About Us
Indie York’s (York Independent Business Association) is a not-for-profit association. Its inception came about after York was seriously affected by floods on Boxing Day, 2015. Instigated by our first chairman, Johnny Hayes, it was an initial reaction to support York’s huge variety of independent businesses through a difficult time; the aim being to raise awareness of the wealth of wonderful independents in our city. Established in 2016, Indie York started with 30 businesses, has now grown to over 200 and we’re very happy to say that we’re still growing. It’s these shops, restaurants, stalls, cafes and other businesses mixed with the city’s historic sights and quirky streets that make York such a unique place to live, work and visit.
Indie York brings these businesses together to support them and help them grow and thrive. Our website, social media and paper map provide a useful guide for residents, tourists and students; showcasing York’s unique alternatives to the usual high street names. Every business is a star in its own right.
York is also known for its indie ‘quarters’ such as the Fossgate, Swinegate Latin quarter, The Shambles, Micklegate and Bishy Road as well as the ‘Fifth Quarter’ which includes Bootham and Gillygate businesses. We hope the Indie York map and website will be a great starting point to help you discover and share the huge range of extraordinary businesses; from specialist shops and cosy cafés, to eclectic galleries and world-class restaurants in York.
Our association is run by our volunteer Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and a team of volunteers who make up our Steering Committee as well as our paid part-time Administrator who oversees the day to day running of Indie York. The Steering Committee are all members of Indie York, some long standing and some new, they cover all sectors and locations in the city.
Rebecca Hill
My name is Rebecca and my partner and I own Galtres Lodge and its Forest restaurant on Low Petergate. We have been Indie York members since we took on the business in October 2018, and I joined the steering committee over a year ago after helping develop the new Indie York website. I was voted in as the new Chairperson in February 2021, after founding Chairman, Johnny Hayes stepped down. They were very big shoes to fill, but the support for independent businesses is huge, and as a steering committee we are a strong and diverse group of volunteers who are all dedicated to promoting Indie York and its member businesses.
Andy Masheder
My name is Andy Masheder and I am the Indie York Treasurer. I am the owner of Monk Bar Model Shop, a family-owned independent model shop established in 1963 and still trading from the same location just inside Monk Bar. We are a founding member of Indie York and proud to be one of the many independent businesses trading in York.
Andrew Lowson
Andrew began his career undertaking commercial master planning and project management within the aviation and rail sectors. From this he worked in the area of economic development for a government agency before becoming Managing Director of a York based events company, where he helped double turnover and expanded operations into the south of the UK. Andrew was appointed as Executive Director of the York BID due to his experience of running a small business alongside his understanding of working with multiple stakeholders on economic improvement programmes; not to mention his passion for York. Andrew has been a member of the Indie York Steering Committee since our inception in 2016.
Polly Bennet
Polly Bennett runs Little Vikings, an independent, influential print and online guide to the best of York (and beyond) for kids. A mother of three, Polly founded the business in 2013 to help local and visiting families discover the best of family-friendly York through the Little Vikings print guides, website, newsletter, annual awards and social media channels. Polly is the Indie York Services Sector Champion and shares the marketing coordinator role with Rebecca.
Jonathan Burgoyne
I am Jonathan and I am the Fundraising/Sponsorship Champion as well as the Stay Champion for Indie York.
Alongside my husband, Anthony, we own a small boutique hotel here in York called The Bishop & The Bison. It is our interpretation of the quintessential English B&B. We aim to be a refreshing new addition to the York hospitality market.
Rupert Harrison
Rupert Harrison is the hairy one behind the York based Black Yak brand. After a career in agriculture and computers he finally saw the light and started Black Yak as a Fair-Trade clothing and accessories business importing hand knitted woollens from Nepal. He is a proudly independent York retailer and wholesaler and has been trading at York market and St Nicholas Christmas fair for the past 25 years. Rupert uses his experience of fairs, markets and exhibitions to work on events with Indie York.
Our Journey
Indie York’s (York Independent Business Association) inception came about after York was seriously affected by floods on Boxing Day, 2015. Instigated by our chairman, Johnny Hayes, it was an initial reaction to support York’s huge variety of independent businesses through a difficult time; the aim being to raise awareness of the wealth of wonderful independents in our city. Established in 2016, Indie York started with 30 businesses, has now grown to 200 and we’re very happy to say that we’re still growing. It’s these shops, restaurants, stalls, cafes and other businesses mixed with the city’s historic sights and quirky streets that make York such a unique place to live, work and visit.
Indie York brings these businesses together to support them and help them grow and thrive. Our website, social media and paper map provide a useful guide for residents and tourists alike; showcasing York’s wonderful alternatives to the usual high street names. Every business is a star in its own right.
York is also known for its indie ‘quarters’ such as the Fossgate, Swinegate Latin quarter, The Shambles, Micklegate and Bishy Road as well as the ‘Fifth Quarter’ which includes Bootham and Gillygate businesses. We hope the Indie York map and website will be a great starting point to help you discover and share, the huge range of extraordinary businesses from specialist shops and brilliant cafés, to intriguing galleries and top restaurants in York.
Acomb is a vibrant local shopping area with a really varied mix of excellent Independents. A great place for all your shopping needs in a well-loved local shopping centre.
Bishy Road is a traditional local parade with a very strong Independent mix of shops, restaurants and other businesses. In 2015 Bishy Road was awarded the GB High Street of the Year Award.
Gillygate and Bootham is known as the Fifth Quarter. It has a fantastic range of independents; a fascinating mix of unique businesses.
Fishergate & Fulford has some outstanding shops, restaurants and businesses. This local area has an array of unusual independent businesses.
Fossgate is one of the most unique shopping and drinking experiences in York and beyond. A real Independent stronghold.
Goodramgate has been a street for shopping eating and drinking that’s history goes back to its Viking origins. A great Independent street with a real mix of Indie shops restaurants and other businesses.
The main entrance into the City from the south through Micklegate Bar. Superb, independently run restaurants, bars and shops line an interesting and eclectic thoroughfare into the city.
The world renowned historic street that has Independents in abundance. Shops, restaurants and businesses packed into this vibrant street.
This lively city centre market is open seven days a week with a great mixture of traditional and contemporary shops and stalls and some exceptional street food.
One of York’s most popular historic streets. On this architecturally varied street there are many boutiques, shops, restaurants and bars to visit. A dizzying array of great Indie businesses to visit sitting side by side with the city’s history.
There is probably the highest percentage of independent businesses on this thoroughfare into the city. Wonderful niche shops, restaurants, pubs and unusual businesses are all there to be discovered.