9 photos

WET

★ 4.8 · 46 reviews York Opened October 2025

Book a table Instagram

A wine and cocktail bar that opened on Micklegate in October 2025, run by a 24- and 26-year-old team.

Ella Williams and James Wall opened WET on Micklegate in October 2025, taking over a space that had cycled through as Notes Wine Bar and, before that, Fish & Forest. Ella handles the drinks, a rotating wine list that changes close to weekly alongside batched cocktails; James, who has cooked at 1331 and Fish & Forest, runs a small food menu that shifts just as often, rarebit soldiers and lamb sausage with labneh among the recent options.

Batching the cocktails ahead of service means no one waits at the bar for a drink built from scratch, a practical call for a small room without much bar to hide behind. It's shut Mondays and Tuesdays, open from 5pm on weeknights and from midday at weekends.

Good to know

Cocktails are batched ahead of service, so there's rarely a wait at the bar.

What guests say

Reviews by Google

Teithiwr 12 reviews · Local Guide 24 July 2026

What a find!! I discovered Wet one very wet night in November last year. The welcome I received was so warm and inviting. Ella -one of the owners alongside James the chef- was very pleasant and sociable. It was perfectly obvious that both food and wine are truly cared about passionately, in this wonderful place. I had a small plate which was so delicious I would have ordered it twice but time wasn't on my side unfortunately. Useless me is writing this 3 months after my visit, but I'm writing it because I told the Ella and James that I'd write a review for them in order to sing Wet's praises. It really is worth a visit gentle reader.... The dish I had was substantial pieces of homemade sausage served with beetroot and two most beautifully nuanced and utterly beguiling sauces. Without a trace of hyperbole - utterly stunning. Small dish - massive impact. The dish was James’ own creation. Ella who was front of house took time to tell me about the wide array of wines that they offer that cater to all palettes. Many from Europe. Not swamped with New World. I was offered to sample some of them. Can't recommend Wet highly enough. A jewel in the crown of Yorks many eating establishments. Eat there now before ‘Chef’ becomes Michelin starred and moves on to pastures new. If you work better with images - think upmarket intimate bar in Prague....
rhys cochrane 8 reviews 12 July 2026

Great spot in York - ran by a great couple who are very hospitable - great place to relax and enjoy fantastic wine
Nicola Howard 24 reviews · Local Guide 29 May 2026

Had some amazing food & wine here last night. The skate wing was delicious. It's one of my favourite fishes but the bones can be a fiddle. Here though, it's been deboned, and was beautifully cooked. All the other sides plates were delicious. This couple know their food and wine. Would highly recommend for both
Mike Ritchie 61 reviews · Local Guide 17 May 2026

Friendly comfortable bar with great cocktails. Well worth a visit. Food menu looks interesting. Highly recommended.
Samuel Charles Dodd 2 reviews 20 April 2026

Ella and James were wonderful. A lovely intimate venue with great music, delicious small plates and phenomenal wine. Would recommend.