The Fossgate Social - York

After having to pass a couple of coffee shops heading away from the city centre, we decided on this one, a somewhat random choice, but a good one nonetheless. Highlight for me was the delicious brownies by Brown Blonde of Morley, Leeds). Facilities and ambience good. Would have given 5* if coffee hotter, however it seems to me the machines that make the coffee just don’t make it particularly hot, so no fault of the barista.

If you prefer a more spacious dining experience, this may not be the place for you. However, if you don't mind striking up conversations with your fellow diners and enjoy the cozy atmosphere, you're in for a treat. The outdoor seating area is perfect for solo diners or couples, as long as the weather is nice. I would suggest coming here for drinks rather than coffee, as there are better options nearby for a caffeine fix. Overall, enjoy your meal!

This charming restaurant is located on a bustling street and offers great people-watching opportunities from its outdoor seating area. You never know who you might spot while enjoying your meal. The prices are reasonable as well.

Last night, my partner and I had a rare night out without our children and decided to visit one of my favorite spots, Fossgate Social. In the past, I could always count on it for a great selection of beer and a friendly atmosphere, but unfortunately, that is no longer the case. We were greeted by an unfriendly and surly server, despite the fact that the place was not very busy. He had no time to exchange pleasantries or engage in any kind of conversation. Our attempts to be friendly and polite were met with rudeness and condescension. It really put a damper on our evening and made me feel out of place and unappreciated (even though I'm only 32!). If I wanted to be treated that way, I'd rather stay at home with my kids. We will not be returning to Fossgate Social. Additionally, the music playing was not to our liking.

We tried the Social before going to Marzanos for dinner, just up the road (also recommended). There was plenty of choice of tipple including numerous gins and a range of special tap beers. The seating is all a bit random and the whole place has lots of character. We were probably at least twice the average age of the other customers (we're 60) but that was fine. The music was pretty horrific some sort of hip hop rap stuff but luckily not very loud!