New gaming café bar Up A Level opens tomorrow in York, UK
Up A Level, games, a café and a bar that will be a hub for all things ‘geeky’ in Yorkshire
So, you're wandering around York, and you're thinking, "Where can I go to unleash my inner geek?" Well, my friends, have I got a place for you. Forget the usual tourist traps, because Up A Level, a brand new gaming café bar, will open its doors tomorrow at 26 Market Street. Yes, you heard right, a gaming café bar!
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Is this another one of those places where they charge you an arm and a leg to play a dusty old board game?" Fear not, dear reader, because Up A Level is not like that. This place is set to be the "prime place" for gaming in York.
What’s on the Menu
Up A Level isn't messing around. They've got it all:
Video games: Think consoles like PlayStation, as well as titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty.
Arcade games: Because who doesn't love a bit of retro action?
Tabletop games: This is where my inner nerd comes out. They've got Warhammer and Magic the Gathering.
Retro gaming: For those of us who remember the good old days of gaming.
Board games: Lots of them. This means I might actually get my wife to play a game with me.
A Bar Too!
But here's the clever bit: this isn't just a gaming den. Up A Level transitions into a bar throughout the day. So, whether you're a young Padawan learning the ways of the board game or a grizzled veteran, there's something for you. And get this: they’ll have "experienced game masters" on hand to help the newbies.
Charity Too
And it's not all just about the games. Up A Level is planning to support charities that resonate with their staff and customers. This includes:
Andy’s Man Club and York Mind, which are mental health charities
Models for Heroes, which supports model making for those in the Armed Forces and Emergency Services.
Local Knowledge
Opening Date: Mark your calendars for New Year’s Eve when Up A Level will be launching with a special event.
Booking: Just visit their website https://www.upalevelyork.co.uk
All Ages: This place aims to be for all ages, so bring the whole family. (But maybe leave the really competitive ones at home).
Tournaments: The gaming space plans to host tournament events, so get your game face on.
So, if you're looking for a place to hang out, grab a drink, and unleash your inner geek (or just escape the usual York tourist trail), then Up A Level is your new go-to spot.
If you are coming to York and need a place to stay then check out our 3 holiday homes at www.houseofyork.org
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.