Some food stories start with a recipe. Ben Thorpe’s started with a city. In 2014 he launched York on a Fork, a love letter to York’s independent food scene. Today, he’s turned that passion into the Discover York Food Tour, a guided tasting adventure through the city’s best indie spots – thoughtfully curated, welcoming, and unforgettable for anyone who believes the most meaningful gifts are the ones you share and savour together.
From blog to bite: Ben’s local food journey
- In 2014, Ben began York on a Fork to celebrate the city’s makers and menus – and he’s since become a respected food and drink voice in York and beyond.
- He’s worked with York Food & Drink Festival since 2018 on demos and Taste & Drinks trails, and now judges for the Guild of Fine Food’s Great Taste Awards – evidence of a palate and perspective you can trust.
We caught up with Ben to chat tattoos, food memories and why York’s chefs and producers are some of the most resilient around.
About You & York on a Fork
For anyone who hasn’t come across York on a Fork yet, how would you describe what it’s all about?
It’s all about sharing the best of food and drink from York however I can. Initially that was through a website, then social media channels became increasingly important and most recently I’ve been offering food tours which involve me taking you across the city, telling you a bit about its history and feeding you well at a variety of my favourite spots. I guess I think of myself as something of an ambassador for York and its hospitality scene.
What first inspired you to start writing about food in York?
I realised I was spending a disproportionate amount of my working day answering emails from colleagues looking for restaurant recommendations. Starting a website to share that hard-earning knowledge felt like a natural progression and a good way to justify spending too much on meals out. I had no idea where it would lead back then or how it would take over my life!
We’ve heard you’ve got the cutlery from your York on a Fork logo tattooed on your arms – that’s serious dedication! What’s the story behind that?
It’s important to commit to your brand! I got the fork done at a tattoo expo in London in 2016 on a trip to see the Wu-Tang Clan, on a bit of a whim to be honest. It turned out though that the tattooist I chose to discuss it with was the daughter of Henk Schiffmacher, whose book on tattooing I have and whose Amsterdam studio is world famous. That felt rather serendipitous so a few years later when visiting Amsterdam I arranged to visit at her studio to get a matching knife. Top tip….do NOT get both your biceps tattooed just hours before you have to hold a toddler on a plane for 2 hours.
What’s the most memorable meal or food experience you’ve had in Yorkshire?
I’ve been so lucky to enjoy a lot of fantastic meals. Being invited to attend the meal for the Top 50 UK Gastropubs awards when it was hosted by Andrew Pern was pretty special and a great privilege. A Great British Menu themed meal in Newcastle with Tommy Banks and Josh Overington was as spectacular as it sounds. It’s not always the fancy stuff that sticks in the mind though, finding and visiting incredible small independents such as Ippuku Tea House or Black Wheat Club is just as fun and rewarding.
On Yorkshire & Local Food
How would you describe the Yorkshire food scene right now?
Resilient. It goes without saying that we have incredibly talented chefs working with stunning local produce to provide unique experiences… but the climate in which they’re doing it is increasingly tricky with consumer spending habits becoming unpredictable and costs rising at a shocking rate. Knowing how challenging it is right now it blows me away that we have the offering that we do.
Are there any independent chefs, producers, or restaurants in the region that you think deserve more recognition?
Too many to list. It’s so much work keeping a hospitality business moving forward that even the best small operators can struggle to find time to shout about what they’re achieving. I’d point to the Food Circle community based in Tang Hall as an example of really exceptional producers coming together to deliver something special for both the local community and all of York.
What’s your favourite hidden gem in York that locals might overlook?
Check out the deep fried lasagne at Biga+ on Walmgate for something ridiculously indulgent! Arras never quite seems to get the recognition it deserves either despite knocking out some amazing plates. We have some incredible bakeries in the centre of York but a bit further out you can find Das Brothaus in Fulford baking some lovely stuff. The Old Liquor store is a gem too over toward the racecourse.
On the Food Tour Experience
What’s the lasting impression you hope people take away from your tours – something that stays with them long after the last bite?
I want people to go away with a real sense of what the food scene in York consists of and how it contributes to the fabric of our historic city. My memories of food tours I’ve done as a tourist in other cities don’t so much consist of specifics but getting a sense of how food and hospitality contributes to the local culture and how it’s been shaped by the local history. I’m passionate about York and showing it off to people, I think that comes through quite strongly!
What’s the best reaction you’ve had from someone taking part in one of your food experiences?
A Texan exclaiming he couldn’t believe he’d found the best bbq he’d ever had in York was pretty memorable and a great endorsement for Shambles Smokehouse! I just love helping people appreciate the variety and strength of the hospitality offering in York.
On Independence, Community & Passion
As someone deeply involved in the local food scene, what does “supporting local” mean to you personally?
Nothing more complicated than those two words. Local businesses spend money that they take supporting local jobs, local producers and contributing to the local economy which underpins our city rather than pushing profit back to distant shareholders. Clearly we need businesses of that structure and size nationally and with some local presence but without exception every group I show around comments on the number of independent shops in the city, which gives it such a unique character. I’m proud to sit on the steering committee of Indie York which works hard to promote independent businesses in York.
Running an independent venture takes real passion – what keeps you motivated?
Well I certainly don’t want to have to get a “proper” job again! Food & drink in York is always moving forward and there’s always something new around the corner as well as established stalwarts of the scene to frequent. Eleven years in and it’s not felt like a chore yet.
Fun, Quick-Fire Round
Yorkshire pudding: before or after the main course?
Before
Sweet or savoury?
Always savoury
Favourite place in Yorkshire to unwind?
The Phoenix Inn. A fantastic local pub which serves its community brilliantly and sparks all sorts of connections. I often suggest visitors from overseas try taking a seat at the bar and experience proper British pub culture. I’m also captain of the Bar Billiards team, though I generally escape before the live jazz starts…
What you’ll taste on the Discover York Food Tour
- A 3-hour, guided wander with six delicious stops and two drinks, tracing a route from Museum Gardens to Walmgate’s indie heartlands (alcohol-free options available).
- Signature stops typically include Love Cheese, Drakes Fish & Chips, Shambles Kitchen, York Cocoa Works, Ambiente, and The Chopping Block at Walmgate Ale House, each a story of local craft and community.
- Tours run on Thursdays; most dietary needs can be accommodated with notice, and there are a few steps at certain venues noted for accessibility planning.
Why thoughtful gift givers love it
- It’s shared time, not more “stuff”, a gift that creates memories, supports independents, and feels personal to York.
- Priced at £75.00 per person, it’s easy to gift as a voucher and let them pick a date that suits.
- Flexible, worry-free gifting: easy exchanges, 30-day refunds, and generous redemption windows – 6 months to activate and a further 6 months to book.
- E‑vouchers arrive instantly; you can also add a keepsake gift box for £4.50 P&P.
Backing local makers with every step
Every stop champions small, independent food businesses – the cheesemonger who knows their makers by name, the chocolatier crafting from ethically sourced beans, the chippy perfecting a Yorkshire classic. Joining Ben’s tour is a simple, joyful way to invest in York’s indie economy while discovering the stories behind the flavours you love.
Quick highlights
- 3 hours, 6 stops, 2 drinks included; alcohol-free options available.
- Expert-led by Ben Thorpe, York on a Fork founder and Great Taste Awards judge.
- Thursdays in York city centre; dietary needs with notice.
- Buy with confidence: easy exchanges, 30-day refunds, flexible redemptions.
How to gift it
Choose a digital e‑voucher delivered instantly to their inbox, or a beautifully presented gift box for posting. They’ll have 12 months to redeem (6+6), with flexible options if plans change. A thoughtful gift that tastes as good as it feels to give.