Known for its narrow pavements and cobbled streets, York might not seem like an ideal destination for wheelchair users at a first glance – however, the city has much to offer with plenty of exciting, and accessible, things to see and do. Many of York’s major tourist attractions are wheelchair friendly, including the National Railway Museum, the Jorvik Centre, York Art Gallery and York Minster. If you’re planning a visit and are looking for somewhere to eat and drink, we’ve put together this helpful guide detailing wheelchair access and disabled facilities at ten of the best bars, entertainment venues and restaurants in York.
Pig and Pastry
The Pig and Pastry in Bishopthorpe Road has won a reputation as one of York’s best places to eat – in fact, it made it into the Guardian’s Top Ten list of restaurants and cafes in the city. Due to its popularity, The Pig gets very busy at peak times and there is sometimes limited space in which to manoeuvre a wheelchair, however, the helpful staff will rearrange the tables to provide better access if necessary. There is also a nearby car park with disabled spaces, meaning that customers who have arrived by car won’t have to travel far to reach the front door.
FortyFive Vinyl Cafe
Located on York’s historic Micklegate, FortyFive is a unique cafe and record store where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a grilled cheese sandwich, or even a couple of cocktails, while listening to some quality tunes. A reviewer for the disabled access charity Euan’s Guide noted that while there is plenty of room for a wheelchair to move around the cafe and a ‘great’ accessible toilet, there is a small step which electric wheelchair users might struggle with.
Evil Eye
Known for its fantastic cocktails, Evil Eye on Stonegate provides a quirky and atmospheric environment in which to relax and socialise. The bar features a wheelchair accessible entrance and a disabled toilet and Tourism For All states that there is good colour/tonal contrast in the fixtures and furnishings.
Spark CIC
Situated in the heart of York on Picadilly, Spark is a refreshing community space where you can find some of the city’s most exciting new start-ups, from restaurants and shops to art exhibitions and more. Split over two levels, a lift goes up to Spark’s first floor and there is a ramp at the entrance to the site, as well as one to allow wheelchair access to the garden area. All of Spark’s walkways are extra wide, allowing for easy access – even at busy times. There are also disabled toilets on both the ground floor and the first floor and it is possible to order food and drinks from your table.
Lunar Cafe
LGBTQ+ coffee house Lunar Cafe can be found at 5 Patrick Pool, on the first floor above Portal bookshop. The owners are currently in the process of applying for a stairlift grant from York LGBT+ forum but until this happens the main part of the cafe will remain inaccessible for wheelchair users. There is, however, a table downstairs that disabled visitors can use and, while there are no toilets on the premises, staff can provide a radar key to customers wishing to use the accessible public toilets around the corner on Silver Street.
Doe Bakehouse
The Layerthorpe branch of Doe Bakehouse is the company’s biggest – in fact, it’s here that all of their delicious doughnuts are made. The branch has its own car park and the cafe has level access with indoor and outdoor seating.
2 Many Wines
A must-visit venue for wine connoisseurs, 2 Many Wines in Bishopthorpe Road serves and sells a fantastic and varied selection of wines from all around the world. The shop has a regulated ramp that can be put out to allow for wheelchair access. Inside, you’ll find disabled toilets and there is ample room for a wheelchair to turn around in the shop and bar.
Eagle & Child
Situated on High Petergate, Leeds Brewery’s Eagle & Child is a beautiful timber-framed gastro pub serving classic British grub. Due to the nature of the old building, wheelchair users unfortunately aren’t able to venture upstairs but the front half of the ground floor is wheelchair accessible and there are accessible toilets located in this area.
The Star Inn The City
Located in the old Engine House next to the Museum Gardens, York’s popular brasserie-style restaurant benefits from a nearby drop-off point, just in front of the gardens, where guests can be dropped off or collected by taxi. There is a slope down to the restaurant’s entrance and accessible toilets can be found on the ground floor. If you mention your accessibility needs when making a booking, The Star’s staff will allocate you a table with extra room. On a warmer day, there’s also the option to sit on the wheelchair-accessible outdoor terrace where you can enjoy your food and drink while overlooking the river Oose.
Keystones
The Keystones on York’s Monkgate offers a varied menu that will please vegans and meat-lovers alike, along with entertainment in the form of quiz nights, live sports and even retro gaming. A wheelchair ramp provides access to the pub’s ground floor and a disabled toilet can also be found onsite.
Images: Spark, The Pig & Pastry, Evil Eye, The Star Inn the City
