From a bookshop dedicated to all things horror and a haven for collectors of trading cards to a new Federal coffee shop and creative studio, there are plenty of new additions to discover in York.
York’s independent scene continues to grow, with an interesting mix of new shops, cafés, restaurants and experiences arriving across the city. Whether you’re looking for somewhere different to grab a coffee, a new place to meet friends or a shop with a rather more unusual collection, there’s plenty to explore.
From a bookshop specialising in the darker side of fiction to a new home for one of Manchester’s best-known café brands, here are all the new openings in York that you need to know about in the lead up to Christmas.
Looking for somewhere to eat out? Here’s our guide to the best restaurant deals in York this month.
Horrifically Good Books
Credit: Horrifically Good Books
York is a city steeped in history and ghost stories, so a bookshop dedicated entirely to horror feels right at home. Horrifically Good Books has opened at the Grade I-listed 60 Goodramgate, bringing a specialist collection of spooky fiction and non-fiction to the city.
From gothic classics and haunted-house stories to folk horror, translated fiction and cosmic horror, the shelves are dedicated to the darker side of literature. There will also be small-press and independent titles, alongside spooky reads for younger readers and fans of YA horror.
The shop has a sister business in Criminally Good Books, which focuses on crime fiction. The two share a love of books and independent bookshop culture, but each has its own distinct literary territory.
Where: 60 Goodramgate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7LF.
When: Now open.
Find out more: Horrifically Good Books
Good to know: The shop’s specialist focus also makes it a good place to ask for recommendations if you’re looking to venture beyond the usual horror bestsellers.
Federal Café
Credit: Federal Café
Manchester-born café favourite Federal is bringing its Australian and New Zealand-inspired approach to coffee and brunch to York city centre. The brand is taking over the former Lush unit on Coney Street, giving it a central spot close to St Helen’s Square.
Expect speciality coffee, generous all-day brunches and a relaxed atmosphere, with a menu featuring familiar Federal favourites alongside seasonal food and drink specials. The new venue is set to accommodate around 100 diners, with a large outdoor area and additional seating on a second level.
It’s a welcome addition to Coney Street as work continues on the wider plans to revitalise this part of the city centre.
Where: 5 Coney Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9QL.
When: November 2026.
Find out more: Federal Café
Good to know: If you’re visiting at the weekend, look out for the all-day brunch menu and seasonal specials.
MeowCraft Studio
Credit: MeowCraft Studio
Creative experience brand MeowCraft has opened a new studio at King’s Court, just around the corner from the Shambles. Its Fluid Figure Art Experiences invite visitors to choose a figure, pick their colours and create a personalised piece, with an artist on hand to guide them through the process.
It’s designed for all sorts of occasions, from family days out and couples’ activities to birthday parties and group get-togethers. The experience is suitable for children aged five and over, making it an option for families looking for something a little different to do in the city.
The business has also refurbished its existing shop on the corner of the Shambles and Little Shambles. Alongside its gifts and creative products, visitors can now pick up bubble tea, coffee and matcha.
Where: 5–6 King’s Court, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7LD.
When: Now open.
Find out more: MeowCraft Studios
Good to know: You don’t need to be particularly artistic to give this a go – the guided format makes it accessible for beginners, too.
Indian Tiffin Room
Indian street food restaurant Indian Tiffin Room is heading to York city centre, taking over the former Las Iguanas site on Back Swinegate.
The restaurant group already has branches in Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool, serving sharing plates and street food inspired by different regions of India. Its menu brings together traditional flavours and recipes in a modern, relaxed setting, with dishes designed to be enjoyed together.
Indian Tiffin Room York is expected to open on 14th or 15th November, and they’re going to be celebrating with 50% OFF until 20th November so keep your eye on their socials for updates.
Where: 21 Back Swinegate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8AD.
When: Saturday 14th or Sunday 15th November 2026.
Find out more: Indian Tiffin Room
Good to know: The restaurant’s sharing-plate approach is a good way to explore dishes from different parts of India, rather than sticking to one familiar curry.
Curious Coffee Company
Credit: Curious Coffee Company
North Yorkshire coffee shop Curious Coffee Company is expanding into York, with a third café planned for Clifton. The independent business already has shops in Easingwold and Haxby, serving freshly made drinks and a menu of café favourites.
Its drinks offering includes espresso, flat whites, AeroPress coffee, loose-leaf teas, iced lattes, smoothies and milkshakes, alongside hot chocolate for those after something sweeter. The business promises a complimentary brownie with every hot drink, too.
The new Clifton café will bring the same relaxed approach to another part of York, giving local residents a new neighbourhood spot for a coffee, a bite to eat or a catch-up.
Where: 86 Clifton, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 6BA.
When: Expected in late 2026.
Find out more: Curious Coffee Company
Good to know: If you’re popping in for a takeaway coffee, the complimentary brownie with every hot drink is a lovely extra.
The Old York Cake Shop
Credit: The Old York Cake Shop
York’s sweet-toothed visitors have a new stop to add to their list, in the form of The Old York Cake Shop which opened on High Petergate at the end of October. The takeaway cake shop is the latest venture from Tony and Thomas Vickers, who also run the popular Old York Tea Room on Goodramgate.
Taking over the former Japanese Print Shop, the pair have transformed the Grade II-listed building into a dedicated home for sweet treats. The counter is stocked with brownies, cheesecakes, pastries and other cakes and bakes, making it a handy spot to pick up something for the journey or a treat to take home.
Where: 38 High Petergate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7HW.
When: Open now.
Find out more: The Old York Cake Shop
Good to know: If you’re already a fan of the Old York Tea Room, it’s another chance to try something from the Vickers family.
Charm After Charm
Credit: Charm After Charm
A new jewellery shop is bringing a more personal approach to accessories to Grape Lane. Founded by daughter-and-mum team Millie and Emma, Charm After Charm invites customers to create their own jewellery by choosing from hundreds of charms and accessories.
Rather than buying a finished design, you can put together something that reflects your own style, whether that’s a meaningful gift, a personalised bracelet or a piece to mark a special occasion. The shop is moving into the former home of vintage clothing store The Vintage Works, adding another independent retail destination to this part of York.
Where: 8–10 Grape Lane, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7HU.
When: Open now.
Find out more: Charm After Charm
Good to know: With hundreds of charms to choose from, you can create something with a little more meaning than a ready-made piece of jewellery.
Dorothy’s Deck
Credit: Dorothy’s Deck
Trading card collectors and nostalgic Pokémon fans have a new specialist shop to explore on Gillygate. Dorothy’s Deck has opened with a carefully curated collection spanning classic trading card games and newer favourites, including Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece and Disney Lorcana.
Whether you’re looking to track down a particular card, pick up a modern booster pack or revisit the collecting craze of the 1990s, there’s plenty to browse. The shop stocks individual cards as well as sealed packs, with an emphasis on making collectibles accessible to fans at different budgets.
Where: 8 Gillygate, York, North Yorkshire, YO31 7EQ.
When: Open now.
Find out more: Dorothy’s Deck
Good to know: If you’re hunting for a particular card, it’s worth asking about individual singles rather than just browsing the packs.
