No. 10 Cafe Bar & Bistro, Stamford Bridge: Victory on a Plate

No 10 Cafe Bar & Bistro sits in the historic village of Stamford Bridge, a place once known for swords and shields, but nowadays more for steak and spritzes. We’d been before, usually with the kids in tow, making the most of that lovely decking and walled garden on sunnier days. Those visits were always fun, but they were family affairs—more about keeping the peace than savouring the food. This time was different. The summer holidays were over, the troops had finally been dispatched, and we were seizing the chance for a proper grown-up evening. No crayons, no kids’ menus, no interruptions. We already knew No 10 was a great family spot—what we wanted to know was whether it could also deliver the goods for a long-awaited parents’ night off.

Rainy Start, Warm Welcome

The skies opened just as we arrived, so garden dining was off the cards. Instead, we settled near the bar—half full, buzzy but relaxed enough to enjoy the atmosphere.

I started with a Brooklyn Stonewall IPA, crisp and refreshing, and the perfect antidote to weeks of Fruit Shoots and lukewarm coffees.

Starters Worth Fighting Over

We went in hungry and kicked things off with one starter and two dishes from the Bar Bites menu:

• Tomato & Mozzarella Skewers – fresh, simple, and a nice balance to the richer dishes.
• Salt & Chilli Crispy Chicken Strips – crunchy, spicy, and moreish.
• Spicy Tomato Garlic King Prawns – generous, juicy, and fiery enough that Lucy passed the baton to me halfway through. (Main menu).

Main Event

Caroline, the lovely manager, was on hand throughout with spot-on recommendations and plenty of good humour. It’s that kind of service that makes you feel instantly at home.

For mains, I went for the specials board Cajun chicken burger—juicy, full of flavour, and stacked high on a brioche bun. The chunky chips were spot-on, but the onion rings were the real surprise: so fluffy they were practically doughnuts in disguise.

Lucy went for the steak tagliata with roasted red peppers, which arrived beautifully cooked—tender, lean, and perfectly judged.

It’s a family affair at No 10. Owner Paul explained how important it was to him to source from local York suppliers, and the quality shone through. The kitchen itself is often helmed by his son, one of the chefs, and you can really taste the pride and care in the food.

Cocktails Over Dessert

We were far too full for pudding, so instead we staged a cocktail finale:

• An espresso martini (sharp and punchy),
• A Limoncello Sunrise, the cocktail of the week (bright and refreshing),
• A pornstar martini (playful and indulgent),
• And finally, a light summer spritz to round things off.

By the end, our table looked more like a trophy cabinet than a drinks order.

Evaluation – Our Verdict

No 10 Bistro & Wine Bar is more than just a neighbourhood bistro—it’s a place that works whether you’re wrangling kids over breakfast, catching up with friends at lunch, or sneaking away for a rare evening of cocktails and conversation.

The food is hearty and creative, the service warm and genuine, and the atmosphere relaxed without ever being dull. What makes it stand out, though, is the personal touch: a family-run place with a clear love for local produce and for the people who come through the door.

Should you go? Without a doubt.

• For families, it’s friendly and versatile.
• For locals, it’s a reliable spot that never feels samey.
• For parents in need of a night off—it’s the perfect reminder that victory sometimes looks like a steak tagliata and a very good martini.

In short: No 10 isn’t about battles anymore—it’s about comfort, quality, and community. And on that rainy Thursday evening, it felt like a well-earned win.

 

For more awesome Yorkshire foodie news & features, click on the links below…

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