From a second city-centre brunch spot and an international retailer to a community-focused food hall and a historic restoration project, here are the new openings creating a buzz in York this year.
York may be steeped in history, but it’s a city that’s always evolving. Whether you’re searching for your next favourite brunch spot, planning a shopping trip or looking forward to the return of a beloved local pub, there’s plenty to look forward to over the coming months.
Here are five new openings to have firmly on your radar.
Rise
Credit: Rachel Ovenden
One of York’s most popular brunch spots is getting ready to open a second city-centre café. Since arriving on Fossgate in 2022, Rise has built a loyal following thanks to its relaxed atmosphere, excellent coffee and crowd-pleasing brunch menu. Now the business is preparing to open its fifth location, taking over the former Cocoa Joe’s site on Museum Street.
The independent café has become known for doing the basics brilliantly, serving everything from breakfast classics and speciality coffee to açaí bowls, bakes and vegan-friendly options. If the success of the Fossgate café is anything to go by, this new opening is likely to be busy from day one.
Where: Museum Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7DT.
When: Coming soon.
Find out more: Rise
Good to know: Alongside its brunch menu, Rise serves açaí bowls, homemade bakes and a range of gluten-free and vegan options.
Yorkshire Burrito
© Copyright Yorkshire-List 2026
One of London’s most talked-about street food concepts could be heading to York city centre.
A mysterious teaser has appeared in the windows of 17 Coney Street, inviting curious passers-by to scan a QR code for a free serving from Yorkshire Burrito. The business, which launched in 2015, has built a loyal following by giving one of Britain’s best-loved meals an unexpected twist.
The concept is simple but brilliant: take all the components of a traditional Sunday roast and wrap them inside a giant Yorkshire pudding. With locations across London and regular appearances at street food markets, Yorkshire Burrito has become a cult favourite among comfort food fans. If the signs are anything to go by, York could soon be getting its own taste.
Where: 17 Coney Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9QL
When: Summer 2026.
Find out more: Yorkshire Burrito
Good to know: The signature Yorkshire Burrito features roast meat, stuffing, roast potatoes, greens and gravy wrapped inside a giant Yorkshire pudding, with chicken and cauliflower cheese versions also available.
The Duke of York
Credit: Wikicommons
Renovation work is well under way at much-loved village pub The Duke of York in Gate Helmsley after a group of local residents stepped in to save the historic building following its five-year closure. The Grade II-listed pub has been closed since 2020, but plans are progressing to restore it and bring it back to life as a thriving village local.
The project has already involved extensive restoration work, including removing decades of unsuitable paint and repairing the original brickwork. For many local residents, the reopening can’t come soon enough.
Where: Main Street, Gate Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO41 1JS.
When: Coming soon.
Good to know: The owners include the team behind Ainsty Ales, raising hopes that locally brewed Yorkshire beer could play a key role when the pub reopens.
Miniso
© Copyright Yorkshire-List 2026
Plans have been submitted for a new Miniso store on Coney Street, taking over the former Luxe Company unit. Miniso, one of the world’s fastest-growing retail brands, operates more than 8,000 stores across 110 countries and has become known for its colourful range of affordable lifestyle products.
Inside, shoppers can expect everything from stationery, beauty products and homeware to toys and licensed collections featuring brands such as Pokémon, Disney and Sanrio. It’s a concept that has proved hugely popular across the UK and could be a welcome addition to York’s shopping scene.
Where: 40 Coney Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9ND.
When: Coming soon.
Find out more: Miniso
Good to know: Miniso regularly collaborates with major brands including Pokémon, Disney, Care Bears and Sanrio, creating exclusive collections that often become collector favourites.
St William’s College
© Copyright Yorkshire-List 2026
Restoration work is about to begin on one of York’s most historic buildings, St William’s College, the Grade I-listed medieval building located within the York Minster Precinct. The project will carefully restore and adapt the site, preserving its remarkable heritage while giving it a new purpose for the future.
Once completed, the building will house offices for the Chapter of York alongside event and conference spaces. The scheme forms part of York Minster’s wider vision to protect and celebrate the city’s extraordinary historic assets while ensuring they remain relevant and useful for modern life.
Where: St William’s College, College Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7JF.
When: Coming soon.
Find out more: Restoring St William’s College
Good to know: The restoration project comes in the same year that York Minster marks 800 years since St William, York’s patron saint, was formally canonised.
