SPARK:York – York’s Coolest Street Food & Social Hub

During our recent trip to York, we stayed at the Holiday Inn near the city centre. After checking in, we set out for a little evening stroll when suddenly, an incredible aroma filled the air. We looked at each other and said, “What’s that smell?!” Curiosity led us straight to a lively spot that caught our attention right away — and that place turned out to be SPARK:York.

This isn’t your ordinary food court. It’s a creative, community-focused space made entirely from repurposed shipping containers — and as soon as we stepped inside, it gave off serious urban-cool vibes. Think Brick Lane in London or Seongsu-dong in Seoul. Trendy, vibrant, and full of character.

We ended up spending a delightful evening there, enjoying not just great food but also the whole atmosphere — it felt like discovering another side of York, one that’s refreshingly modern yet perfectly local.

SPARK:York Details

Address: 17–21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB
Website: www.sparkyork.org
Opening Hours:
Monday: 9:00am – 10:30pm
Tuesday–Thursday: 12:00pm – 10:30pm
Friday–Saturday: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm – 9:00pm

First Impressions

The entrance immediately stood out — colourful murals, creative art walls, and open seating that invited us in. It’s an open-air venue, yet cleverly sheltered with large canopies so you can enjoy it even on rainy days (which, let’s be honest, is pretty essential in the UK!).

Families, students, and locals were all gathered here — chatting, eating, laughing. There were even blankets neatly folded for guests, and outdoor heaters placed around the tables. Small touches like these make a big difference, especially on chilly evenings.

Food Traders You Shouldn’t Miss

SPARK:York is home to a rotating mix of independent traders offering global street food. Here are some of the highlights we spotted (and tasted!):

Clucking Oinks – Famous for its buttermilk fried chicken burgers and cheesy loaded fries. Locals call it “the best fried chicken in York”.
RAD Pizza – Neapolitan-style sourdough pizzas with creative toppings. The dough was chewy and the hot honey dip? Pure genius.
SASA – Greek street food heaven. We saw people devouring souvlaki and baklava like they were on holiday in Santorini.
Tiro – Sicilian favourites like arancini and focaccia sandwiches. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside — perfection.
Sarras – Indian comfort food at its best. I tried the Thali set with a mix of curries, samosas, and papadum. The spices were just right — not too strong, not too mild. It felt wonderfully authentic.
Kamakiri Ramen – For those craving Japanese warmth. Their Shoyu Ramen had a deep, umami-rich broth, and the gyoza were crisp and light.
Vovó Cantina – Brazilian-style grill with hearty BBQ plates. The steak was tender and full of smoky flavour.
Baby Boy’s Burgers – Smash burgers with juicy patties and a slightly crispy crust — classic but with flair.

Drinks & Chill Spots

Piccadilly Tap – Great craft beers and natural wines.
BOHO – Possibly the smallest cocktail bar in York, but with the biggest personality.
Vi Coffee – Scandi-inspired café serving beautifully balanced flat whites and pour-overs.

Ordering food here is super easy — each table has a QR code, so you can browse all menus, order, and pay from your phone. No queues, no app download required. Just sit back and relax while the food is brought to your table.

Upstairs & Hidden Corners

We wandered up to the second floor and discovered a quieter terrace area. It felt more intimate — perfect for a chat over drinks while watching the sunset over York’s rooftops. Even with light rain, it stayed cosy under the canopy.

Family Moments

Since it’s such an open, family-friendly space, Kimchi and her little Jellycat friend “Lam-Lam” had a great time too. (Lam-Lam’s been with us since she was a baby, and yes — he’s showing ten years of love now!)

What We Ordered

I had the Thali set from Sarras, which came with chapati and papadum — perfect for sharing. My husband ordered the Spicy Cheese Fries from Clucking Oinks. They looked great but turned out to be a bit salty (so he ended up picking out the chips with less sauce 😅). Still, they paired well with a pint

And speaking of pints — what’s a better way to wrap up a sightseeing day in York than with a cold beer? I went for a light lager, while my husband enjoyed a bold IPA. Both hit the spot.

Extra Info & Tips

It’s a great spot for families, couples, and groups of friends — no booking needed.
Popular stalls can get busy at weekends, so order early if you’re hungry!
Bring a light jacket — even with heaters, Yorkshire evenings can be cool.
Events like pop-up markets, art exhibitions and workshops are often held here — check their website before visiting.

Final Thoughts

We stumbled upon SPARK:York by accident, but it ended up being one of the highlights of our York trip. The mix of flavours, creativity, and laid-back vibes made it such a memorable stop. If you’re visiting York and looking for somewhere to unwind with a drink and some great street food, this is the place to be.

Whether you visit by day or night, SPARK:York transforms beautifully — fairy lights come on in the evening, adding a magical glow to the whole place. Absolutely worth a visit. Highly recommended!