Best & Cool Bars in Heslington

"This hotel, in arguably York's smartest address, positively vibrates with the past, from its medieval stone-flagged entrance hall and leaded windows to the bow-windowed Georgian dining room and 90ft long, Jacobean, oak-panelled gallery on the first floor. It feels elegant but relaxed, with a mix of English and French antiques, modern sofas and contemporary artwork and reportage photography. Fireplaces and leaded windows add character to the rooms while Jo Malone diffusers and thick curtains add luxury."

"This historic court has had knights, kings and royalty walk the halls proving to be the perfect stay for those wishing to escape into a fairytale. Grays Court sits in the heart of the city with direct access to the medieval York walls. The rooms at Grays Court certainly bring the wow factor, with freestanding copper bathtubs, William IV poster beds, all with perfectly framed views of the Minster or the gardens below."

"Decked-out like a medieval drinking hall (all exposed beams, stuffed and mounted animal heads and pelts flung over old church pews), the House of Trembling Madness is primarily a specialist beer bar. It has several alluring craft beers on draught – various Brooklyn, Bad Seed, Black Jack and Great Heck beers on this visit – and it sits above one of Britain’s best-stocked off-licences (all bottles available to drink-in, corkage £1.25). So that drinkers can line their stomachs in style, HoTM also serves a repertoire of gutsy, filling hot dishes and picky platters."

"When a place describes itself as a 'medieval drinking hall', it clearly deserves investigation. The ground floor and basement host an impressive shop stacked with craft beers, gins, vodkas and even absinthes; but..."

"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."

"Located on Walmgate, the beer garden at Brew York is a hidden gem that overlooks the River Foss and Rowntree’s Wharf. With unique barrel benches and YUZU street food also on offer, make this your next stop for a fresh brew."

"Community project and social destination supporting independent businesses. Inside you’ll find street food vendors, bars, retailers, beauty, holistic therapy, a co-working hub, arts studio and events space. We are family friendly and dogs are welcome."

"Spark:York is proud to always offer an eclectic mix of food and drink from around the world. Showcasing a fantastic range of local and independent businesses. Enjoy a deliciously fruity peach bellini served by the piano at Bohemian Bar."

"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.)"

"Absolutely phenomenal American restaurant for a cozy food experience. It has delicious cocktails, burgers, bbq as well as a wonderful selection of drinks. Don't forget to try the cocktails, famous Chicken, and Waffles, you won't be disappointed."

"Eat & Drink, Chinese, Thai & Asian"

"The Chopping Block serves traditional French food and is the creation of chef proprietor “Michael Hjort, the founder and owner of Melton’s, one of York’s leading fine dining restaurants. The A la Carte menu is about carefully prepared food with real flavour and authenticity using Yorkshire produce and Michael’s favourite recipes. In addition there are daily specials, a great value set menu and homemade bar snacks served in the Ale House below the restaurant."

"Offering freshly prepared English dishes using high-quality Yorkshire produce, Walmgate Ale House & Bistro is a quaint and cosy venue offering a generous range of brunch dishes for those with hearty appetites. With dishes such as bacon and free range egg on toast, stacks of pancakes with berries and syrup, as well as the traditional and well-loved full English breakfasts, Walmgate Ale House & Bistro is sure to satisfy a variety of tastes."

"This bare, plain drinking space – stripped wooden floor, blue and cream colour scheme, Celtic cross logo – looks a bit like an O'Neill's, but the beer range is worlds away from the Oirish chain. Ten hand-pulls concentrate on Yorkshire and northern breweries, such as Isle of Man outfit Okells (owned by same people as Brigantes' parent company, Market Town Taverns), York Brewery (which Brigantes backs on to), and Great Heck Brewing, a micro much-loved in this part of the world, which produces Mo Hops (half, £1.78), a very interesting supercharged best bitter. Seven keg pumps deliver a mixture of classic continental and innovative craft beers, with a short, solid bottled menu (Nøgne Ø, Flying Dog) further ensuring that every drinker leaves happy."

"On a street that is notorious for its Saturday-night drunken revelry, Brigantes is a wood-panelled haven of peace and sophistication, with hand-pulled ales (mostly from Yorkshire) on tap and a dining room that..."

"Head to Church Street to Humpit, the Hummus and Pita Bear where the menu is totally vegan!. Their menu has three items; salad bowls, hummus bowls and loaded pitas. You can choose your ingredients for the salad bowl, and the hummus bowls and loaded pitas come with chickpeas, pickles, olives, falafel and more."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. The Humpit began in 2014 with a dream to create real authentic hummus and to be able to enjoy it with a warm pita. Five years later, the Humpit has established itself in the York community."

"Christmas isn't far away guys and we have some new festive sides coming soon!. Keep your eyes peeled for more info. Established in 2014, Humpit has, in just five years, become one of the top go-to places for a delightful dining experience."

"The York Cold War Bunker has to be one of the city’s most captivating attractions. Tucked down a quiet residential cul-de-sac, you’ll find the inconspicuous entrance through an industrial-looking bomb-proof door. Go past the decontamination room, and down to the control centre, dormitory, and staff room where, for more than 30 years, this place hummed with activity, staffed by volunteers ready to map and manage the fallout from a nuclear blast."

"The Jorvik Viking Centre is one of the most popular museums in York, so much so that you’ll often find a long queue out the door!. The Viking Centre provides visitors with an immersive experience of 10th century York, where you’ll get to know the sounds, sights and even smells of Viking England. It really is an incredible experience, just make sure you book in advance to avoid the queues!"

"The world famous JORVIK Viking Centre is a ‘Must See’ attraction for visitors to the City of York. It is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK. Learn everything there is to know about Viking life in York."

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"This restored medieval townhouse, tucked down an alleyway, includes a permanent exhibition of life in the times of Henry VIII. It was once the home of York’s Lord Mayor. The centrepiece is a double-height banquet..."