Cocoa Joe’s shortlisted in The Press Best Coffee Shop 2024

Cocoa Joe’s in Museum Street is one of ten establishments shortlisted for the York Press Best Coffee Shop as voted by its readers, in a competition honouring some of the best businesses in the city.

Readers can vote for the Best Coffee Shop 2024 by picking up a copy of The Press newspaper until Saturday December 7 and sending in a voting slip.

Cocoa Joe's senior manager Megan Tucker (Image: Kevin Glenton) The winner is set to be announced in the week commencing December 16.

Megan Tucker, senior manager at the city centre café, spoke to The Press about the business which she said began from co-owner Joseph Andrew’s stall in Greenwich in London.

Megan said: “The first premises then opened in Pateley Bridge in 2019, and then York followed.

“It’s lovely here, it’s a very fun place to be."

Some of the drinks on offer at Cocoa Joe's (Image: Supplied) The teas and coffees served at Cocoa Joe’s take a back seat to what Megan said were 16 different chocolates, with regular changes to the flavours and toppings for their signature hot drinks.

The three stage process involves using solid chocolate which can be sampled by each customer before being made into their drink of choice.

The chocolates are said to have their own distinct flavour profiles and it’s the job of the staff to help match people with the taste which is right for them.

Plenty of choices on offer for customers choosing from Cocoa Joe's signature drinks (Image: Kevin Glenton) Megan said they never use powder and the chocolate is sourced from all over the world, which once chosen can be taken hot or cold, or iced and then toppings or flavourings are added.

For those who might not be able to make up their minds from the wide array of choices, Megan pointed to a ‘choctail menu’ on a board opposite the tills.

Megan said: “We can always point people in the right direction and it’s nice to see them branch out in their choice of drink.

“Coffee is not our main focus, it is great for our team, it’s been my favourite job and when you put all the effort in its great to see the rewards and get something back out of that.

“The customers love trying the chocolate, from age nine to 99, especially the regulars.

“We have a bit of a chit chat and they all have a different kind of experience because we work out what people want and then the customers also receive their own rewards, which are of course, the drinks, which are yummy!”

Cocoa Joe's is in Museum Street (Image: Supplied) The senior manager said the team is really amazing, saying there is a really chilled vibe.

Megan said the most popular drink is the milk chocolate from Vietnam.