so HERE.
Georgina Pellant -
23rd July 2021 
