Plonkers Wine Bar & Bistro: York’s Riverside Gem for Home-Cooked Fare and Fine Drinks
Family-run riverside wine bar and bistro in York serving home-cooked meals, fine wines, craft beers, and lively live music events since the 1980s.
Plonkers Wine Bar & Bistro is a family-run, independent wine bar and bistro located on York’s historic riverside. Since the 1980s, it has offered high-quality, locally sourced home-cooked food alongside a wide selection of wines, craft beers, and spirits. Known for its warm, friendly atmosphere and live music events, Plonkers provides a cozy yet lively setting in the heart of York, perfect for casual dining, drinks, and seasonal celebrations.
A brief summary to Plonkers
- 5 Cumberland St, York, YO1 9SW, GB
- +441904655307
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-11 pm
- Thursday 10 am-11 pm
- Friday 10 am-1 am
- Saturday 10 am-1 am
- Sunday 10 am-11 pm
Local tips
- Try the Sunday carvery for a hearty, well-portioned traditional meal.
- Enjoy the riverside seating area when weather permits for a scenic dining experience.
- Check the schedule for live music on Fridays and open mic nights on Sundays.
- Reserve a table in advance, especially on weekends, as the venue can fill up.
- Sample the craft beers and specialty gins alongside your meal for a complete experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Plonkers location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Plonkers
A Legacy of Local Flavor and Family Hospitality
Plonkers Wine Bar & Bistro has been a cherished part of York’s riverside since the early 1980s. This family-owned establishment prides itself on independence, enabling it to source the best local produce and support regional breweries and suppliers. The name "Plonkers" playfully references the 1980s slang for inexpensive French wine, reflecting the bar’s approachable yet quality-driven ethos. Over the decades, the venue has evolved through three generations of ownership, each adding to its unique character and welcoming ambiance.Distinctive Riverside Setting and Atmosphere
Nestled on a cobbled side street near the river, Plonkers offers both indoor charm and an inviting outdoor riverside seating area, weather permitting. The interior exudes rustic warmth with dim lighting and a cozy feel, while the riverside terrace provides a scenic spot for enjoying drinks and meals in the fresh air. The bar’s location near York’s city centre and river makes it a peaceful retreat that can occasionally buzz with lively events, balancing tranquility with vibrant social energy.Home-Cooked Menus with Generous Portions
Plonkers specializes in hearty, home-cooked dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The menu features popular items such as a well-regarded Sunday carvery, flavorful hanging kebabs, classic fish and chips with notably crispy chips, and seasonal specials like chili served with sour cream. Portions are generous, and the presentation is inviting, catering to a range of tastes including vegetarian and vegan options. The bar also offers an extensive selection of fine wines, craft beers, lagers, cocktails, and specialty gins, ensuring a drink to complement every meal.Community Events and Live Entertainment
Beyond food and drink, Plonkers is known for its engaging social calendar. Regular events include open mic nights every Sunday, live music performances on Fridays, and seasonal celebrations for occasions like Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. These events foster a strong sense of community and add to the venue’s reputation as a lively cultural hub within York’s historic setting.Welcoming Service and Inclusive Experience
The staff at Plonkers are noted for their friendly, attentive service, contributing to the bar’s family-like atmosphere. Visitors often highlight the warm welcome and personalized attention they receive, making it a comfortable spot for locals, tourists, families, couples, and solo visitors alike. The venue’s accessibility and relaxed vibe make it suitable for a wide audience, including vegetarian and vegan guests.Practical Details and Visitor Information
Plonkers operates daily from 10am, with food served until 9pm and the bar open later on Fridays and Saturdays until 1am. The venue includes upstairs seating and restroom facilities. Its central location near York’s river and city centre offers easy access for visitors exploring the historic city. Whether stopping by for a casual drink, a full meal, or a special event, Plonkers provides a memorable experience rooted in local tradition and conviviality.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ouse Bridge
0.1 km
Historic Ouse Bridge in York spans the River Ouse, blending medieval heritage with 19th-century architecture and city life.
Parliament St
0.3 km
York's vibrant shopping street where Victorian commerce meets medieval heritage and market tradition.
St Crux
0.3 km
Explore the echoes of medieval York at St Crux, where a grand church’s legacy lives on in a historic parish hall and poignant tales of martyrdom.
The York Ghost Merchants
0.4 km
Explore a unique blend of York's ghostly history and charming souvenirs at The York Ghost Merchants, your destination for eerie collectibles.
Ghost Hunt of York
0.4 km
Explore the haunted streets of York with the Ghost Hunt, where history and the supernatural collide in an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
Historic England - York Office
0.4 km
Explore the Historic England - York Office, a hub for heritage preservation in the heart of York, where history meets contemporary conservation efforts.
DIG: An Archaeological Adventure
0.4 km
Explore the depths of history at DIG in York, where archaeology comes alive through interactive exhibits and hands-on adventures for all ages.
The Stonebow
0.4 km
A historic gateway blending medieval charm and architectural evolution at York’s vibrant city heart.
Fishergate Postern Tower
0.4 km
Explore Fishergate Postern Tower, a well-preserved medieval fortress standing sentinel at York’s historic city walls since the early 1500s.
Barley Hall
0.5 km
Discover the rich history of York at Barley Hall, a beautifully restored medieval townhouse showcasing life in the 15th century.
Dick Turpins grave
0.5 km
Discover the historic resting place of Dick Turpin, the legendary highwayman, and delve into the captivating tales of York's vibrant past.
The Deathly Dark Tours
0.5 km
Unearth the chilling tales of York's past with The Deathly Dark Tours, where ghostly legends and history intertwine for an unforgettable adventure.
Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate
0.5 km
Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Holy Trinity Church in York, a captivating Anglican landmark and must-visit tourist attraction.
Barker Tower
0.5 km
A 14th-century river tower where medieval tolls, ferries, and York's leather trade converged.
Locked in Games York
0.5 km
Experience the thrill of escaping at Locked in Games York, a top-rated escape room center perfect for families, friends, and adventurers!
Unmissable attractions to see
The Original Ghost Walk of York
0.1 km
York's longest-running ghost tour—authentic paranormal history told nightly by passionate guides.
York Gift Center
0.1 km
Discover authentic York souvenirs and local crafts in a charming historic gift shop nestled in the heart of the city.
The Royal Dragoon Guards Museum and Regimental Association
0.1 km
Three centuries of cavalry heritage preserved in York's historic heart, where personal stories meet military grandeur.
York Army Museum
0.1 km
Explore centuries of Yorkshire military history through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences at York Army Museum.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience York
0.1 km
Step inside Van Gogh’s world with immersive projections and VR at historic St Mary's Abbey, York’s captivating digital art experience.
The Spurriergate Centre
0.1 km
A historic 12th-century church transformed into a vibrant community café and Christian centre in the heart of York.
St Mary's Church
0.1 km
Discover York’s ancient St Mary's Church—where medieval history meets contemporary art in a stunning Castlegate landmark.
York Beach
0.1 km
A vibrant craft beer bar in York’s historic Merchant Exchange, blending industrial charm with regional brews and lively riverside views.
Coppergate Shopping Centre
0.1 km
Historic York’s vibrant open-air shopping centre blending culture, retail, and dining in the city’s ancient heart.
Fairfax House
0.1 km
Step into the refined world of Georgian York at Fairfax House, a stunningly preserved townhouse showcasing exquisite 18th-century art, architecture, and history.
JORVIK Viking Centre
0.2 km
Step into Viking-age York at JORVIK Viking Centre, where history comes alive through immersive rides, artefacts, and interactive experiences.
Ghost keeper - Meeting point
0.2 km
Explore York’s haunted streets with the Ghost Keeper tour—a thrilling blend of history, spooky tales, and theatrical storytelling.
Clifford's Tower, York
0.2 km
Explore York’s iconic Clifford's Tower, a historic fortress with panoramic city views and a millennium of dramatic history.
Parish of All Saints, Pavement
0.2 km
Discover York’s historic All Saints, Pavement—home to a medieval lantern tower beacon and centuries of rich heritage in the city’s heart.
Merchant Adventurers' Hall
0.2 km
Step into York’s medieval past at the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, a stunning timber-framed guildhall alive with history, commerce, and community spirit.
Essential places to dine
Corner Grill House
0.0 km
Award-winning Yorkshire steakhouse serving premium beef and local ingredients in York's vibrant city centre.
Rustique Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience authentic French flavors and vibrant bistro charm at Rustique, York’s beloved French restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and great value.
The Olive Tree
0.2 km
Authentic Mediterranean flavors and fresh seasonal dishes in the heart of historic York, near Clifford’s Tower.
31 Castlegate Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience refined modern European dining in the historic heart of York, blending seasonal flavors with warm hospitality.
Ate O'Clock
0.2 km
Enchanting modern British dining in York’s fairy-lit alley, blending classic flavors with stylish charm and warm hospitality.
Pavement Vaults
0.2 km
Experience York’s vibrant grill and bar scene with generous smoked meats, craft beers, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere at Pavement Vaults.
Casa Brazilian Rodizio
0.3 km
Experience authentic Brazilian rodizio dining with expertly grilled meats and vibrant flavors in the heart of York’s city centre.
The Whippet Inn
0.3 km
York’s hidden steakhouse gem offering ethically sourced beef, cozy ambiance, and exceptional Sunday roasts in a stylish adults-only setting.
Kapadokya
0.3 km
Experience authentic Turkish cuisine with generous portions and warm hospitality in the heart of historic York.
Wine Stories
0.3 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and an extensive wine selection in the cozy heart of York’s historic center at Wine Stories.
Ambiente Tapas Fossgate
0.3 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant atmosphere in York’s stylish Ambiente Tapas Fossgate, perfect for sharing, sipping, and socializing.
Marzano Italian & Grill
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of York’s vibrant Fossgate district.
The Blue Barbakan
0.3 km
Experience hearty Polish classics and warm hospitality in York’s vibrant Fossgate at The Blue Barbakan.
Cosy Club
0.3 km
Historic charm meets stylish dining and cocktails in York’s iconic Cosy Club on Fossgate, perfect for all-day indulgence and special celebrations.
Bill's York Restaurant
0.3 km
Colourful British comfort food in a historic York building, perfect for brunch, burgers and cocktails in the city centre.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
York Souvenir's
0.1 km
Discover authentic York treasures and charming souvenirs at this friendly, independent gift shop in the heart of York.
Dog & Bone Vintage
0.1 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique homewares in York’s charming Dog & Bone Vintage, where style meets sustainability across two floors.
Greybear
0.2 km
Discover timeless vintage treasures and unique gifts in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Greybear Vintage Gifts.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.2 km
Scandinavian creativity meets quirky British charm in this beloved gift and lifestyle shop.
Fenwick York
0.2 km
Discover luxury fashion, beauty, and homeware at Fenwick York, a boutique department store nestled in the heart of Coppergate Centre.
Give The Dog A Bone
0.3 km
Discover York’s quirky gift haven with two floors of unique treasures, from funky homeware to pop culture collectibles on historic Fossgate.
Gift Gallery
0.3 km
Discover unique gifts and charming souvenirs in the heart of York’s historic Shambles, where tradition meets thoughtful shopping.
Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts
0.3 km
Discover quirky, unique gifts and playful treasures in the heart of York’s historic Shambles at Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts.
Pride of York Souvenirs
0.3 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs in the heart of the historic Shambles at Pride of York Souvenirs.
Expressions
0.3 km
Discover unique vintage American sportswear and retro styles at Expressions, York’s friendly and authentic vintage clothing shop on historic Walmgate.
Hidden Treasures
0.4 km
Discover unique crystals and spiritual tools in a tranquil metaphysical shop at York’s George Hudson Street.
Take One Gifts
0.4 km
Explore Take One Gifts in York for unique souvenirs, artisan crafts, and memorable collectibles reflecting the city's charm.
Cello by Collectables
0.4 km
Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
Barghest
0.4 km
Discover Barghest, a quirky gift shop in York’s historic Shambles, offering unique film, TV, and music merchandise in a medieval setting.
The Medieval Scribe
0.4 km
Discover unique medieval-inspired crafts and artisanal treasures in the heart of York’s historic Church Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Plonkers
0.0 km
Family-run riverside wine bar and bistro in York serving home-cooked meals, fine wines, craft beers, and lively live music events since the 1980s.
The Stone Roses Bar
0.1 km
York’s premier indie music bar, blending iconic memorabilia with lively vibes and friendly service in a central city location.
Slug & Lettuce York Riverside
0.1 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York offering cocktails, casual dining, and vibrant social vibes with scenic river views.
The Three Tuns
0.1 km
Step into The Three Tuns, a centuries-old timber-framed pub on Coppergate offering historic charm and hearty Yorkshire hospitality in York’s heart.
Tank & Paddle York
0.1 km
Craft beer paradise in York with riverside views, stone-baked pizzas, and 19 screens showing all major sports events.
Social 8 Lounge
0.2 km
Stylish York lounge bar offering crafted cocktails, small plates, and boozy brunch in a relaxed, elegant setting with a courtyard garden.
Jalou York
0.2 km
Historic church transformed into a vibrant cocktail bar with creative drinks and lively nightlife in the heart of York.
Dyls
0.3 km
Historic bridge tower café-bar in York offering riverside views, locally sourced brunch, and vegan-friendly delights in a cozy, unique setting.
Pitcher & Piano York
0.3 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
Golden Fleece York
0.3 km
York’s oldest haunted pub offering historic charm, classic ales, cozy rooms, and a lively social atmosphere in the heart of the city.
The Blue Bell
0.3 km
York’s smallest and most beloved Edwardian pub, famed for its authentic atmosphere, quality ales, and warm community spirit.
The Hop York
0.3 km
A lively York city centre bar known for its craft beers, stone-baked pizzas, and vibrant live music in a historic Victorian setting.
The Fossgate Social
0.3 km
A lively independent bar and coffee shop on York’s Fossgate, known for craft drinks, specialty coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Dusk
0.3 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Revolution York
0.3 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York’s historic centre with multiple bars, garden terrace, and a vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Kuda
0.0 km
York’s vibrant nightclub offering diverse music, live DJs, and a lively late-night atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Popworld York
0.3 km
York’s vibrant pop music nightclub with a unique revolving dancefloor and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
BlueBox
0.3 km
York’s premier late-night nightclub, BlueBox pulses with House, Tech House, and Disco beats until dawn in a vibrant city-center setting.
Ziggy's Bar & Nightclub
0.4 km
York’s iconic student nightclub offering energetic dance floors, affordable drinks, and a lively atmosphere since the 1980s.
Bar 55 York
0.4 km
York’s exclusive strip club offering sophisticated adult entertainment and premium nightlife in a stylish, historic setting.
Flares - York
0.4 km
Experience York’s ultimate retro nightclub with decades-spanning hits, vibrant dance floors, and an inclusive party atmosphere.
Club Salvation
0.4 km
York’s vibrant nightclub with dual music rooms, lively atmosphere, and fair-priced drinks for an unforgettable night out.
Karaoke Rooms (KTV)
1.0 km
Experience lively private karaoke rooms in the heart of York’s vibrant nightlife at Chuandao Karaoke Bar.
Big Fellas Nightclub
33.2 km
A lively and casual nightclub in Pontefract offering energetic late-night dancing and drinks in a central urban setting.
Arabian Night Lounge
33.9 km
Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
Quadrophenia Night
34.4 km
Rev up for mod anthems, live ska-soul bands, and 60s film vibes at Leeds' ultimate Quadrophenia tribute night—pure energy and rebellion on the dancefloor.
Disco Stu's
34.7 km
Pulse-pounding beats and sticky-floored euphoria on Vicar Lane—Disco Stu's delivers unfiltered Leeds nightlife with affordable drinks and all-night energy.
The Lab Nightclub Leeds
34.7 km
Experience Leeds' electric nightlife at The Lab Nightclub, where music flows smoothly and the party never stops in the heart of the city.
The Key Club
34.8 km
Intimate, no-frills live-music club in central Leeds where punk, indie and alternative acts play close and loud beneath Merrion Street.
Wire
34.9 km
A compact, music-first basement club on Call Lane where tight crowds and a punchy sound system make late-night electronic parties feel immediate and intense.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Lively
- Casual
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Weekend Getaway
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly