Lurking in a parade of shops just behind York racecourse, The Pig & Pastry is not the easiest place to spot – although it would be a shame to miss out on its honest-to-goodness grub and cheery vibes. This friendly, buzzy, arty café/deli serves fresh, homemade food at credit-crunch prices, which explains the merry mix of customers. Seating is at long wooden tables for sharing, so you might end up squished in between a group of yummy mummies and workmen in high-visibility jackets. Illy coffee, scones and cakes still warm from the oven are a treat, and wholesome sandwiches on home-baked bread are cheerfully dispatched – try Yorkshire ham and egg mayo or the more oddball haggis, bacon and sweet chilli. It’s also a grand place to pore over the papers and earwig some local gossip.