Shambles Kitchen 

Have you ever smelled anything more divine than the smoky aromas of a sandwich being prepped in the Shambles Kitchen? Offering up a robust menu that incorporates the names of England’s most notorious characters, it would be absolutely criminal if these bread-based delights were not taken full advantage of, especially when you consider the fact that you can purchase each item on the menu with nothing more than a £10 note. A regular sandwich will be brimming with all kinds of slow-smoked meats and homemade condiments, so you can choose whether to put yourself in pulled-pork heaven or a beef-brisket coma. Whatever your decision, know that you’re in good hands. They serve food from 11am until 3:30 (4:30 on Saturdays), so make sure to put them on your to-do list while you’re exploring the Shambles.

Sandwiches Cafe

Presiding over the heart of the Shambles is Sandwitches Cafe, a family-run business that has a menu guaranteed to satisfy your stomach’s every desire. Ensuring that their produce is sourced locally means a lot to them – so much so that they can actually see their butchers, Swains of York, which is 12 feet away from their shop. Talk about keeping things communal. With a variety of baps, bagels, and even a delightfully indulgent breakfast burger on offer, you’ll not find yourself struggling to find sandwich options if you visit them at any point after 9am. Maybe you’ll even be lucky enough to witness the famed ghost which is said to haunt the attic space!

Betty’s Tea Rooms

The classic. The pioneers. The cafe that’s so good, people are more than happy to queue out of the door for a chance to experience it. What kind of list would this be if we didn’t include Betty’s Tea Rooms? Located in St. Helen’s Square, this eatery gives you a fine-dining experience at a surprisingly reasonable cost, and ensures you’ll leave feeling like royalty. They have a generous selection of sandwiches to choose from, ranging from a traditional Yorkshire chicken to a decadent flaked salmon and prawn, as well as a whole host of other treats to binge on while you’re there. So you can line your stomach with a pleasant cream tea, indulge in an expertly-made sandwich, and once you’ve polished that off, get yourself started on the macarons. Now that sounds like a good day out.

Brew & Brownie Bakeshop

Just a minute away from the iconic York Minster is Brew & Brownie Bakeshop, a cafe packed with Northern soul. Dedicated to community, Brew & Brownie’s ethos revolves around sourcing seasonal produce and creating food you can enjoy with friends, family, and everyone in between. Their menu more than backs this up, with an impressive range of sandwiches that are just begging to be tasted. They’ve got portobello mushroom, butcher’s sausage, BLTs, and halloumi – there’s something for everyone once you step through the doors. And if that doesn’t quite fill you up, then their sister shop just two doors away has shelves piled high with brownies and other sweet treats. Once 9am hits, head straight to Brew & Brownie. They’ve got every base covered.

Henshelwoods Delicatessen

Purveyors of all things deli, you won’t even know where to begin when you step through the doors of Henshelwoods. Located in the heart of the Shambles, their vast array of antipasti, fillings and condiments positively boggles the mind, and you’re in total control of every element of your culinary creation. Three tomatoes, half an olive, a single slice of cheese and four leaves of salad? Not a problem. Their sandwiches are entirely bespoke, so it’s your call! Head down after 10am and take a gander at some of the selections they have on offer. And with in-house specialties that include crab liver pâté, potted beef, and seasonal terrines, why not branch out with your fillings and try something new?

Images- @bettys, @shambleskitchen, @jorvine_of_fulford