Thor’s Is Back in York
This year it has Beers, Beats, and Michelin-Star Street Food
It’s not officially summer in York until Thor’s pops up on Parliament Street – and this year, they’re back with a bang (and a beef tartare).
To celebrate ten glorious years of turning a bit of pavement into the city’s most vibey pop-up bar, Thor’s has brought in TV chef royalty Tommy Banks – yes, that Tommy Banks, of Great British Menu, Roots York, and The Black Swan at Oldstead fame.
Turns out even Michelin-starred chefs enjoy a cold pint and a corn dog when the sun’s out.
So, What’s Cooking?
Tommy and his team have whipped up a seriously fancy street food menu to mark the occasion – and yes, it’s every bit as good as it sounds. Highlights include:
Beef tartare (yep, like the one at The Black Swan – but less linen napkins, more picnic bench)
Kimchi fried chicken from The Abbey Inn at Byland
Tommy’s Pie Shop selections, back after becoming a sleeper hit at York’s Christmas Market – perfect if you want your dinner wrapped in pastry and your hands full of joy
As Tommy put it: “York really comes alive in the warmer months” – and honestly, when the food’s this good and the sun’s cooperating, he’s not wrong.
More Food, More Fun, More Cheese Pulls
Not to be outdone, Yuzu is back with their legendary Korean corn dogs, bold flavours, and the kind of cheese stretch that should come with a warning.
And new for 2025? A rotating street food cabin curated by Ben Thorpe from York On A Fork, which means you never know quite what you’ll be eating – but you’ll definitely be eating something good.
Think surprise vendors, changing menus, and “oh let’s just try this too” logic that leaves you deliciously overfed and underbudgeted.
More Than Just a Pretty Pint
Of course, Thor’s isn’t just about the food. There’ll be live bands, DJs, and the usual Thor’s atmosphere: relaxed, slightly chaotic, and always a good time. Basically, if you can’t find fun here, you’ve probably forgotten how to have any.
When, Where, and Why You Should Go
Parliament Street, York
Now open until 25 August
Free entry – just bring good vibes (and maybe wet wipes)
Whether you’re there for the pies, the pints, the pop-up playlists or just to pretend you’re in Barcelona (but with more Yorkshire accents), Thor’s is the spot this summer and as always if you are coming to York and you need a place to stay then just visit 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.