A Cheese Dining Experience, Hidden Behind The Counter
The Speakcheesey is our little bistro, built entirely around the counter next door. Mismatched tables, low light and the hum of good conversation, with room for 16 to 20 inside. Push on through and, whenever it's warm enough, the Secret Garden opens up behind it: a walled garden inside the city walls, strung with festoon lights, that looks up to York Minster.
We started it because too many people were asking where they could sit down and eat the cheese they'd just tasted at the counter. Now it's a proper little bistro of its own, still built around whatever's best on the counter that week: cheese boards from three to five cheeses, loaded toasties, cured meats, cheese and wine pairings, and stone-baked pizzas on Fridays and Saturdays. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives are available for lots of the menu, and there's a range of beers, wines, hot drinks and soft drinks to go alongside.
Come for a toastie on your lunch break, share an Afternoon Cheese, treat yourself to a board over a glass in the evening, or book in for Discover Cheese and Wine, a two-hour tasting through the best of both. Whatever you choose, a friend behind the counter will have picked it out especially for you.
See The MenuLife In The Speakcheesey
Cosy tables, low light and a menu built around the counter. It's the kind of place you mean to stay for one glass and end up staying for three.
Menu Highlights
A short menu built around the counter next door, every dish designed to be shared and every glass chosen to match. Ask your server what's just come in.
Afternoon Cheese
Our signature sharing dish: 5 cheeses, cured meats, olives, cornichons, bread & Bungay butter, plus crackers and chutney.
£34.00
Cheese Board (5 Cheeses)
Select from the counter, or let us know your favourites. Served with crackers & chutney. Also available as 3 or 4 cheeses.
£19.95
Discover Cheese and Wine
A journey of flavours with a variety of styles of wine and cheese from around the world. Please allow two hours for this experience.
£45.00pp
The Reuben League
Provolone, Irish pastrami, pickles and US mustard.
£9.45
The Triple Cheese Toastie
Cheddar, Red Leicester and mozzarella with onion marmalade.
£8.95
Trio Of Italian Meats
Prosciutto, salami and coppa.
£7.45The menu changes through the year. Gift vouchers for The Speakcheesey are available in-store and online.
Opening Hours
Walk-ins are welcome whenever there's a table free, but we'd always recommend booking ahead for evenings. The Speakcheesey is available for private hire, and we can open later for private functions, so just ask.
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00am – 5:00pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00am – 4:00pm |
| Thursday | 10:00am – 5:00pm |
| Friday | 10:00am – 8:00pm |
| Saturday | 10:00am – 8:00pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
16 Gillygate, York
Look for the navy shopfront. The Speakcheesey and the Secret Garden are through the shop, just past the cheese counter. We're a five-minute stroll from York Minster and Bootham Bar.
Love Cheese & The Speakcheesey
16 Gillygate
York, YO31 7EQ
United Kingdom
01904 622967 • hello@lovecheese.co.uk
Get DirectionsWhat Our Guests Say
“Fantastic little place, really great value for money & very friendly staff. Would definitely go back!”
“This is an absolute treasure of a place. Small but delicious menu with a gorgeous garden to sit in. Service was speedy even on a super busy Saturday. They have a lovely looking vegan pizza too which sounded lush.”
“This is a unique cheese shop in York with a (secret) garden at the rear where you can enjoy some delicious cheeseboard and drinks. The selection on offer is amazing and the staff know what they selling and will explain in detail every cheese they sell in an informative, friendly manner. It is also worth trying the virtual tastings they are great value.”
“The best toasties in York! Cosy and friendly with a knowledgable team who make everyone feel welcome and serve up top notch food. It was our first visit but it won't be our last!”
“Oh my what a complete and utter delight of a shop! I could've stayed all day. Very helpful and friendly young man was knowledgeable about his products and was able to give concise but fascinating insights about ingredients, sources, history.”
Speakcheesey FAQs
We love doggos, but the Speakcheesey is too small for puppers unfortunately. We do allow animals in the garden and also the window table in the front of the shop.
No prob, we can seat 16-20 people in the Speakcheesey and around 40-50 people in the Secret Garden (April - September).
We do, but you would need to book out the whole space as cheese and wine = good times, and things often get too noisy for other diners. This also applies to large same-sex groups... It can get a bit rowdy, so it's best to have the space to yourselves.
We do! We have gluten-free and vegan options available. Please inform a member of staff on arrival and let them know of any dietary issues and we can let you know what is available to eat.
Yes, we do!
We assess bookings individually and can open later if necessary.
Located to the rear of our shop. Informal cheese and wine bar. If you can put cheese on it, we will try it!
Ready For An Evening In The Garden?
Tables are limited and evenings go quickly, especially in summer. Book ahead to bag a spot under the lights, or ask us about hiring the Speakcheesey for a private party.