Little Bettys
The little sister to the legendary Betty’s cafe is tucked away on Stonegate, just a stones throw from the Minster. A little more discreet than it’s showey bigger sibling, Little Betty’s is located in a quaint medieval building, up a winding flight of stairs in a cosy, beamed tea room. Fires roar in the winter, making this a perfect post Minster/ art gallery/massive shopping trip recuperation stop. As with the bigger Betty’s, an extensive range of cakes, teas and light meals are offered, service is friendly and staff wear cute blouses and aprons. I looked whistfully at the champagne afternoon tea, only £50.00 a pop, but we opted to have lunch – warm open top sandwhiches with a variety of toppings. My companion’s Eggs Benedict, though delicious, arrived a little late and the waitor was highly apologetic, removing it from the bill. All this washed down with Betty’s own blend tea, and while a little more expensive than a panini in Costa, definately worth it for the experiance. And if you’re not full up, pickup some delectable baked goods for later in the ground floor shop on your way out!
Café Concerto
Café Concerto is one of York’s greats. This music-themed café has a cosy and informal feel that makes it the perfect place for a coffee stop in York town centre. Take a seat at one of the little wooden tables, under walls covered in vintage music sheets. The quirky style – think vintage music instruments and memorabilia dotted around, and handwritten menus swirled with treble clefs – is matched by the great food on offer. Along with the usual coffee and tea options, the café offers baguettes, soups and all kinds of tempting afternoon nibbles. But whether you eat or not, save yourself for dessert because the cake is the biggest draw. Generous portions of the chocolate fudge cake or apple crumble are simply delicious. Can’t decide what to have? Then the Sweet Duet option offers you half slices of two cakes for just £5.95 – ideal for sharing with a friend. Café Concerto is not the cheapest option in York – its somewhere you need to go before the student loan starts running out – but the relaxed atmosphere makes it one of York’s best. At busy times there’s sometimes a small queue at the door (nothing like the one at nearby Betty’s, however) but if you do have to wait, then it’s worth it. Go on your own, go with a friend, take your mum – go with anyone who’ll share another portion of cake with you!
La Place Verte
Nestled within the turret and walls of one of the many bridges that span the Oooze River lies the staggeringly quaint Place Verte. With a menu heavy on the desserts – from the more traditional English fare (cream teas, home-made chocolate chip scones), to a taste of the continent in the delectable array of pancakes and crepes. This snug little cafe will have those with a sweet tooth spoilt for choice. Unequivocally the highlight is their Belgian hot chocolate: a tall glass of steaming milk, accompanied by a generous bowl of chocolate pieces (you are offered the choice between dark, milk or white) to drop in and watch melt. And, if that’s not enough, a pot of whipped cream is served on the side. Venture up the winding staircase and find a tiny chocolatier, selling an array of homemade treats. With the hot chocolate and ‘Belgian Coffee’ (with a selection of homemade chocolates on the side) less than three pounds a pop, why not ditch Starbucks and head towards the river for some cosy, and, despite the name, rather quintessentially English treats.