While many people will be visiting restaurants and cafés across the city, Explore’s Reading Cafés offer something a little different.
Alongside food and drink, visitors can browse books, see exhibitions and find welcoming spaces to spend time with others or simply enjoy a quiet moment.
York Explore and Hungate are two of Explore’s six Reading Cafés across the city.
Both cafés are taking part in York Restaurant Week, offering special deals throughout the event.
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They have become valued community spaces where people can meet up with friends, enjoy reading and discover everything Explore has to offer.
Located in the heart of the city, York Explore Reading Café sits within York Explore Library and Archive, where visitors can enjoy fresh food and drinks while exploring the library, archives and exhibition programme.
It is a popular place for reading, studying, informal meetings or taking a break from the bustle of the city centre.
Linda Penrose, manager of York Explore Reading Café, said: “York Explore Reading Café is unique because of its friendly atmosphere and kind, helpful team.
“It’s a lovely place to sit, relax or work.”
Alongside its food and drink offer, the café also hosts a programme of rotating exhibitions showcasing work by local artists, photographers and community groups.
Artist Greg McGee with work from Reading in York, an exhibition created with children from across the city as part of the National Year of Reading 2026, on display at York Explore. (Image: Submitted)
Across York Explore and Tang Hall Explore, 10 exhibitions have been displayed over the past year, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy art and culture in an informal and welcoming setting.
Recent exhibitions have included work from Dandelion Arts, York Camera Club and Reading in York, a project by artist Greg McGee created with children from across the city as part of the National Year of Reading 2026.
For many families, seeing children’s work exhibited in a public space has been a memorable experience.
One parent whose child took part in Reading in York said: “It was lovely to see my child’s work displayed at York Explore.
“It made them feel really proud that something they had created was being seen by so many people.”
The café is also home to Read and Relax, a popular group which recently celebrated its first anniversary.
Meeting on the first Wednesday of every month, the group offers a different approach to a traditional book club.
Alex Lee, Reading and Learning Adviser at York Explore, who runs the sessions, said: “Read and Relax is a book club with a twist.
“The session allows members to share the joy of reading by bringing along whatever they’re enjoying reading that month, with time carved out for reading and then a bookish chat.”
Over the past year, the group has built a strong sense of community, with members forming friendships through their shared love of reading.
One regular attendee said: “I enjoy attending Read and Relax as I love meeting and hearing from a range of ages, genders and backgrounds.
“The book recommendations are great and it’s been wonderful to learn from other members.
“The group is so warm, welcoming and supportive.
“Meeting up with such lovely people is such a feel-good experience.”
A short walk from the Shambles, Hungate Reading Café offers a different but equally welcoming experience.
Located within the Hungate residential area, the café serves hot and cold drinks, handmade sandwiches, wraps and cakes, including a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options.
Visitors can also browse books, enjoy the family-friendly space and visit exhibitions.
Sofia Taranto, Manager at Hungate Reading Café, said: “Hungate Reading Café is a hidden gem in the heart of York, bringing together good food, great coffee and the joy of reading.
“As part of Explore, we’re much more than a café.
2We’re a welcoming community space where people can read, meet others and enjoy events.”
As part of York Restaurant Week, both cafés will be offering special deals throughout the event.
At York Explore Reading Café, visitors can enjoy a hot drink and a slice of cake for £5, or a sandwich, snack and hot drink for £10.
At Hungate Reading Café, visitors can enjoy a hot drink and a slice of cake for £5, or a hot drink, toasted sandwich and crisps or a small chocolate biscuit for £10.
For Linda, Restaurant Week is a chance to showcase everything that makes the cafés special.
“Restaurant Week gives the café here at York a chance to give a little bit back to our lovely customers,” she said.
“We receive lots of lovely feedback from our customers, from comments about the service and food to how happy our team are.”
Whether visitors come for a coffee and cake, lunch with friends, an exhibition, a reading group or one of the York Restaurant Week offers, Explore’s Reading Cafés provide more than just food and drink.
They are places where people can meet friends, find a new favourite book, enjoy something different and feel part of a welcoming community.
York Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to visit York Explore or Hungate Reading Café and experience everything these unique spaces have to offer.
For full details and to claim offers, visit the York Restaurant Week website:
York Explore Reading Café: https://yorkrestaurantweek.co.uk/places/york-explore-reading-cafe/
Hungate Reading Café: https://yorkrestaurantweek.co.uk/places/explore-hungate-reading-cafe/
York Explore and Hungate are just two of Explore’s six Reading Cafés across the city.
To find out more, visit York Explore, Clifton, Acomb, Tang Hall, Hungate or Rowntree Park.