Perky Peacock, York

Now here’s a hidden gem that the tourist guide books haven’t discovered yet. The Perky Peacock, is a coffee shops tucked away in an 800-year-old postern house beside Lendal Bridge. Go down the steps on the south side of the River Ouse and up another flight to the little round tower opposite the rowing club. It’s tricky to find with next to no signage but persevere for the most unique setting in York.

We discovered it years ago when Nicola Peacock, a total coffee nut and an award-winning barista set up Perky Peacock up on her own. She would fill you in about aromas and flavours and percolating hints while her mum baked the cakes.

She sold it some years back and today it’s run by Shirley and Richard providing, sandwiches, filled baps, bagels and cakes, wine and cocktails. We haven’t yet reinspected but the location is so delightful we think it’s worth a punt. It’s a one-room, old guard house with tiny windows facing up river, its sofa and old mahogany chest of drawers that serves as the counter, is the perfect little eyrie from which to sip your coffee or your espresso martini. Love it.