SPARK:York CIC

Really big fan of Spark - great variety of food on offer. Also attend fitness classes with Ossie and love them. Have attended Quingo and greatly enjoyed that too :)
May 3rd, 2023

May 2nd, 2023

Fantastic spot in York for some drinks in the sun
Apr 30th, 2023

Epic food and drink
Apr 28th, 2023

A victim of its own success. We went to Spark a few (3-4) times before lockdown and really enjoyed ourselves. We saw Christmas films and ate food from the amazing food stalls on offer as well as popped in for a lunch during a day of shopping. Each time we loved the atmosphere and the variety of food choices. It had a really creat buzz about it and a very casual atmosphere. We loved the creative and community centered vibe that the place gave off and as small business owners, we always love supporting local community businesses and projects. So recently, when we went into York for a day, we thought we would pop by for a lunch. We were so disappointed to find that the entire experience can now only be described as "rigid" and "hectic". We had to queue at the door (totally fine by us) and when we were let in, we were shuttled to the tables and told where we were to sit - browsing or choosing our own seat was clearly discouraged. There was barely room for the two of us on the table and every inch of the place was rammed with people. You could no longer order directly from the food vendors which was a real shame. I love having the option to order from an app for delivery to my seat... but when ordering from street food vendors... I really prefer to be able to talk to them directly, ask questions, browse their offerings and even ask for an order to have amendments such as taking off an ingredient I don't like, etc. That is part of the charm of supporting small businesses. However you HAD to order from the app - no options. The whole experience was a bit of a "human drive through"..... get in.. sit where you are told.... order how you are told... eat your food and then get the heck outta there. NEXT! No human interaction. No personal choice. No personal space (don't mind sharing a table but yeeeesh... their legs were touching me, the table was so crammed). No feeling of relaxing time to yourself. Personally, I would rather get food from the market near the Shambles so I don't feel like I am being policed by the dinner ladies in a self important canteen.
Apr 30th, 2023