First look: Inside The Divine Project, York's newest cafe

COFFEE lovers made a beeline for a new cafe that has opened in York city centre today.

Trade was reported as "busy" by staff and owners of The Divine Project, a specialist coffee shop focusing on 'freshly roasted, genuinely good coffee', which opened at 22-24, Market Street today.

The shop was previously Toymaster and before that, The Early Learning Centre.

An Iced Latte and coffee cake at The Divine ProjectAn Iced Latte and coffee cake at The Divine Project

The new venture is a collaboration between the owners of North South bar in Bootham and Divine Coffee Roasters, a York-based coffee roastery which also has a cafe in Micklegate.

Keeping it local is the motto here - the traybakes are from the Little Blondie Bakehouse, which has a base in Walmgate, with pastries from Scandinavian specialist bakery Baltzersen's of Harrogate.

The inside of the new coffee house is light and airy, with a no-fuss Nordic feel.

Inside The Divine Project - York's newest coffee shopInside The Divine Project - York's newest coffee shop

The coffee menu is mounted on boards on the wall behind the serving desk and features all the favourites from Americano and Espresso to Flat White, Latte, Cappuccino and Mocha. Customers can also have a Cortado, Macchiato and Cold Brew. Prices are from £3.20 to £4.

Iced coffees and tea are also available as are a range of cold cans straight from the fridge.

There is a tea menu too, featuring a range of teas including breakfast, peppermint, Early Grey, red berry, Japanese Sencha and decaf, all at £2.70.

Matcha, House-Made Chai, and Hot Chocolate are also available.

Selling out fast - bakes and pastries at The Divine ProjectSelling out fast - bakes and pastries at The Divine Project

Outside tables will be appearing shortly.

The business is the latest expansion for North South, which also runs Divine's cafe in Micklegate.

North South first opened in Bootham in 2019 and was the first business venture for owners Rich and Laura Taylor.

The couple called the business North South as Laura was formerly based in the North East, while Rich grew up near Cambridge and North South will remain open alongside the new venture.