Sizzling street food and a community hub – first Spark:York businesses revealed

The first five organisations moving into York’s new box park have been revealed – and they serve up a mouthwatering prospect.

The folk behind Spark:York, now being constructed on Piccadilly, have revealed the first tenants who will operate inside the repurposed shipping containers.

And hungry residents can get an early taste of what’s to come because these five are taking part in the York Food & Drink Festival this week.

So who are they? Well…

York Nurturing Community

York Nurturing Community will occupy one of the larger Spark:York units.

Now operating a pop-up twice a week from the Super Sustainable Centre in Derwenthorpe, YNC is devoted to supporting and promoting community cohesion.

The team will bring their pop-up cafe to the York Food Festival hub on St Sampson’s Square on Wednesday (September 27).

Their allergy-friendly food is prepared using intercepted surplus produce, which means that you can enjoy an amazing meal while doing your bit to reduce food waste.

YNC use a pay-as-you-feel system where you simply pay what you think is right.

Money raised from this event and others will go towards the set up of their new Spark:York home.

Once Across The Garden

Once Across The Garden is a vegan food business which can do everything from birthday cakes to event catering.

They also serve up their fresh food at various markets and events, including this year’s York Food Festival.

They say, “We offer big flavours and delicious dishes, so whether you follow a vegan diet or not, we promise great, home made food, inspired by our favourite flavours from across the world.”

Street Cleaver

Street Cleaver, a business which originates from Acomb, creates fresh and exciting street food and dishes it up across Yorkshire.

The business does outside catering, weddings and pop-up restaurants. Dishes include slow-cooked miso pork to Japanese raman cups and Asian steamed bao buns.

Krep

The guys from Krep travel about in their retro Citroen van dishing out crepes and galettes.

You may have sampled their delicious street food on Shambles Market. Their savoury galettes are made from buckwheat flour, and include ingredients like chorizo, hummus or pork belly.

They have also recently brought out a vegan galette which they say is the healthiest they’ve ever made.

Clucking Oinks

As you might guess from the name, Clucking Oinks’ speciality is fried chicken.

Operating from their distinctive pink van, the enterprise creates trendy, tasty street food and “clucking amazing buttermilk fried chicken”.

Look out too for pulled pork doughnuts.