The most striking thing about Cosy Club is most definitely the décor. The interior of the huge space has been decked out in full art deco glamour in a nod to the building’s history as the old Curzon cinema, with 1920s inspired lamps and chandeliers providing atmospheric lighting and almost every inch of wall covered in framed posters, illustrations and pictures.

We arrived a bit early so had the perfect opportunity to enjoy a couple of cocktails before our meal, and my, oh, my, oh, boy, oh, my. We’re both suckers for a cocktail but since being spoiled by Dan’s drink-making skillz after two years of working in a fancy pants bar, we’ve got a wee bit picky, but I can safely say we were pretty taken with the cocktails on offer here. They were so specifically to our tastes and as amazing as they sounded on paper, they were even better once they passed our lips. I had the rhubarb and ginger bramble which was as sweet and tangy and spicy as you could wish for and I drank in a shockingly quick amount of time. Danman had the maple and pecan old fashioned which sounds like a glass of bournbony heaven and truly was. I could have skipped the meal and sat with cocktails all night but experience tells me that’s a recipe for disaster!

When our reservation rolled around we sat in the wonderfully atmospheric (if a little noisy!) dining area, which has the added touch of having all the tables facing different ways giving each table a little more privacy, which I thought was a brilliant idea and something I’ve not seen before. Then for the food! DanMan couldn’t resist some salt and pepper squid to start, which was lovely little starter and came with the softest warm bread. For the main event I went for the roasted beetroot and goat’s cheese salad, which came with butternut squash, baby kale, edamame beans and a balsamic and honey dressing. I don’t think that combination can really fail, and I ate it all happily and quickly. My only criticism was that despite advertising that the dish comes with quinoa on the menu, not a grain (or whatever the hell quinoa counts as) was to be found, and the salad really could have done with the extra carbs as I was left a little hungry. Regardless, I would gladly eat this again, but pray for quinoa.

Dan had the sirloin steak which was perfectly cooked and came with literally the perfect number of chips. He had no complaints and was much fuller than I come the end of the meal!

The food was solid and great considering the prices, but the real reason to visit Cosy Club is to soak in the1920s atmosphere and grab a few cocktails. I would return for food if we were in need of a quick bite, but I think I’ll be back for drinks at the next opportunity!

I already love this place as a night-time watering hole for its rustic feel, little roof terrace and frequent live music, but it translates just as well into daytime when you want a comfy spot for a coffee, bite to eat or an afternoon drink.

We were all hungry Horraces by the time we arrived, my friends having travelled down from Edinburgh earlier that morning, so it didn’t take us long to choose; the boys both went for sandwiches, my friend Leonie went all in for the full English (and god knows she’d earned it finishing the Edinburgh half marathon the day before!) and I opted for the healthy breakfast bowl.

It was very quiet but there was a little bit of a wait for the food – although it is possible our rumbling tummies made it seem longer than it was – but when it came I think all of us were impressed with the quality. The two sandwiches looked tasty served on little crate boards with seeded bread and skinny fries and the full English was a darn sight lovelier than the average fry up, garnished with vine tomatoes and not a drop of grease in sight. My breakfast bowl was right up my street, with spinach leaves, tomatoes, avocado, smoked salmon and a perfectly soft-boiled egg.

Everyone tucked in and not a scrap of food was left by the end; we all commented that all our meals were just the right amount that we left satisfied and fuelled for some sight-seeing. I could certainly make a habit out of that (GET IT?)!

We hadn’t booked but luckily that wasn’t a problem and we were seated towards the back on a cute (and tiny!) table. The decor and atmosphere was as cosy as it looks from the outside, with a junkyard-chic aesthetic and lovely warm lighting.

The menu was basic but fresh and delicious sounding, pretty similar to somewhere like Bill’s, and we started by sharing the avocado and tomato sourdough with basil, walnut pesto and drizzled with balsamic. And heavens to Betsy was it yummy; they didn’t scrimp on the topping and it was so delicious and fresh.

For the main event, I chose the salmon which came with hollandaise sauce, vine tomatoes, asparagus and smashed potatoes. All the accompaniments were lovely and well cooked, and the potatoes were comforting and buttery. The salmon was a little on the burnt side of crispy on top, however it didn’t impact the flavour too much and the rest of salmon was delicious and complimented the sides nicely.

DanMan opted for the lamb kofta and bell pepper skewers, which came with chips, pita, salad and tzatziki. He enjoyed the lamb but loved the peppers and tzatziki most of all, and I nabbed some of his pita and chips towards the end when he was struggling to finish!

We had no room for pudding so we came away nicely full (but not overly stuffed, I hate that – no room for post meal drinks!) and with a 25% off voucher for next time which I’m pretty sure we’ll be using. Overall, tasty food and a homely atmosphere that would make this an easy go-to meal out when we’re in the mood for somewhere easy and relaxed.

Wilde’s

Tucked away just off Stonegate, you’d be forgiven for missing this little wine bar and bistro which is probably often overlooked in favour of the massive Slug and Lettuce it neighbours. Well worth a visit for it’s cute and rustic décor as well as the simple but satisfying menu (including to date the only salad that I’ve ever not been able to finish eating because I was too full), Wilde’s gets huge bonus points for being a safe bet on a Friday or Saturday night when other places are packed and all you want is a quiet (or not so quiet) drink without having to fight through hordes of hen parties for a seat.

Low down: Great food, great drinks, ridiculously friendly service and a charming atmosphere.

Sotano Charcuterie and Bar

This stylish tapas and cocktail bar is hidden away down a set of stairs next to Kennedy’s and amongst some much rowdier and slightly less cool bars. Dark and distinctly wood-y, Sotano’s has a great brooding atmosphere that feels at once romantic and also a bit like an illegal speakeasy, serving up a delicious selection of (pretty fancy) cocktails and gins, along with Spanish bar snacks and tasty tapas. It’s pretty small and can get busy on weekends and when they have DJs or music nights on, but if you can visit on a quieter day or sneak a spot on a busier one, you’re in for a special experience the type of which is not always easily found in York.

Low down: Moody underground tapas bar with a great selection of drinks, great for dates or just something a little different.

The Nook

Café by day and bar by night! Pay this cosy little corner a visit for midday fuel or to get merry on cheap but sweet cocktails with friends and either way you won’t be disappointed. This place strikes the rare balance of feeling hipster but friendly and welcoming at the same time, with stellar service to boot. The atmosphere is warm and the decor simple but artsy (think pine tables and fairy lights); nab the window seat if you can for a little nook of your own and to watch the world go by on the cobbles outside.

Low down: Cosy café and bar, perfect for a chilled coffee or cocktail (or two…or three) day or night.

The Black Swan

Supposedly one of the oldest and most haunted pubs in York, this olde style pub sits slightly outside the usual hustle and bustle and shmustle of the inner city but is worth the extra amble. A proper log fire heats one of the rooms in the winter and with very decently priced 35ml spirit measures it’s the kind of place you can easily settle in for a night and not move from. If you get peckish there’s a great range of delish and massively-portioned food to choose from too.

Low down: Classic pub with some history to it, if you’re looking for a place that falls under ‘cosy’ and ‘hearty’, this is a must.

The Whippet

This one’s for the more upmarket of you out there (let’s just pretend for a moment anyone upmarket would read my ramblings, shall we?). Sitting just off the river near Lendal Bridge, the Whippet has in my opinion one of the best bars in York, with an amazing selection of spirits (I’m looking at you, gin) and super friendly, knowledgable and snappily dressed bar staff. The decor is on the charming side of hipster with a small bar area and slightly larger dining room; the surroundings only compliment the food which is some of the best classic British food I’ve ever eaten.

Low down: Upmarket but down to earth at the same time, go here for stylish drinks and fancy fodder.

Now I know there are more that could have made the cut; do you have any favourite finds or local haunts in York? Let me know your picks – maybe they’ll make it into another ‘Hidden Gems’ post!