Social8 Lounge is a brunch-to-cocktails spot in York with Instagram-worthy decor and a playful, fun atmosphere. Set in the heart of the city, it combines food, wine, beer and a substantial cocktail list in a relaxed space that works just as well for a casual lunch as it does for a few drinks before dinner.
The food menu is broad and geared towards sociable eating. Brunch is an all-day affair with options such as eggs Benedict, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, Scotch pancakes with either bacon and maple syrup or berries and mascarpone, and a hash brown stack topped with avocado and a choice of halloumi, chorizo or wild garlic mushrooms.
Later in the day, the menu swaps brunch classics for seasonal small plates and sharers. You might try garlic tiger prawns in a tomato, red onion, garlic and chilli sauce, or crispy chilli beef served with pak choi and sesame. Elsewhere, look out for pulled pork spring rolls with chipotle mayonnaise, breaded seabass strips with crispy capers and lemon mayonnaise, and buffalo mozzarella and basil arancini in a rich chilli Napoli sauce. There are bigger sharers too, including a Social8 board piled with halloumi fries, Cajun seabass strips, pork Scotch egg, hot honey chicken wings, Cajun fries and garlic bread. Cheese boards and loaded fries give groups a more grazing-style option.
Drinks are also a major part of the appeal. Signature cocktails include a Rose and Rhubarb Martini with York Gin, a Spicy Mango Margarita, an Elderflower York Collins and a lemon cheesecake cocktail which brings together limoncello and gingerbread syrup. While weekly entertainment adds another reason to return: Mondays bring a speed quiz, while live music takes over on Thursday, Friday and Sunday evenings.
As for the space, think patterned wallpaper, velvet furnishings, a statement bar and pastel tiling that make Social8 Lounge a beautiful place to spend any time of day.