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. Push on through and, from late spring to early autumn, a walled garden opens up behind it — the Secret Garden, strung with festoon lights for as long as the weather holds.
We started it the way most good ideas start: by wondering what we'd do with all the offcuts and rinds our cheesemongers couldn't bear to waste. Now it's a proper little bistro of its own — still stubbornly seasonal, with a range of beers, wines, hot drinks and soft drinks to go alongside whatever's on the board.
Come for Toastie on your lunch break, share an Afternoon Cheese or treat yourself to a spread 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 Menu →Life In The Speakcheesey
Cosy tables, low light and a menu that changes with what's good this week — it's the kind of place you mean to stay for one glass and end up staying for three.
Menu Highlights
A short, seasonal 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.
£7.45Menu changes with the seasons — and with whatever's just landed on the counter. Gift vouchers for The Speakcheesey are available in-store and online.
Opening Hours
Walk-ins welcome whenever there's a table free — though we'd always recommend booking ahead for evenings. 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 and the trail of festoon lights — the garden gate is round the side, 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 Directions →What 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 whole garden for a private party.