29 July 2026
From restaurants to coffee shops and ice cream parlours – how small food and drink businesses are booming thanks to York’s thriving tourist trade
Barry Crux & Company agency director Andrew Spencer says York’s thriving tourism market is driving ‘very high demand’ for food and drinks businesses – with buyers keen to take their chance to establish a presence in the city.
Whilst the business has a long-established reputation for its expertise advising on the sale and purchase of pubs, hotels and B&Bs across North Yorkshire, Mr Spencer says it has seen increasing demand for coffee shops and cafes in York in recent times.
“Coffee shops are more popular than ever and have become in very high demand in York in particular. If one becomes available within the city walls, I can confidently say that it will attract a lot of interest, and usually it doesn’t take long to agree a sale,” he said.
“They are the kinds of businesses which can generate good turnover and profit due to the thriving tourism trade in York.”
Class E properties easy to adapt
Mr Spencer says that, despite the heavy competition, he would not be surprised to see the percentage of food and drink outlets in the city continue to grow.
This is helped by the freedom offered by converting class E properties from retail and office spaces into coffee shops, restaurants and cafés, often without the need for planning permission if not in an an area of outstanding natural beauty, or a national park.
“We’ve done some deals recently which really reflect the demand, and the advantages of running a food and drink business in York,” said Mr Spencer.
“We recently sold an ice cream parlour which was in a tiny property for a really good price. It was an excellent business with great turnover and profits from six months of trading each year.
“Small businesses like this in York can be little gold mines in this sector, certainly those which are in freehold properties.
“Class E properties provide excellent opportunities as long as the buyers are aware of the requirements for all appropriate licenses linked to their new business, such as health and safety and food hygiene certificates.”
Deals being done for pubs and hotels
The Barry Crux & Company team continue to lead the way across North Yorkshire in the licensed & leisure property market, with a huge network of contacts interested in being informed of the latest opportunities coming onto the market, from hotels and B&Bs to campsites and holiday accommodation.
“We’ve got a good number of deals for pubs and hotels in the pipeline at present, so there is a good market out there looking for opportunities in the licensing and leisure market,” he said.
“We’ve had interest in Working Men’s Clubs, as they can offer development opportunities as they are often large premises on sizable pieces of land. We’ve many contacts interested when they come onto the market.
“Some of the older, larger hotels across North Yorkshire also offer great opportunities for buyers with plans to diversify and establish new business incomes, including adding holiday lodges in the grounds and entering the weddings market.
“We can help potential buyers identify opportunities to generate new income streams. There are certainly properties on the market at present which offer that.”
