The Botanist

Located at 15-19 Stonegate in historic York, The Botanist York combines a vibrant bar, restaurant and live-music venue in one immersive experience. The décor invites you into a playful “secret garden” atmosphere—think foliage, decorative branches, botanical motifs and a leafy interior aesthetic that sets the tone for both food and drink. On the food side, The Botanist is known for its “hanging kebabs” (such as lamb kofta or crispy halloumi versions) and a rotating menu of seasonally inspired dishes using vegetables, herbs, spices and fruit. On the drinks front, the cocktail list draws inspiration from the botanical theme—flavours include shrub syrups, wild fruits, herb-infused spirits and creative garnishes. The happy hour offer (Mon-Fri 16:00-19:00) features 2 classic cocktails for £16.95, pints for £4.95 and more. Live music is part of the draw: every Friday evening from around 19:00 and Saturday from around 20:00 the venue hosts bands and acoustic acts. The space spans two floors, includes an outdoor seating area, and welcomes dogs (in certain parts) making it a flexible spot for daytime brunch, after-work drinks or a lively evening out. For those new to the place: arrive via Stonegate (a pedestrianised historic street), expect a lively crowd (especially on weekends), and consider booking for the evening if you're after a specific table. The venue mixes casual drinks with a more upbeat social scene, so it suits a range of outings—from cocktails with friends to dining with a twist.