Café No.8 Bistro in York Celebrates 24th Anniversary and Aims for Michelin Recognition

Café No.8 Bistro, a beloved eatery located on Gillygate in York, has just celebrated a significant milestone—its 24th anniversary. This achievement is particularly noteworthy in a city where many independent restaurants face tough competition. Co-owners Chris Pragnell and Martin Gore have not only marked this special occasion but are also setting their sights on an exciting new goal: gaining recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide.

Café No.8’s Journey

Since opening its doors in 2002, Café No.8 has become a staple in York’s dining scene. The bistro is well-known for its informal fine dining experience, where guests can enjoy delicious meals in a relaxed atmosphere. Chris and Martin have worked hard to ensure that the bistro remains a welcoming space for everyone, combining their strengths—Chris in the kitchen crafting seasonal menus, and Martin managing the front of house.

Gourmet dish with vegetables and a bright orange center

Gourmet dish with asparagus, peas, and edible flowers

Gourmet dish with roast beef, potato, peas, and sauce

Dessert glass with creamy panna cotta, raspberries, and nuts

The Challenge of Competition

Over the years, the hospitality industry in York has become increasingly competitive. Chris notes:

“Staying open is far more challenging than it was 24 years ago. But Martin and I believe Café No.8 continues to thrive because we put the customer experience before profit.”

This customer-first approach has helped the bistro build a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.

One of the unique aspects of Café No.8 is its pricing strategy. Unlike many restaurants that inflate prices during peak seasons like Christmas or Valentine’s Day, Café No.8 aims to keep its prices reasonable year-round. Chris explains

“If our customers have a positive experience with us, they are more likely to return and recommend us to others.”

This philosophy has proven successful, as many diners return time and again to enjoy the fresh, seasonal dishes prepared from scratch in the bistro’s kitchen.

Innovations and Changes

Recently, Café No.8 has made some changes to improve the work-life balance for its small team of eight staff members. The bistro is now open in the evenings and for Sunday lunches only, allowing everyone to have more time off while still serving its dedicated clientele. Additionally, Café No.8 has reintroduced art exhibitions featuring local artists, adding a cultural touch to the dining experience.

As dietary preferences evolve, Café No.8 has also adapted by expanding its menu to cater to various dietary needs. Martin shares:

“There’s been a real shift in recent years, with more people choosing meat-free diets or feeling more confident dining out as allergen-aware options become more widely available.”

While the bistro does not specifically market itself as a dietary-requirements restaurant, it is always willing to accommodate special requests when notified in advance. For example, a couple recently requested a gluten-free Yorkshire pudding for their Sunday roast, which is a rarity and was happily provided.

Aiming for Michelin Recognition

Looking ahead, Chris and Martin are eager to achieve recognition from the Michelin Guide, a prestigious accolade in the culinary world.

Martin explains:

“We’re proud to have achieved many awards over the years, and being recognised by the Michelin Guide would really be the icing on the cake.”

Chris adds:

“The general feeling among the team is that we offer something genuinely unique: removing the pretence from fine dining and creating a relaxed experience that feels welcoming to all.”