A cafe in the centre of York with a beautiful courtyard, community spirit and a coffee for just £1.20
The St. Sampson's Centre Cafe is our cafe pick for a sunny day in York
When the sun’s out in York (which, let’s be honest, is roughly five days a year), we head to one of our favourite little spots tucked just off the beaten cobbles — the café inside St. Sampson’s Centre.
It’s smack dab in the middle of town, surrounded by beautiful old buildings, and it’s got a peaceful little courtyard that feels like you’ve stumbled into a secret garden. Even better — the prices haven’t been adjusted for Instagram. You can still get a coffee for £1.20, which in York is basically witchcraft.
What on Earth Is St. Sampson’s?
Glad you asked. Once upon a time (okay, 1154 A.D.), St. Sampson’s was a full-blown medieval church. It’s been rebuilt more times than I’ve lost my car keys — including after being shot at during the Civil War (seriously). It finally shut as a church in 1968 when the congregation stopped turning up — probably all watching Coronation Street.
But then the legends at York Civic Trust stepped in and turned it into something even better: a community hub and café with a real heart.
Originally set up to support the over-60s, it now welcomes everyone — from chatty pensioners to frazzled parents and everyone in between. They offer low-cost food, great coffee, good company, and even volunteering opportunities for people who might struggle to get a foot in the door elsewhere.
It’s like York’s version of Cheers, but with fewer pints and more cake.
What’s on the Menu?
Nothing pretentious. Just proper, comforting café fare at prices that make you do a double take (in a good way):
Coffee from £1.20 (yes, really)
Cakes including gluten-free options, for £2.20
Ice Cream at just £1 a scoop — kids love it, and so do adults pretending they’re just buying it for the kids
Sandwiches & Paninis from £2.50 — not the ‘three-leaves-and-a-hummus-smear’ kind, proper sandwiches
They’ve got more on offer too — if you want the full lowdown, here’s the menu (or just pop in and have a nosey, they won’t bite).
Where To Find It
Location: St. Sampson’s Centre Café, Church Street, York YO1 8BE
Click here for their website
If you’re in the middle of York and your feet are tired, your stomach’s rumbling, and you don’t fancy a £5 coffee then this is your spot.
It’s not just a café — it’s history, community, and a bit of York magic all wrapped up with a brew and a slice of cake. So, if you are coming to York for a bit of cafe society then pay them a visit, and if you need somewhere to stay during your visit then just go to our website www.houseofyork.org and book:
- one of our homes for up to six people
- two of our homes for up to 12 people
- or all three together for up to 18 people
Rather conveniently, all our houses are next door to each other!
Want to read more for your next visit to York?
Then download a free copy of our book York Local Knowledge Must-do Top Tens & the vouchers to get them for less where you will discover the historic UK city of York like a local with tips, top tens, and guidance on where to find the best discounts and vouchers, so you can experience it all without breaking the bank!
You can download it for free from the Apple iBooks Store here
You can download it for free from the Google Play Books Store here
This isn’t your average guidebook—it’s a laugh-out-loud, down-to-earth companion, packed with top-ten lists covering everything from essential attractions and hidden gems to entertainment, dining spots, walks, tours, festivals, and shopping, all enriched with a local’s insider knowledge.
With insights, amusing anecdotes, and a sprinkling of puns and dad jokes, Alistair’s love letter to York will help you see the city in a whole new way. Grab a copy and start planning the York adventure you didn’t know you were missing!
With over 240 pages, this guide is ideal for families and groups of friends planning a trip to York and includes:
Up-to-date information on everything in the ever-changing city of York—this is the 2025 edition.
Top ten lists of York’s best tourist attractions, entertainment spots, food and drink, walks, tours, festivals, and independent shops.
Beautiful photography accompanying every recommendation.
Answers to visitors’ top questions, from “Where’s the best place for ice cream?” to “Where can I find a great takeaway curry?”
Recommendations on where locals go for up-to-date information about York.
The best places to stay, from five-star hotels to holiday homes and houseboats.
Details on where to find discounts and vouchers for York restaurants, attractions, and experiences.
Want to hear a great podcast about York?
A fab podcast for tourists and locals looking to find out more about York History, must do York Top 10's and money saving tips to do it all for less.
Just search your podcast app for York Must Do Top 10s or click on this link for the show on apple podcast here
Book one of our Holiday Homes for your next trip to York
Are you looking for a great place to stay for your next trip to York. All 3 of our holiday homes are next door to each other which means you can hire them individually for up to 6 people or together for up to 12 (107 & 109 together) or even 18 people (Spencer House & 107 & 109 together).
To check availability and book just visit www.houseofyork.org
We pride ourselves on being couples and family friendly and we try to take any of the stress out of your stay so you can focus on enjoying yourselves and magnificent York.