Forgotten Fossgate? The historic street is well worth a look with some thriving independent businesses. As a new app and website are launched to promote its charms we take a walk along Fossgate, illustrated by fabulous pictures by Duncan Lomax of Ravage Productions
Fossgate for clothes
Purple Haze and Sonia’s Room sell vintage and “pre-loved” clothes, and Bridge Clothing selling more modern urban wear.
If you have something to say, Zik Zak can print your message and picture on T-shirts, sports kits or even aprons. And you can even get your wardrobe nipped and tucked at Alterations Express.
Fossgate for food and drink
From the established favourites, like The Blue Bicycle, to the newcomers like beer and pizza pub The Hop, Fossgate can claim to be York’s foodie street. From your fish course at Loch Fyne you can dine on wonderful Indian food at Viva Goa and the Mumbai Lounge, enjoy the bistro atmosphere at Masons and finish with a cracking coffee with nationally acclaimed barista Steve Dyson at Spring Espresso.
Pop in to York’s little gem of a pub, the Blue Bell, before taking a taste of the street home with you courtesy of the Hairy Fig delicatessen, which has its own café attached.
Fossgate for books
Even with the sad news that the Barbican Bookshop will close in the New Year, Fossgate retains a bookish bent. Lucius Books source fine rare books from around the world, while Fossgate Books has two floors jammed with volumes on all subjects.
Fossgate for gifts and home
Macdonalds has the finest facade on Fossgate, courtesy of occupying premises which once housed a Scala cinema. Inside, you’ll find furniture from beds to dining sets. Just down the street, Give The Dog A Bone has a colourful and offbeat range of cards and gifts, and Signatures is the place for the perfect pen.
And we should make some noise about MOR Music, with its great range of guitars, amps and recording equipment.
Fossgate for grooming
Men can opt for a traditional barbershop, Coopers, or have a trim, pedicure and facial at Cads For Men. Hair and beauty for women is provided with a French flavour – at Femmes Fatales, Mamselle or Niche Hair & Beauty.
And if you want to keep fit as well as look fit, visit Up & Running, to kit yourself out with the finest trainers.
Fossgate for history
Once home to a thriving fish market, York has always been a bustling part of the city. The 14th century Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and York’s first purpose-built cinema, dating from 1911 (see Macdonalds above) or just two of the historical gems to look out for.
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See also
- Like fabulous Fossgate? There’s an app for that…