We love independents in York.

You get what I mean by an independent? A shop or cafe, or outlet of some sort, not run by a big corporation in the form of a ‘chain’ store, but run independently by local people.

So when an independent cafe/bar in York has become successful enough to open a second site, we think it is something to celebrate.

It was a real pleasure to visit Sarah, one half of the brother/sister founders of the Fossgate Social at their new venture, the Micklegate Social (formerly The Bike Cafe).

Although very much in its infancy, the Micklegate Social already has a great feel about it. Unlike the Fossgate, which is intimate and cosy, the Micklegate is a grander space, huge light windows with spectacular views of Micklegate Bar, and yet it still seems to have established a comfortable welcoming vibe.

Additional tables outside makes for perfect people watching in the sunshine, the open kitchen and repurposed plant pots (made out of air ducting) give it a fun, funky feel.

“There is a real shift on Micklegate,” Sarah told me.

“It has always been one of York’s most beautiful Georgian streets and now it is an independent foodie heaven with the likes of Skosh, Partisan and the Rattle Owl attracting national attention.’

“We want the Micklegate Social to be the local for the locals. Bishophill, Blossom Street, there are many residents about.”

“We are a small scale indie, with good beer and coffee,  and food sourced locally.”

There’s also the opportunity for some arts and culture, making use of the downstairs space, with plans afoot for open mic nights, low key acoustic music, poetry slams, you name it, the opportunity is there.

Sarah’s final word to me was about cyclists.

“We still get the odd cyclist turning up for a big breakfast and we are happy to have them. They are a bit disappointed the repair shop is no longer here, but we point them to the Angel on Bishy Road or down to Cycle Heaven at the station, and they seem ok about it.’

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