Scentish, 22 Stonegate, YO1 8AS

This Lancashire-based vegan cosmetics business recently opened its second UK shop on York’s Stonegate. Founded in 2018 by Nicola McLoughlin and her partner, Sean, Scentish sells cruelty-free bath and beauty products that would make the perfect gift, if you’re not tempted to keep them for yourself. Their colourful and delightfully scented goodies include bath bombs, whipped soaps and soap sponges, as well as fragrances for the home and body. If you’re thinking of visiting soon, look out for their spooky Halloween range which features a bubbling cauldron bath bomb, toffee apple whipped soap, pumpkin spiced bath rocks and many more spooky surprises.

The Marrakesh, 8 Low Ousegate, YO1 9QU

Bringing a taste of Morocco to Yorkshire, The Marrakesh is due to open on Low Ousegate on the 14th September. The restaurant is a new venture from Wael Garas Mikhaiel, the man behind Middle Feast and York Italian Enoteca by L’UVA. It will offer a carefully-crafted menu of traditional and contemporary Moroccan cuisine, from tempting grilled meats and tagines to briouats (filled pastry parcels) and harira soup. The Marrakesh’s decor captures the magic of North Africa with colourful moorish patterns, decorative wood carvings and sparkling lights. Diners will be able to indulge in the ‘Marrakesh Experience’, which includes a Moroccan welcome, hand-washing rituals and Moroccan tea pouring. On Fridays and Saturdays, there will also be live entertainment in the form of music and belly dancing.

Giggling Squid, 18 Lendal, YO1 8AU

If you’re a fan of Thai food, you’ll be pleased to hear that Giggling Squid is coming to York. The much-loved chain will soon move into the former home of Banks Music Room at 18 Lendal, which is thought to have been Britain’s oldest shop. Specialising in street food and tapas-like dishes that are perfect for sharing, Giggling Squid offers classic curries, stir frys and noodle dishes, as well as fish and seafood with specialities like the founders’ favourite ‘one bite’ salmon, soft shell pranee prawns and ‘chubby cheek pork’. The York restaurant will join almost 50 more across the country and will likely boast a similarly eclectic interior with pastel colours, eye-catching patterns and bold floral displays.

Bar Hashery Bakery, 36 Micklegate, YO1 6LF

This popular café now has its own bakery. In 2022, Bar Hashery was given a fresh lease of life when it was taken over by Jolante Labutyte and Prafful Jha, who expanded the business with a takeaway coffee kiosk at York railway station. Last month, they then branched out further by opening a new bakery on Micklegate. The Bar Hashery bakery and patisserie provides fresh bread and bakes for fellow businesses as well as for its own customers to enjoy with a cup of coffee. These include sweet and savoury pastries, sandwiches and cakes, all of which are baked on the premises by a team who trained with the master of macarons, Florian Poirot.

Knoops, 22-23 Parliament Street, YO1 8RS

Arriving just in time to serve warming drinks for the autumn, Knoops will open its doors on Parliament Street this month. This luxury hot chocolate brand was founded in 2013 by German-born Jens Knoop. Its concept is simple yet unique: chocolate lovers have the chance to experiment to create their own perfect drink. First, they are invited to pick a chocolate type (white, milk or vegan dark) and their preferred percentage. This is then made up with dairy or plant-based milk, and flavours like orange zest, sea salt or chilli can also be added. Knoops’ new shop in York will offer their now famous drinks along with other treats to enjoy in situ or take away.

Images- @labottegamilanese, @scentish, @gigglingsquid