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Eating at Treasurer’s House

Visitors relaxing in the Orangery Café at Ham House and Garden, London
Relax over a cuppa in the café at Treasurer's House | © National Trust Images/Oskar Proctor

Drop into the café below stairs when you're next in York. House tickets are not needed and you can enjoy freshly prepared lunches and treats in this rather unique historic setting.

Free to visit

The café is separate to the house and can be enjoyed as part of your visit, however house tickets are not needed. If you're meeting friends or family in York and want a different destination, a servants basement no less, then drop-in and let our cooks treat your tastebuds. The scones are award winning... come and see for yourself.

Accessed by stairs

Please note, the café and toilets can only be accessed via several steps. 

What's on the menu?

The daily menu changes, stop by to see the day's treats. Here's a flavour of what you can expect to be on offer ...

  • Freshly baked scones including the latest scone of the month
  • Freshly cooked cakes and bakes
  • Soup 
  • Jacket potatoes
  • Sandwiches
  • Hot and cold drinks

Gluten free and vegan options are available as well as oat and soya milk for hot drinks. 

 

Remember your reuseable cup

You are more than welcome to bring your own reusable cup – you'll get 25p off your hot drink as a thank you.

A close up of a scone covered in cream and jam
Try a new flavour or stick with a traditional favourite fruit scone | © National Trust Images / William Shaw

I have travelled 200 miles for a scone. That scone looks amazing and smells amazing. Surely it can't be as nice as I am anticipating? Readers, it was off the scale delicious. That first bite of Christmas pudding scone with brandy butter will remain with me for a very long time.

A quote by Sarah Merker Scone Blogger

Scone champion

Home to the National Trust Scone Blogger's favourite ever scone.

Read the full blog from their initial visit and first taste of the infamous Christmas pudding scone. When the quest to try scones at all National Trust places was completed several years later... this moment and scone from Treasurer's House, was given the accolade of being the top of the tasting charts. 

Served during the festive season, our same skilled bakers make scones fresh each week, with flavours changing each month. So a delicious scone can be enjoyed in spring, summer and autumn... not just at Christmas.

 

Allergen information

Most of the food and drink served is prepared on site in our kitchen, using a wide range of ingredients. As a result, we can’t guarantee that any of our food and drink products are completely allergen free. 

If you have an allergy or intolerance and would like ingredient information about the food and drink served, please ask the staff, who will be happy to help.

Always check when you visit

Visited before? We sometimes change our recipes to improve quality and flavour, including the ingredients. When you visit, please speak to one of our team to check the current allergen information for your favourite dish.

 

Thank you

Every cuppa or tasty treat you buy helps us to continue looking after places for everyone to enjoy.

wooden bookshelves filled with books in a stone room
Pick up a pre-loved page turner on your next visit | © National Trust Images/Rebecca Hughes

Second-hand books

In the below stairs area of Treasurer's House, next to the café are book shelves with donations of pre-loved books. It's the perfect virtuous circle, peruse and pick one out if you're having a brew. When you've found something you like, leave your donation and take it home for your next read. 

If and when you're having a book clear out yourself, donate back for onward sale. All donations support the work of the National Trust, including looking after the places in our care in York. 

Where is the shop?

With limited space in the small rooms of the historic house, there isn't a shop inside the building. However just a short walk around the corner is the large city centre shop. With enviable views of York Minster, and located in a large corner building that was donated to the National Trust by Mr. Frank Green at the same time as Treasurer's House. Drop by as part of your visit, or whenever you're in the city. Your purchases here, support the conservation work of the charity, including our places in York. 

 

A view of the garden and south facade of Treasurer's House, Yorkshire

Book your visit

Pre-booking a tour is advised to guarantee your chosen day and time slot. Please select your chosen arrival window and the tour will depart at the end of this time. You can book for today up until 8am, and the next slots will be released every Thursday. If you've missed booking, drop into admissions and the team will book you on the next available tour.

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Recipes 

Browse a selection of recipes made by our chefs and experts, from classics such as cheese scones and family-friendly cakes to vegetarian dishes and seasonal delights.