The Perky Peacock

Café and Bar

About us

We're a small family owned coffee shop, cafe and bar, located in one of the oldest buildings in York. Barker Tower was built in the 14th Century, originally for the purpose of collecting a toll from visitors entering the city.

The Café

We serve a wonderful selection of coffees, teas, cakes and other snacks.

Lovely Cakes

Our cake selection at the Perky Peacock will help sweeten your day and is the perfect accompaniment to your favourite tea or coffee!

Breakfast Rolls

Is there a better way to start the day than with breakfast at the Perky Peacock? We don’t think so... Coffee & bacon butties in the dungeon!

Warm Bakery

A cosy atmosphere or sit outside, our warm baked offerings and great coffees will leave you feeling satisfied.

Delicious Snacks

Dine in or takeaway, here at The Perky Peacock, we have a range of fresh food, delicious cakes, and hot or cold drinks!

The Bar

An afternoon with friends, or winding down after a stressful day at work, The Perky Peacock serves a great selection of your favourite wines, spirits, and cocktails, to enjoy as you watch the world go by.

Great Wines

Red, white or something in-between, quench your thirst with a nice glass of wine while sitting comfortably, outside or in the dungeon. Whether you’re popping in for a quiet glass on your own, or out with friends and family, we hope you have a fabulous time.

Fabulous Cocktails

It's always Martini time at the Perky Peacock.

Choose from our selection of aperitifs, spirits and liqueurs, or try one of our great cocktails, such as the signature Espresso Martini.

Private Functions

There’s no better place to hold your private function than in the Perky Peacock Dungeon. Let us cater to you and your guests so you can concentrate on your agenda without worry. Contact Us at any time for more Information or to book the Perky Peacock Dungeon for your next private function.

Our Customers

At The Perky Peacock, we get customers dropping in from all over the world for a coffee, a bite to eat, and even a cocktail or glass of wine. This is what a few of our customers had to say after their visit ...

Rating: 4.6

★★★★★

(881) Google Reviews

★★★★★

This unique little café is hidden away in a medieval toll tower below Lendal Bridge. Could easily have walked by without noticing it, but happily a sign directed me down a flight of steps (with a handrail) to the riverbank, and then another flight led me up into the café (there's no wheelchair access). There are a few tables outside, and also some in the haunted dungeon downstairs! The café's interior, with its stunning timbered ceiling, is small and felt like a cosy living room with comfy old chairs and sofa draped with cushions and throws, Tiffany lamps, and knick-knacks of all kinds. The two young women behind the bar were super friendly, welcoming and chatty, and took a genuine interest in hearing where I was from, and how I was spending my time in York. There's a free water dispenser. They do sandwiches and light bites here as well as cakes and pastries. Great selection of teas and coffees, as well as alcoholic drinks. I had a large slice of caramel cake and a mocha, and they were both delicious! No toilets here, but there are some a few minutes walk away at the railway station. Dog friendly and quiet, this is a lovely little place to relax and get away from it all, just a stone's throw from the city centre.

Valerie Hinchliffe

3 weeks ago

★★★★★

What a gem of a find. Lovely friendly welcome. Dog friendly in the dungeon! We had a coffee, and it's not often I take a sip of coffee and comment... but it's one of the best cuppas I've had. The dogs enjoyed a tub of doggie friendly ice cream. If you are in York, this is a must to visit. Quirky, friendly, historic, homemade food, dog friendly and great coffee ☕️ 🐾

LM H

3 months ago

★★★★★

This is the kind of café I love! It's located in an old medieval tower of York's city defences, once used to bar the river with a massive chain. Now it's filled with mismatched furniture, bits and bobs and a cosy atmosphere. The staff is lovely and the same can be said about both the coffee and the porridge. I really liked that honey, raisins and cinnamon for the latter were served separately so I could add them to taste! There's limited seating inside, but on a sunny day the café sprawls out onto the riverside quay with lots of outdoor tables.

Philip Ziche

a week ago

★★★★★

By chance saw the sign and thought it was closed, it was not. What a charm of a place, absolutely love the atmosphere which evokes that 700 year old feel. Had a latte in the dungeon and today got to sit upstairs in the watch tower. If you are in to Game of thrones, or Vikings, it’s perfect. Ellie is a gem and the owners Richard and Sheryl are pleasant too, I think I was offered a job but I’m too busy enjoying all the charms of York!!

P_Addler

3 months ago

★★★★★

If you’re an introvert, this quiet hideout is a perfect place to recuperate from the hustle-bustle out there in a tourist town. Indoor seating is limited though to about 4 parties so cross your fingers. There was plenty of space around 1pm on a weekday. Pate on toast was perfect, with a glass of red wine.

Emi Shigeno

a month ago

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The Perky Peacock

Café and Bar

About us

The Café

Lovely Cakes

Breakfast Rolls

Warm Bakery

Delicious Snacks

The Bar

Great Wines

Fabulous Cocktails

Space 3

Space 4

Private Functions

Our Customers