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We are an independent place maker helping to create distinctive destinations delivered through our three service pillars of place strategy, creation and promotion. We seamlessly connect everyone in cities and towns to discover and find their local favourites. Whether you’re a customer or a business our job is to help you get the most out of here. We look forward to helping you find what you’re looking for!

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Discover your new favourites and find them on our map. Explore the city and suburbs or find somewhere nearby while you're on the go!

Latest Articles

The Sound of the City

York is a city which has some remarkable and renowned theatres hosting spectacular shows, from musicals to operas. But for grass roots music, it is less celebrated than other English cities, and quite wrongly so. For here and now, the music scene is vibrant and diverse, with performers and venues making so....

Discover your Route – Woodthorpe to Monks Cross

Today, we’re shining the spotlight on one of York’s bus routes which connects the south of the city to the north. The number 12 First Bus route is ideal for exploring the lesser-known outskirts of York city centre, and here, we’ll be giving you a guided tour of some of our favourite hidden gems on the rout....

Discover your Route – Acomb to Strensall

On this specific journey to the village of Strensall, we begin in the place with an amazing community feel and loved by its residents, Acomb. Connecting the neighbouring suburbs to the bustling city is what First Buses are for, and the number 5 is ideal for those of you wanting to explore and discover some....

Best Historic Market Towns to Visit Near York

Heading north out of York, Moors bound or to the East Coast, there are a host of cultural, culinary and shopping experiences. On the edge of the former and on the way to the latter, it would be easy to miss all that Malton, Pickering, Kirkbymoorside and Helmsley have to offer. These are historic market to....

Discover Your Route – Heworth to Bishopthorpe

Along this journey from the character-filled town of Heworth to the sought-after village of Bishopthorpe, we begin in the place that was once the home of Dame Judi Dench, a village that has established itself as a part of the city centre, rather than a nearby suburb. Connecting the neighbouring suburbs to ....

Discover your Route – Acomb to York

Today, we’re shining the spotlight on one of York’s bus routes which connects the suburbs of York to the city centre.. The number 4 First Bus route is ideal for exploring the lesser-known outskirts of York city centre, and here, we’ll be giving you a guided tour of some of our favourite hidden gems on the ....

A State of the Arts: Best Art Galleries in York

Whether you’re an avid collector, an art buff or simply a lover of beauty, art galleries are the perfect way to while away an afternoon or two – and York has plenty.

Discover your Route – Clifton Moor to University

On this specific journey to the city centre, we begin in the place with an amazing community feel and loved by its residents, Clifton Moor. Connecting the neighbouring suburbs to the bustling city is what First Buses are for, and the number 6 is ideal for those of you wanting to explore and discover some h....

Fun Days Out in Helmsley

Helmsley is a picturesque market town that packs plenty into its small space. The location, within the North Yorks Moors and easily accessible from York, make Helmsley a popular visit for surrounding locals, both exploring the nearby countryside and flocking to the town’s own attractions. Indeed, a 24 mile....

Discover your Route – Acomb to Haxby

Throughout this journey from Acomb to Haxby, beginning in the suburb of Acomb, only 3 miles from the city centre. Then onto the thriving, small town of Haxby, perhaps one of Yorkshire’s lesser known villages, filled with hidden gems. Connecting the neighbouring suburbs to the bustling city is what First Bu....

The Sound of the City

York is a city which has some remarkable and renowned theatres hosting spectacular shows, from musicals to operas. But for grass roots music, it is less celebrated than other English cities, and quite wrongly so. For here and now, the music scene is vibrant and diverse, with performers and venues making so....

Discover your Route – Woodthorpe to Monks Cross

Today, we’re shining the spotlight on one of York’s bus routes which connects the south of the city to the north. The number 12 First Bus route is ideal for exploring the lesser-known outskirts of York city centre, and here, we’ll be giving you a guided tour of some of our favourite hidden gems on the rout....

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The Pig and Pastry

At The Pig and Pastry we offer home baking, great coffee and free relationship advice. We also love breakfast as much as your mum loves a sausage.

35 Bishopthorpe Road, YO23 1NA

01904 675115

The Book of York | City to Coast

This unique insider guide to the city provides all the practical information that you’ll need to get around, whilst delving deeper to reveal the real York seen through local eyes. We also head out of the city to explore Hambleton, Ryedale, the Yorkshire Coast and the Yorkshire Wolds, where their respective charms and local independents are uncovered.

Price: £5.50 (includes a £2 donation to SASH and covers our P&P costs)

Please allow 5-10 working days for your order to arrive.

Food & Drink

A Pick of the Best Restaurants in York

York may be one of the oldest cities in the country but the old girl is a vibrant hotbed for independent diners and restaurants. The city is home of a number of thriving independent communities including: The Minster Quarter, Micklegate, Acomb, Fulford and the world famous Shambles district.

Where to Enjoy Worldwide Cuisine on a Budget

Nothing beats a classic, British meal like a Sunday dinner or fish and chips, but it’s always nice to switch it up. And rather than opting for your favourite takeaway, it’s time to try something different. York has everything on offer from Asian tapas to Polish, Caribbean and Vietnamese dishes. Anything th....

The Best Street Food in York

The popularity of street food has grown through this millennium from a niche movement to an omnipresent phenomenon. This trend is immediately evident in York, where it has been fully embraced, and the city is all the better for it. At collective set ups and standalone traders, street food stalls are found ....

Uncover the Finest Fish and Chips Restaurant in York

The traditional flavours and smells of battered fish and deep fried chips sits firmly in all British peoples’ hit list of favourite food and childhood memories… With over 10,000 fish and chip shops in the UK, you’re truly spoilt for choice on finding THE one that becomes your favourite against all others.<....

A Head on That: Top Breweries Near York

In Yorkshire, there are dozens of breweries producing hundreds of beers for our drinking pleasure. York alone has plenty in and around the city to keep us supping all kinds of flavours for a good long time,

Heated and Sheltered Beer Gardens in York

When the nation’s pubs and bars reopened in April, folk flocked to their beer gardens. With only outdoor seating allowed, we were initially blessed with relatively dry and occasionally sunny weather here in York. And then May brought with it the wind and rain that makes the British outdoors such an unrelia....

A Pick of the Best Restaurants in York

York may be one of the oldest cities in the country but the old girl is a vibrant hotbed for independent diners and restaurants. The city is home of a number of thriving independent communities including: The Minster Quarter, Micklegate, Acomb, Fulford and the world famous Shambles district.

Where to Enjoy Worldwide Cuisine on a Budget

Nothing beats a classic, British meal like a Sunday dinner or fish and chips, but it’s always nice to switch it up. And rather than opting for your favourite takeaway, it’s time to try something different. York has everything on offer from Asian tapas to Polish, Caribbean and Vietnamese dishes. Anything th....

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Entertainment & Culture

Discover Your Route – Bishopthorpe to York City Centre

Today, we’re shining the spotlight on one of York’s bus routes which connects the north of the city, to the south. The number 11 First Bus route is ideal for exploring the lesser-known outskirts of York city centre, and here, we’ll be giving you a guided tour of some of our favourite hidden gems on the rou....

Local History Month: Discovering York’s Repurposed Historic Buildings

Take a bus tour around the historical buildings in and around York that have been repurposed today.

Discover your Route – Acomb to Haxby

Throughout this journey from Acomb to Haxby, beginning in the suburb of Acomb, only 3 miles from the city centre. Then onto the thriving, small town of Haxby, perhaps one of Yorkshire’s lesser known villages, filled with hidden gems. Connecting the neighbouring suburbs to the bustling city is what First Bu....

The Sound of the City

York is a city which has some remarkable and renowned theatres hosting spectacular shows, from musicals to operas. But for grass roots music, it is less celebrated than other English cities, and quite wrongly so. For here and now, the music scene is vibrant and diverse, with performers and venues making so....

Scenic Places to Walk in and Around York

At a time when we’ve all had to stay at home, it is ironic that many of us have never been out walking so much. The one permitted daily outing in early 2020 meant folk were strolling the streets around their home more than ever before.

Best Historic Market Towns to Visit Near York

Heading north out of York, Moors bound or to the East Coast, there are a host of cultural, culinary and shopping experiences. On the edge of the former and on the way to the latter, it would be easy to miss all that Malton, Pickering, Kirkbymoorside and Helmsley have to offer. These are historic market to....

Discover Your Route – Bishopthorpe to York City Centre

Today, we’re shining the spotlight on one of York’s bus routes which connects the north of the city, to the south. The number 11 First Bus route is ideal for exploring the lesser-known outskirts of York city centre, and here, we’ll be giving you a guided tour of some of our favourite hidden gems on the rou....

Local History Month: Discovering York’s Repurposed Historic Buildings

Take a bus tour around the historical buildings in and around York that have been repurposed today.

Swipe to scroll

Shopping & Lifestyle

Best Independent Neighbourhoods: Gillygate and Bootham

In 2016, a handful of traders from the two streets and other like-minded locals came together to form their very own business association which was aptly named, the Fifth Quarter; a collective of independent business owners and shoppers.

Magnificent Markets in the York Districts

Country, farmer and flea markets are at the heart of every community-led village around the districts of Yorkshire. Not only does it give the members of these villages a chance to socialise and invest in some locally-grown produce, it allows the stall owners to increase sales and customer access to organic....

The Best Independents for all of the Back to School Essentials

The school holidays are a welcome break to spend some quality time with each other. Day trips out and family nights in, they are an essential fun-filled bonding experience. However much those statements rang true or false for you this Easter, all good things must come to an end, and it’s that time: the kid....

How to Buy Savvy and Waste Less in York

The 28th April is Stop Food Waste Day, a necessary positive drive to raise awareness about fighting food waste. As vital as the single day is, its message is for everybody to act upon it every day of every year.

On Yer Bike: The Best Bike Shops in York

Despite the cancellation of the 2021 Tour de Yorkshire, this is a year for cycling to continue its rise in popularity. After hosting the 2014 Tour de France sparked a widespread interest in the sport, the county propelled it further with the following year’s inaugural event, and cyclists new and old accele....

A Look at York’s Most Interesting Street Names

Our city of York was founded by the Romans sometime around 71 AD, naming it Eboracum. The name is likely to have been derived from Celtic words meaning ‘place with Yew trees.’ Yet, as the Roman civilisation fell into disrepair, so did many of these Roman built towns.

Best Independent Neighbourhoods: Gillygate and Bootham

In 2016, a handful of traders from the two streets and other like-minded locals came together to form their very own business association which was aptly named, the Fifth Quarter; a collective of independent business owners and shoppers.

Magnificent Markets in the York Districts

Country, farmer and flea markets are at the heart of every community-led village around the districts of Yorkshire. Not only does it give the members of these villages a chance to socialise and invest in some locally-grown produce, it allows the stall owners to increase sales and customer access to organic....

Swipe to scroll