Hungate Reading Cafe

Cafe Ground Floor, Hungate, Bellerby Ct., Reading, York YO1 7AF, United Kingdom
$$$ cafe
(81 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to Hungate Reading Cafe, a delightful oasis tucked away in the charming city of York. Located at the ground floor of Bellerby Court, this café isn't just a spot to grab a cup of coffee; it's a haven for community engagement, relaxation, and a little slice of warmth in our fast-paced world.

As you step inside, you're greeted with the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and homemade treats. The ambience is quiet, warm, and welcoming, creating an ideal atmosphere for catching up with friends, enjoying a solitary moment with a book, or catching up on some much-needed work. The reviews speak for themselves: Mr. D appreciates the efficient service and friendly staff who make every visit enjoyable. Aurora Rory Buccheri describes the cafe as a magical place where happiness is palpable, highlighting its well-priced coffee and friendly vibes that feel like home.

Speaking of coffee, you can indulge in a rich, aromatic brew or explore a range of delectable homemade cakes and sweet treats, all crafted with care. One customer, Richard E, raved about the excellent value, noting how just £3 can get you a large Americano, which is a steal compared to larger chain cafés. The café also offers delicious toasties that Aurora suggests you try—perfect for a quick bite amidst your busy day.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, Hungate Reading Cafe's location off the tourist trail makes it an ideal retreat. It's particularly popular among students and families, as J. M-B's experience highlights—this is a place where kids can play with toys while parents sip their coffee, making it a perfect family-friendly spot. Plus, with recent reviews praising its fast WiFi, this café doubles as a productive work environment, with Emily Warner remarking on how it makes the ideal work café.

What truly sets Hungate Reading Cafe apart is the community it fosters. It’s not just about food and coffee; it's about connection and creating joyous memories. Maria Anna Corvaglia chose this charming spot to celebrate her daughter’s birthday, and she applauded the helpfulness of the staff in making the day special. The space is adaptable and accommodating, making it easy for you to host gatherings or simply enjoy a quiet moment.

If you haven’t yet discovered this hidden gem, make it a point to stop by. Its cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious offerings mean you're bound to leave with a smile. Just heed Mr. D's suggestion: let others know about this cafe so everyone can experience its charm. With its combination of great coffee, delectable food, and a supportive community vibe, Hungate Reading Cafe is a must-visit in York!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Live performances
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Free water refills
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

81 Reviews
Mr D (Honest Opinion)

12 Sep 2025

Great staff, friendly, efficient service. Food menu, not massive but totally adequate for a cafe. Ambience quiet, warm and welcoming. Maybe needs advertising the cafe is here, tucked away down a side street. Not many people know of it in my opinion. Would recommend.

Aurora Rory Buccheri

07 Sep 2025

The best café in York for amazing vibes, good and well-priced coffee and the best warmest staff. This feels like being home but better - people are visibly happier when they walk out the door than when they come in and I believe this place has achieved a sort of magic. Also the toasties are very tasty!!

Rob K

02 Sep 2025

Part of the library service, accessible to all. Nice spot to enjoy a coffee and a tasty treat, off the tourist trail. Resident card holders receive 10% discount. Close by St John Central, ideal spot for students. If this review was helpful please give it a like below.

Emily Warner

04 Aug 2025

This was such a good work cafe. It had fast WiFi, plugs, lovely service and great coffee. It’s also quite quiet which makes it a nice place to focus.

J. M-B

17 Jul 2025

Hungate Reading Cafe is a little hidden gem in York's city centre! Our family visits often with our toddler, and it's one of very few places where we can have a relaxed coffee as she looks at books and plays with toys. We held her 3rd birthday party here in December, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. Sofia and Dania were so warm and accommodating and did everything to make sure the day went smoothly. We highly recommend Hungate to anyone looking for a welcoming and family-friendly space!

Richard E

13 Jun 2025

I stopped off for a coffee and a sweet treat (flapjack). All the cakes etc. are home made and look delicious. The coffee and flapjack were excellent. £3 for a large Americano, which is very good value for money and cheaper than the well known national chains.

Caterine Clennell

07 Jun 2025

Good place to work with fast wifi, though not all tables have plugs. There's often children so it could get loud. Strong coffee.

Maria Anna Corvaglia

07 Jun 2025

I celebrated here my daughter birthday party and it was the best decision ever! The cafe is absolutely the ideal location for a party: plenty of space for the kids to run, plus toys and book available. Sofia, the cafe manager, was extremely helpful: she let us decorate as much as we liked and prepared delicious sandwiches for all of us! Brilliant!

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