Situated a couple of miles west outside York city centre, Acomb has been a popular residential village of York for many years. With its convenient location and suburban lifestyle, the neighbourhood attracts families and folk looking for an affordable and accessible place to live. In recent years, Acomb has become more than an area to reside in near to the centre, and is a growing community in its own right. Whilst local amenities have always been here, there is now an influx of cafes, shops, bars and businesses leading the change to make Acomb a hotly desired destination.
There has also been an official project behind the regeneration of Acomb, with government funding for the area’s Front Street. The first phase of changes received unfavourable feedback, and the council are keen to ensure future amendments improve Acomb for everybody, consulting locals and attracting visitors. Phase two is now underway for this evolution, with the intention to enhance the area, creating a more people-friendly space and a more accessible destination, whilst considering longer-term aspirations and extending the benefits beyond the high street.
Already in Acomb, longstanding businesses have been joined by excellent new arrivals. Two notable newcomers have elevated the food and drink scene here deliciously…
Bluebird Bakery has established itself as a quality baker of proper bread since starting out over a decade ago. From a York kitchen table, Bluebird now have bakeries in York, Leeds, Malton, Beverley, Holmfirth… and, since 2021, Acomb. In the two years after transforming the old Bathstore shop on Acomb Road, the shop, cafe and event space has integrated into the community and is a local favourite for the friendly service and fantastic food.
Joining the Acomb community last year, a fine freehouse and bottle shop also opened up on York Road. The Hand offer quality drinks with a sustainable focus through a smaller, more direct offering, minimising waste whilst mixing tradition and innovation. Accompanying their wine and beer, the food follows the same ethical ethos, and occasional events by guest chefs add further reason to visit The Hand. Just as the ongoing regeneration to the area promises more reasons to go to Acomb.
Images- @bluebirdbakeryyorkshire, @davez_uk
