6 Seasonal Delights to Try While Visiting York in Autumn

Greg Harrand • September 22, 2025

Autumn magic happens on your plate

Food tells stories.


And in York during autumn, those stories get richer, deeper, and more delicious.


Most visitors rush to see the Minster or walk the walls, but miss the seasonal food treasures hiding in plain sight. That's about to change.


From September's harvest bounty to warming comfort foods as the leaves turn, York transforms into a food lover's paradise when summer fades.


Let me take you on a journey through six unmissable seasonal treats that capture the essence of York in autumn.



1. Yorkshire Curd Tart


The taste of Yorkshire tradition

Ever tried something so simple yet so special it stays with you forever?


That's Yorkshire Curd Tart.


This humble dessert combines fresh curd cheese with butter, eggs, sugar, and currants, all baked in a sweet pastry case. The addition of nutmeg gives it that distinctive autumn warmth that perfectly matches the season.


Why it's an autumn must-try:


  • The dairy is richest in autumn, giving the tart exceptional flavor
  • The warming nutmeg perfectly complements crisp autumn days
  • It pairs beautifully with Yorkshire Tea as the leaves fall outside
  • Betty's Tea Room serves the gold standard version (worth the queue!)


Want the authentic experience? Visit Betty's Tea Room, where the delicate balance of sweet and tangy flavours will transport you straight to Yorkshire's countryside.



2. Seasonal Game Dishes


Wild flavours of the Yorkshire countryside


Autumn brings game season to York's restaurants.


The hunting season typically begins in August, making autumn the perfect time to enjoy Yorkshire's finest game dishes. From venison and pheasant to guinea fowl and rabbit, these rich, earthy meats capture the essence of autumn on a plate.


Where to find the best game in York:


  • The Star Inn The City - Try their game risotto by the riverside
  • The Chopping Block - Everything from game pie to guinea fowl
  • Fish and Forest - Local venison at its finest
  • The Black Bull in Pickering - Traditional Yorkshire preparations


The deep, complex flavours of game pair beautifully with the seasonal vegetables and fruits that appear on autumn menus across York.


...Want to know the locals' secret?


Ask for your game dish with a side of forced rhubarb - the sweet-tart combination is uniquely Yorkshire!



3. Forced Rhubarb Creations


Yorkshire's pink pride

Did you know Yorkshire has a "Rhubarb Triangle"?


This area between Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield is famous for its forced rhubarb, grown in dark sheds and harvested by candlelight to maintain tenderness.


While traditionally associated with spring, autumn sees a second flush of this Yorkshire treasure.


Local chefs transform it into everything from traditional crumbles to innovative cocktails.


Rhubarb experiences you can't miss:


  • Rhubarb crumble with custard at traditional pubs
  • Rhubarb-infused gin at York Food Festival (September)
  • Rhubarb and apple pie at local bakeries
  • Rhubarb liqueurs at "Meet the Makers" drinks fair


The vibrant pink colour brings a splash of brightness to autumn plates as the days grow shorter.


4. Pumpkin and Squash Specialties


Autumn comfort in a bowl

As Halloween approaches, pumpkins and squashes take centre stage.


But in York, these versatile vegetables go far beyond decorations. Local restaurants transform them into velvety soups, hearty risottos, and innovative pasta dishes that showcase their natural sweetness.


Must-try pumpkin dishes in York:


  • Creamy pumpkin pasta at Partisan on Micklegate
  • Spicy pumpkin soup from York Food Festival vendors
  • Butternut squash risotto at The Star Inn The City
  • Pumpkin muffins from local bakeries
  • Pumpkin lasagne - the ultimate autumn comfort food


Here's the thing...


The natural sweetness of these autumn vegetables pairs beautifully with the warming spices that define autumn cooking. And York's chefs know exactly how to bring out their best qualities.


5. Apple Cider and Seasonal Brews


Drink in the season

Nothing says autumn like the crisp taste of fresh apple cider.


Yorkshire's orchards burst with apples in autumn, and local producers transform them into everything from sweet, cloudy ciders to tangy, sparkling varieties that capture the essence of the season.


Where to find the best autumn drinks:


  • "Meet the Makers" drinks fair at York Food Festival
  • Black Sheep Brewery's autumn-inspired beers
  • Hot spiced apple cider at cafés throughout the city
  • Freshly pressed apple juice at farmers' markets
  • Rhubarb-apple fusion drinks at specialty bars


Nobody mentions this...


The best time to enjoy these drinks is at sunset, when York's ancient walls glow golden in the autumn light, and the first chill of evening makes that warm cider feel like liquid comfort.



6. Lord Woolton Pie


Wartime comfort for modern times

Sometimes the best autumn foods come with a story.


Lord Woolton Pie, named after the wartime Minister of Food, is a vegetable pie that showcases autumn's root vegetable harvest. Originally created during rationing, this humble dish has been elevated by York's creative chefs into a seasonal masterpiece.


What makes Lord Woolton Pie special:


  • Uses whatever vegetables are in season - true farm-to-table
  • Can be topped with either potato or pastry crust
  • Perfect for refuelling after exploring York's cobbled streets
  • Captures Yorkshire's practical approach to seasonal eating
  • Each restaurant's version is slightly different - try several!


This forgotten classic is making a comeback in York's traditional pubs and restaurants, offering a taste of history with modern flair.



When to Visit for Maximum Flavour


The York Food and Drink Festival, running from 19th to 28th September 2025, offers the perfect opportunity to sample all these seasonal delights in one place. With around 70 street food and produce stands taking over Parliament Street, you can taste your way through autumn's bounty.


Festival highlights you can't miss:


  • Taste Trails - £10 for samples from 20 destinations
  • Cooking demonstrations from top local chefs
  • "Meet the Makers" drinks fair on September 27th
  • Yorkshire Stand showcasing local products
  • Pork Pie competition at Bedern Hall


For those visiting later in autumn, many restaurants offer special seasonal menus that showcase the changing produce.


The Star Inn The City and Legacy at The Grand are particularly known for their commitment to seasonal Yorkshire ingredients.



Beyond the Plate

York's autumn food scene extends beyond restaurants. Take a stroll through the city's markets to see the changing seasonal produce, or join a cooking demonstration at the Food Festival to learn how to recreate these seasonal specialties at home.


Edible souvenirs to take home:


  • Yorkshire curd tarts from local bakeries
  • Bottled local ciders and fruit liqueurs
  • Preserves made with autumn fruits
  • Specialty teas to recreate your York experience
  • Artisan chocolates with seasonal flavours



Your Autumn Food Adventure Awaits

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, York's food scene transforms into a celebration of autumn's bounty. These six seasonal delights offer just a taste of what awaits curious food lovers in this historic city.


Whether you're planning a dedicated food trip or looking to enhance your York visit with memorable meals, autumn provides the perfect backdrop for culinary exploration.


So pack your appetite and your sense of adventure – York's seasonal delights are waiting to be discovered.


The real secret is... autumn in York isn't just about seeing the sights – it's about tasting them too.