(Image: The Press)
York’s hospitality scene has a fresh star - Black Wheat Club has been named New Opening of the Year in the city's newest awards celebrating the food and drink sector.
The independent business, based on Fossgate, clinched the coveted accolade in The Press Food and Drink Awards, after making a remarkable impact on York's food scene in less than two years.
It has quickly established itself as one of the city's most exciting destinations, winning praise for its outstanding food, warm hospitality and unwavering commitment to quality.
Since opening in 2025, Black Wheat Club has built a loyal following through its unique combination of bakery and restaurant.
Lydia Harrison, Robin Mountford, and Billy Griffin, from Black Wheat Club which scooped New Opening of the Year.
By day, customers flock to the venue for freshly baked sourdough, pastries and artisan goods produced in-house. By evening, the space transforms into a relaxed dining room where seasonal ingredients, thoughtful cooking and carefully selected wines take centre stage.
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Judges recognised the venue's ability to successfully create two complementary experiences under one roof while maintaining consistently high standards across both.
Prof Sarah Brown, of the Merchant Adventurers, which sponsored the New Opening Of the Year category.
The award marks another milestone in a standout first chapter for the business, which has already received national recognition through inclusion in The Good Food Guide's Top 100 Best Local Restaurants in the UK for 2025.
Owners Marta Obuchowska and Tomasz Mlynarski have been at the heart of the venture's success, helping to create a welcoming, community-focused destination built on integrity, sustainability and a genuine passion for hospitality.
Their hands-on approach, alongside the dedication of a growing local team, has helped Black Wheat Club thrive despite the challenges facing the hospitality sector.
New Opening of the Year was sponsored by The Company of Merchant Adventurers.
The business has also been praised for its strong relationships with local suppliers and producers, as well as its commitment to seasonality and supporting York's independent food culture.
Looking ahead, Black Wheat Club plans to expand its bakery offering, introduce more collaborative dining events and continue investing in staff development.
For a business still in its infancy, the future looks exceptionally bright, making Black Wheat Club a worthy winner of this year's New Opening of the Year award.
These new awards were held on Monday, October 5, at the National Railway Museum as a huge celebration of the talent, innovation and diversity within the area's food and drink sector.
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