The Old School Rufforth

4.5 ( 197 reviews )
£1–10
Wetherby Rd, Rufforth, York YO23 3QB, United Kingdom
+44 1904 737141

The Old School Rufforth is a delightful cafe nestled in the heart of the village of Rufforth, York. This charming establishment is more than just a coffee shop; it serves as a community hub where locals gather to enjoy quality food and the warm, welcoming atmosphere crafted by the friendly staff, particularly Dawn and Michelle. Customers consistently praise the cafe for its superb afternoon teas, while the homemade soups, sausage rolls, and cakes leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

Reviewers like Lizzie Beth highlight the cafe's offerings, including gluten-free options, which enhance its accessibility. The relaxed setting allows patrons to unwind with a latte or a Biscoff milkshake in a shaded outdoor spot, making it ideal for casual meet-ups or lunch breaks.

The shop also doubles as a quaint local market, with a selection of greeting cards and regional delights like posh jams and local honey available for purchase. Perfect for families, The Old School Rufforth features designated parking and a playground, ensuring a visit here is enjoyable for all ages. Whether you're in the mood for a quick coffee or a leisurely lunch, this cafe is truly a hidden gem worth seeking out.

Amenities and More

  • Service options
    • Outdoor seating
    • On-site services
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
    • Delivery
  • Highlights
    • Great coffee
    • Great dessert
    • Great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Offerings
    • Alcohol
    • Coffee
    • Free water refills
    • Quick bite
    • Small plates
    • Wine
  • Dining options
    • Breakfast
    • Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Catering
    • Dessert
    • Seating
  • Amenities
    • Gender-neutral toilets
    • Toilet
    • Wi-Fi
    • Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Historic
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Groups
    • LGBTQ+ friendly
    • Tourists
    • Transgender safe space
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Parking
  • Pets
    • Dogs allowed

Reviews For The Old School Rufforth

Lizzie Beth
Jun 14,2025
Lovely friendly village shop and coffee shop which is an asset to the village. Long may it last. Dawn, Michelle and the rest of the team are so friendly and welcoming and nothing is too much trouble. The afternoon teas are amazing and they cater for small groups too. It's lovely just to pop in for a latte and a chat and stock up on greetings cards, posh jams and local honey. I would also recommend the homemade soups, the sausage rolls and the cakes Dogs are welcome too. Don't forget to buy a village tea towel souvenir on your way out
Sarah Garrod
Jun 11,2025
Looking for a coffee shop on a Sunday and came across here was not discussed the coffee and sandwiches were lovely, and the staff very friendly and very helpful with gluten free options, would recommend popping in
Elisa Winstanley
Jun 11,2025
A pleasant lunch at the weekend. We sat outside in a shady spot and perused the menu. You order and pay for your food inside the shop. The menu had a good choice and reasonably priced. The shop itself was lovely with a cake display! The food was nice, as was the Biscoff milkshake and iced latte!
T Lawson
May 26,2025
What a nice little cafe, had coffee, sandwiches & cake. All really nice, staff very friendly & helpful, sat outside in the sunshine. Nothing negative here - what's not to like
icke Du nich
May 20,2025
Delicious Coffee and Ham Sandwich! Nice concept of little Shop for the village and tea room, have own parking space and playground for the kids!
Amanda Farrell
Apr 24,2025
Highly recommend this lovely cafe, it’s staffed by really friendly and lovely ladies and has a great atmosphere. The food is excellent and it’s an absolute gem of a cafe/shop. Definitely worth a visit!
kay davies
Apr 3,2025
Went for afternoon tea. It was probably the best afternoon tea I've ever had. Arrived and they had our afternoon tea ready on out on our table. A little cup of warm soup was already on our plate which was homemade and delicious, then a cake stand with sandwiches - and proper sandwich size too (egg mayo, coronation chicken, cheese & pickle and ham salad) and cakes (cookie pie, lemon drizzle & rocky road) and two enormous fruit scones with jam and cream. There was also a warm sausage roll and half a pork pie served with a little pot of Branston pickle and a bowl of lovely crisps. In addition to this, was a cute bottle of strawberry milkshake and we we also had 2 x large pots of tea (coffee available too). The people running the cafe were lovely and very attentive. It cost 16.50 each which I thought was unbelievable value for money. My 16 year old daughter loved it and she's a harsh critic! Definitely avoid the crowds in York City centre and get yourselves to Rufforth for this little gem!
Paul Shaw
Mar 23,2025
Stopped off on the way to York by chance - what a gem of a place. Lovely menu and drinks, ate outside in the sun and the two ladies running this provided a welcoming atmosphere and brilliant service. Thanks.

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