Forage

On your visit to Forage, you can escape from the hustle and bustle and enter a tranquil woodland accompanied by delicious food and drink. On the menu you will find their 12 days of Christmas cocktails full of festive drinks, including ‘Old Fashioned Gingerbread’ and ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’. Each of the cocktails on their menu are £10 but if you fancy a shot at trying to make them yourself, Forage also offers some seriously fun cocktail masterclasses.

North South

If you’re looking for a cosier and more intimate setting, North South may be the place for you. By day the venue is a warm local cafe serving yummy pastries, sandwiches and hot coffee but by night, the bar transforms into an oasis serving a range of draft beers, wine and tasty cocktails. Whether you want to pop in for one glass, try out their tasting sessions or join in on any craft workshops, North South will give you the perfect festive welcome.

Dyls

Even if the weather is dull and grey, grabbing a drink at Dyls is sure to brighten up your day. This family run business has a passion for all things local, fresh and fun. As well as serving up the classic hot drinks to keep you warm in these winter months, their twist on classic and bespoke cocktails cannot be missed, including their ‘Cinnamon Old Fashioned’, ‘Choc Orange-tini’ and ‘Pumpkin Spiced Martini’.

Evil Eye

Known as the home of the bizarre, weird and wonderful, Evil Eye offers customers a taste of the strange and unusual. Their eye-catching exterior mimics a mystical apothecary with the windows cluttered with vintage bottles. If you’re looking to bring a little bit of fun to your daytime drinking session, why not play a game of snakes and ladders… but with shots. Escape from the madness that is Christmas and unwind in Evil Eye with plenty of inviting cocktails.

Micklegate Social

Micklegate Social is a unique events space and bar, with various levels that are sure to appeal to everyone. ‘The Den’ in the basement is dimly lit and decorated with comfy vintage furniture, perfect for a date night. A more laid-back environment can be found in ‘The Shop’ and the ‘Blue Velvet Lounge’ where you can enjoy a tipple or two.

The Piccadilly

The Picadilly is not only a cafe and bar, but also home to an escape room and a Harry Potter themed room. Since 2019, the team at The Piccadilly have served up delicious cocktails all year round, inspired by the flavours of the seasons. So why not kick up your feet, enjoy yourself a drink and prepare for a challenge in their escape room.

Brew York

Other than their standard brewery, Brew York on Walmgate has a tap room which is a dog-friendly space where customers can enjoy freshly brewed beer. Upstairs in the Bavarian-style beer hall where you will find the largest selection of beers, lagers and ciders in York and Asian style street food served by Yuzu Street Food. They also serve up classic cocktails and you can find their ‘Cocktail of the Week’ on their instagram page.

Sora Sky Bar

Sora is an elegant and relaxed restaurant and bar inside the Malmaison hotel, suitable for a romantic bite to eat or intimate catch up. This Asian fusion cocktail bar boasts beautiful views of the city and elevates your senses with their drink options, including ‘Cherry Blossom Negroni’, ‘Shisito’ as well as other cocktails with a twist. If you are looking for a refined and lavish evening in York, Sora is the place to try.

Photos: Dyls, Sora, Brew York