Skip to content 
Smoked Sandwiches & Shawarma
Shambles Kitchen – Best Pulled Pork & Beef Brisket in York
Beef & pork specials, shawarma (including vegan), house-smoked meats, artisan homemade sauces & indoor/outdoor seating. Low ’n’ slow smoked meats, piled high on artisan bread – right on the most picturesque street in the UK.
- 28 Shambles, York YO1 7LX
- Mon-Sat-11:00-04:00
- 01904674684
- 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆(525+)
The Story
Tucked away on York’s world‑famous medieval Shambles, Shambles Kitchen is a legendary smokehouse and sandwich shop that has become a must‑visit destination for food lovers from across the globe. Founded in 2013, this small but mighty takeaway‑focused shop has earned national acclaim for its uncompromising approach to smoked meats and street food.
The name says it all: we smoke all our own meats – low ’n’ slow, over burning oak – right behind the shop on the historic Shambles. We make every sauce and marinade from scratch, and our artisan bread is baked fresh each morning by a local baker.
GQ Magazine hailed us as responsible for “re‑invigorating York’s culinary flair”. The Guardian called our pulled pork “dripping in its own juices and long on flavour”. And Buzzfeed named us one of “21 Things You Must Eat In York”.
Whether you’re a local in search of the best lunch in York or a visitor exploring the Shambles, you’ll find a warm welcome, friendly staff, and a sandwich you’ll never forget.
WHAT THEY SERVE
At Shambles Kitchen, we specialise in house-smoked meats, hearty sandwiches, fresh shawarma, and vegan-friendly alternatives. Our menu brings big flavours, using top-quality Yorkshire ingredients, slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, pastrami, beef barbacoa, and Lebanese-style chicken shawarma.
We also offer vegan shawarma, artisan focaccia buns, warm rye rolls, homemade sauces, and gluten-free options at our Smokehouse Burrito stall behind the main shop.
What They Sell & Services
Signature Sandwiches
- The Dick Turpin – Beef Reuben
- The Harry Trotter – Pulled Pork
- The Dame Judy Hench – Ham & Pulled Pork
- The Guy Fawkes – Beef Barbacoa
- The Trufflepuff – Pulled Pork with Truffle Mayo
Shawarma
- Chicken Shawarma
- Vegan Shawarma (“It’s Not Chicken”)
House-Smoked Specialities
- Smoked brisket
- Smoked pork collar
- Smoked gammon
- Smoked beef shin
Extras & Options
- Artisan breads
- Homemade sauces (Shambles Mayo, Apple BBQ, Aioli, Sriracha)
- Gluten-free options (available at Smokehouse Burrito stall)
Dining & Seating
- Indoor seating at St Crux Church
- Outdoor seating supported by York BID
Why Customers Love Shambles Kitchen
- Low ’n’ slow smoked meats– We smoke our own beef, pork and chicken over burning oak, right behind the shop. Our pulled pork is slow‑cooked for up to 12 hours.
- Everything made from scratch– Marinades, pickles, sauces and slaws – all homemade, every day.
- Artisan bread from a local baker– Our focaccia and rye buns are baked fresh each morning, exclusively for us.
- Clever, memorable names– Each sandwich is named after a famous York character – from Guy Fawkes to Dick Turpin.
- Generous portions– Our sandwiches are famously stacked high. You won’t leave hungry.
- Friendly, passionate staff– Our team genuinely love what they do. You’ll often hear them singing while they work!
- Takeaway‑focused but flexible– We have a few seats inside, but most customers take away and enjoy their food in the nearby Shambles Market covered seating area.
- Vegetarian, vegan and gluten‑free options– Jackfruit burritos, vegan shawarma and gluten‑free bowls available.
- Children welcome– Kids’ menu available, and we’re great with little ones.
What Our Customers Say
We’re proud to have earned a 4.6/5 rating on Google (over 305 reviews) and 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor for Food, Service, Value and Atmosphere. Here’s what people are saying:
“Visited here today, tried the Guy Fawkes sandwich. Literally one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever put in my mouth – the meat, the bread just unbelievable. Soooo so tasty and fresh. Cannot recommend enough!”
— Byrne518, Tripadvisor (August 2025)
“The Shambles Kitchen is a very popular choice in the city of York and always has queues outside of it. The staff were very friendly and seemed to very much enjoy their job which was nice to see. The food tasted amazing – we are glad we indulged.”
— Charlie T, Tripadvisor (January 2026)
“Stumbled onto this place while wandering through the Shambles. Perfectly smoked meat with the additions of the sandwich and wrapped in wonderful fresh bread. It’s definitely worth a visit.”
— IanC818, Tripadvisor (March 13 2026)
“I will come back to York only to eat a few sandwiches from this place – absolutely delicious. Thank u for the delicious food, u guys are doing god’s work.”
— Checkle review (April 2024)
“This place is one of the only reasons we keep coming back to York. These sandwiches are the BEST.”
— Checkle review (Feburary 13 2026)
*“I’ve tried the trufflepuff and the Judy Hench and both are good, but the Judy Hench is my favourite so far. My partner has had the vegan shawarma twice and loves it. Very quick – you get a little buzzer and have only waited 5/10 minutes.”*
— Checkle review (April 2024)
FAQs
What day is the Shambles Market on?
Is there seating?
Do you have vegan options?
How long is the wait for food?
Is the shop wheelchair accessible?
More Stories for You
Traditional barber shop on Lemon Street, Truro. Men’s haircuts, skin fades, beard trims, hot towel shaves & children’s cuts. Walk‑ins welcome. Open 7 days. Book online.
Blend 71 is a small, independent cafe at 71 Lemon Street, Truro. We serve freshly made ciabatta sandwiches (including the famous Festive Chicken Club), Monmouth coffee, homemade cakes, and breakfast options. Open weekdays only. Takeaway available. Dog friendly.
Discover Kernow Churros in Truro, serving vegan churros, hot doughnuts, and delicious toppings at Truro Farmers’ Market on Lemon Quay.
Subscribe My Newsletter
Make sure you’re always up to date with fresh content.
Every new post will reach you without delay.
