Proper cocktails, made properly, with 2-for-1 running all day, every day. Whether you’re at a table downstairs or up on the rooftop terrace, Zest is one of York’s favourite spots for a round (or two) in the city centre.
Whether you’re after a classic Espresso Martini, a fruity Rum Swizzle or something from our wine and spirits list, Zest is one of the best places for cocktails in York, just a two-minute walk from the Shambles.
Every cocktail is made properly and served 2-for-1 on any two of the same drink, all day, every day — no time limit, no catch. Sit inside at the bar or head up to our rooftop terrace for the same drinks with a view over York’s rooftops.
Fancy food with your cocktails? Take a look at our Breakfast in York and Brunch in York menus, both served all day alongside 2-4-1 drinks.
Both kitchens run right through to close, so there’s no cut-off where the food stops and it becomes cocktails-only — a full English at 5pm with a round of Espresso Martinis works just as well as brunch at 11am with a Bellini. It’s one of the reasons Zest works for such a mixed crowd: early starters, long lazy afternoons, and evenings that begin with dinner and end with a second (or third) round.
Bacardi white rum, peach schnapps, fresh pineapple, lime juice, peach, angostura bitters
Bacardi white rum, Malibu coconut rum, fresh pineapple, lime juice, raspberry syrup
Jose Cuervo tequila, Aperol aperitivo, fresh pineapple, lime juice, raspberry syrup
Vodka, coffee liqueur and a shot of espresso, shaken until frothy
Vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice, shaken until silky smooth
Vodka, peach schnapps and cranberry juice, served long over ice
Vodka, tomato juice and a kick of spice, garnished and ready to sip
Any two of the same fizz for the price of one, all day, every day:
D.O.C. Prosecco, raspberry, dash soda
D.O.C. Prosecco, Gordon’s London Dry Gin, elderflower, fresh mint, dash soda
D.O.C. Prosecco, fresh pineapple
D.O.C. Prosecco, fresh orange
D.O.C. Prosecco, Aperol Aperitivo, dash soda
D.O.C. Prosecco, peach, dash soda
Cocktails aren’t the only thing on the list. There’s a short, well-chosen wine list — Neptune Point Sauvignon Blanc and Old Station Malbec by the glass, alongside La Fornarina Prosecco DOC and Salasar Crémant de Limoux for something with bubbles. On draught and in bottles there’s Peroni, Brewdog Punk IPA and Aspall cider, and a proper spirits list for anyone who’d rather drink it straight or mixed — Hendrick’s Gin, Grey Goose Vodka, Kraken Rum and Glenfiddich 12 among them. Soft drinks, mocktails and hot drinks are all available too, so it’s just as easy to come along and not drink.
Guests keep coming back for the value and the atmosphere as much as the drinks themselves.
“Service was 10/10.” — Kirsten, Google review
One visitor came along for a live music night and said they’d be back for food too, calling the evening’s drinks simply “lovely cocktails.” — David, Google review
“The cocktails were excellent.” — Emma, Google review
Others come for food first and end up staying for a round of drinks afterwards.
“Beautiful cocktails and an absolute bargain at 2 for 1.” — Rebecca, Google review
“Service was so quick and staff were lovely.” — Jess, Google review
A recurring theme across the reviews is value — Zest’s cocktails are made properly, but the 2-for-1 offer means a round costs about what a single drink would elsewhere in the city centre, which is a big part of why people come back for a second visit rather than treating it as a one-off.
Not every visit looks the same. Some tables are catching up over a couple of Espresso Martinis after work, some are marking a birthday with a round of Bellinis on the rooftop, and some are just passing through York and fancied a proper cocktail rather than a pint. The menu, the 2-for-1 offer and the mix of indoor bar and rooftop terrace are built to work for all three — quick and casual on a weeknight, or worth lingering over on a weekend.
Zest is also available to book for private events — work drinks, birthdays, celebrations of most kinds — on any evening of the week, with the same cocktail list and 2-4-1 offer on hand for the whole group.
The rooftop terrace and the tables downstairs both get busy, especially on weekend evenings — booking ahead means you’re not waiting on a walk-in table for 2-for-1 cocktails.
Prefer to call? Ring us on 01904 651868 and we’ll sort a table for you.
All day, every day we’re open — Monday to Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 9am-4pm. There’s no cocktail hour cut-off.
Walk-ins are always welcome, but booking is a good idea for weekends and evenings when the bar and rooftop terrace get busy.
Yes — take a look at our Rooftop Bar in York page for the terrace-specific experience, with views across York.
Yes, mocktails, soft drinks and hot drinks are all available for anyone skipping the alcohol.
Yes — Zest is available to book for work events, birthdays and celebrations, any evening of the week. Take a look at our Offers & Events page for details.
Find us at 5 Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, York, YO1 8BL — a two-minute walk from the Shambles.
Open Monday to Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 9am-4pm, with 2-4-1 cocktails all day, every day.
