THE INEPENDENT 2003

Make sure you don't miss the Blake Head Bookshop at 104 Micklegate (01904 62767; www.blakeheadbookshop.co.uk). A York institution, it's smallish but perfectly formed for foodies - you can browse through Jamie Oliver's latest book and then wander through to the cafe to satiate the resulting hunger pangs

1st PRIZE - START THE DAY - METRO (NEWSPAPER) FOOD & DRINK AWARDS 2005

What we wanted

Great coffee, myriad breakfast choices and fast, friendly service to fuel us for the day ahead

What we got

Health and efficiency with huge portions of scrumptious food in convivial surroundings. The full monty of a mixed grill with veggie sausages, fried eggs, tomatoes. mushrooms, beans and brown toast is perfect for the ravenous. Home-made cake is a decadent addition to he devilishly rich coffee for that early-morning sugar rush.