Gatehouse coffee is truly unlike any other coffee shop in York. Not only is it unbelievably aesthetic with a wide range of spaces, but their food and drinks are unbelievable.
Gatehouse is an independent coffee shop run by volunteers from Calvary Chapel. They provide a range of high quality drinks (their London fog is a must try!) as well as locally baked pastries and some of the tastiest toasties imaginable. The staff are equally delightful, always being friendly and ready to offer suggestions on drinks and updates on their days. The ambience is amazing, with calming Christian acoustic music being played constantly and fast WiFi available for free. Although the prices can be a little steep, it’s worth spending more than a few hours in such a gorgeous space.
Most interestingly, it’s the only coffee shop in York situated within the city walls. And I mean that literally! It’s placed just on the run up to a street called Walmgate, with walkable sections of the city walls either side of it. This means it has some of the best views of the city imaginable. It’s a 30 minute walk from the train station (so focused more on serving locals than tourists), and about the same from the Uni of York campus. It’s nestled at the bottom of Walmgate, a street known for some great pubs and charity shops! It’s also a hidden gem, with people regularly walking past not realising they are metres from some of the best coffee in York.
The interior is reminiscent of an aunt’s eclectic second hand furniture, with a range of seating across 4 different areas. The first floor hosts the coffee shop and a few seats at a table or high bar – perfect for studying with plugs available. Taking a door to the side of the high bar brings you out to the first outdoor space, a U-shaped terrace with a number of two person seats. This is a great space for a catch up with a mate in the sunshine, or reading a book by yourself and soaking in the gorgeous views. Taking the stairs inside leads you to the second floor, full of tables, sofas and a long table perfect for co-working. This space is perfect for relaxing and catching up with friends, while the long table is great to take a laptop to and study or work in a new environment. Finally, another set of stairs takes you up to the upper terrace which looks out across the city of York. This terrace is wonderful for catching up with larger groups and enjoying the sunshine for hours on ends! It’s open in the winter still, but I’d definitely recommend bringing a coat (if not a blanket!).
Somehow, the coffee shop manages to perfectly fit the needs of the cosy winter months and the bright sunshine of the summer. In winter, why not cuddle up under a blanket in an arm chair or sofa looking out their windows through the frost to see York locals wrapped up in layers and layers. And in summer, their iced coffees are a perfect accompaniment to sitting out on their top-level terrace to see all the way across the city.
I like to say that you’ll always see someone you know when you walk into Gatehouse. And while this is true, it’s also a fantastic space to meet new faces. In fact, I know of a few couples who first met in Gatehouse! The range of spaces available to sit at mean you’re visit can be geared towards a range of things: arrive and sit by yourself in a corner, or take a seat at the co-working table if you’re in the mood to chat and discuss. They occasionally run events out of the coffee shop too, so keep your eyes peeled on their social pages (@gatehousecoffee on Instagram). It’s a space that feels like a living room away with home, and you’ll definitely leave feeling cosy, well rested and excited to return! Whether it’s a low-key friendly chat with one of the lovely servers or a life-long connection made at one of their longer tables, Gatehouse is the perfect place to make new connections within York.
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