THE YORK BRIEF ⏰ Wednesday, November 26th, 2025

🌟 Good morning, York!

Council chambers are shaking, our winter sparkle’s about to shine, and a York restaurant’s bringing home the silverware. From political earthquakes at County Hall to a lad who got left at the airport over three little letters, today’s Brief has it all. Oh, and the Knights are making history next summer. Right then – grab your brew and let’s dive in!

🌤️ Today’s Weather

Bundle up, folks! Currently sitting at 2°C with mist across York this morning. Expect a high of 7°C and a low of -3°C today, with a 70% chance of rain (about 1.2mm) and winds between 11-20 mph. Proper brass monkeys weather, so don’t forget your coat! (Meteored / Holiday Weather)

🏛️ POLITICS

🗳️ Conservatives lose North Yorkshire Council majority - The political map’s shifting at County Hall. Councillor John Mann from Harrogate’s packed his bags with the Tories, citing frustration with the national party’s direction and becoming an unaffiliated independent. This drops the Conservative and Independent group to exactly 45 out of 90 seats – no more majority. Opposition leaders reckon it’s a “new political landscape” with democracy about to kick in proper. Council leader Carl Les says it’s disappointing but officers are recalculating committee makeups. Mann’s departure follows last month’s defection to Reform, with more expected before 2027 elections. (YorkMix / Yorkshire Post)

💷 York mayor welcomes tourist tax powers - Mayor David Skaith’s calling it a “total gamechanger” after the government backed powers for a tourist levy in York and North Yorkshire. The charge on overnight stays could raise up to £52million annually for transport, infrastructure, and the visitor economy. It’d put York alongside New York, Paris, and Milan which already charge visitors. The levy would apply to hotels, B&Bs, holiday lets, and guesthouses – with the money reinvested locally without needing Westminster’s approval. A 12-week consultation runs until February 18. (Gazette Herald)

🚨 CRIME

🍕 Teenagers’ £300 restaurant binge ends in court - Two 19-year-olds have been ordered to cough up over £300 compensation after fleecing three York restaurants. Carlo Hirst and Dylan Trainor tucked into Italian and Japanese nosh at Pizza Express, Enoteca, and Wagamama during a week-long spree in August – racking up £163.50 at Pizza Express alone. Their trick? Tell staff they’re nipping to the cashpoint, then do a runner. Both were on benefits at the time. (YorkMix)

🍺 FOOD & DRINK

🍻 Last pub in Dunnington village closes - The Cross Keys in Dunnington has shut its doors, leaving the village near York without a pub. Greene King, the owner, is hunting for a new operator after the current managers left. Partner Leanne Anderson says grown men in their 70s and 80s were in tears, begging them not to go – showing how vital the village local is. Greene King’s encouraging anyone interested to apply via their website. (Gazette Herald)

🏆 Yemen Heaven wins Family Business Award - Massive congratulations to Yemen Heaven in Walmgate! The family-run restaurant has scooped the Culinary Excellence title in the Food & Drink category at the Yorkshire and Humberside Family Business Awards 2025. Owner Muna Al Maflehi and her family were honoured at The Royal Armouries in Leeds among 300 attendees. Daughter Zayneb says winning means everything to them as a family, and they’re proud to represent York. (York Press)

🎨 ARTS & CULTURE

✨ 175,000 Winter Lights returning to York - York’s getting its sparkle back! The Winter Lights return across the city from tomorrow (they switched on November 13), with a massive 175,000 LEDs lighting up over 50 streets spanning 15 kilometres. The Shambles gets lit wreaths and decorated Christmas trees, while St Helen’s Square brings back the snowy projection that was a hit in 2024. Santa’s giant postbox returns for kids’ letters to the North Pole, and the Tree of Light partnership with St Leonard’s Hospice continues. (YO1 Radio)

“The Winter lights are a core part of York’s seasonal atmosphere. They add warmth and character to the city at a time of year when our streets, shops and hospitality businesses welcome visitors from across the UK and beyond. We hope everyone loves them as much as we love bringing them to the city!”

📺 First look at Patience series two - Channel 4’s hit crime drama Patience is back for round two! First look images show the cast filming inside York Minster for the new eight-episode series. The show stars Ella Maisy Purvis as Patience Evans, a young autistic woman working in York Police’s criminal records department who spots patterns others miss. Series two promises killer mysteries in York Minster, a monastery murder, and a body in the Botanical Gardens. (YorkMix)

🏛️ Roman and Anglo-Saxon treasures unearthed at room2 hotel site - Archaeological digs at the new room2 hotel site in Piccadilly have uncovered Roman and Anglo-Saxon artefacts set to go on display at Yorkshire Museum. The discoveries – including pottery, building materials, coins, and animal bones – were made during construction of the 116-room “hometel” on the former Swinson House tax office site. Developer Lamington Group says the finds have strengthened their connection to York’s layered history. The £41.75million sustainable hotel project is set to open Spring 2027 with kitchens, meeting space, gym, and a Winnie’s Cafe and Bar. (Gazette Herald)

🏠 PROPERTY

🏚️ Unmortgageable York house up for £172K – cash only - A three-bed house on Bad Bargain Lane (yes, really) is going for at least £172,000 in an online auction ending TODAY at 2pm. The catch? It’s cash buyers only because Hammer Price Homes reckon it’s unmortgageable due to the state it’s in. The property needs full renovation throughout, and buyers can’t pull out citing condition issues – it’s sold as seen. Fancy a project? (YorkMix / Gazette Herald)

✈️ TRAVEL

✈️ Three-letter mistake costs York man dream Pakistan trip - Thomas Tunstall from York is warning everyone to triple-check their travel documents after a simple mistake cost him a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Pakistan. The Vintage Rose Café owner was literally at the gate when he discovered he’d written “Tom” instead of “Thomas” on his flight booking – which didn’t match his passport and visa. Qatar Airways and British Airways had a row on the phone about who should fix it, but neither did. (YorkMix)

“In future I now know everything I have to write in an official capacity will be Thomas, but almost everyone outside of my family calls me Tom.

🎓 STUDENT LIFE

🏠 York SU launches student housing crisis campaign - The Students’ Union is demanding urgent action as York faces one of its most competitive housing markets in years. A new report reveals the university plans to add 150 first-years in September – but there’s already not enough housing to go round. York SU Affairs Officer Lewis Parrey says rents have nearly doubled in six years, and students are living with mould, leaks, broken heating, and even rats because there’s no alternative. The campaign calls on the university, council, MPs, and landlords to work together on a sustainable plan. (The Tab)

👥 COMMUNITY

⛪ Archbishop of York urges Chancellor to save church grant scheme
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell’s calling on Rachel Reeves to make the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme permanent and lift the £23million cap. The scheme lets churches reclaim VAT on essential repairs and maintenance, but it’s only been extended for one year with a £25,000 per-site limit. A new survey shows 59% of Brits reckon the government should help with church repair costs – rising to 71% among 25-34 year olds. (Church Times)

“The vast majority of fundraising for our churches is done locally by heroic volunteers and we are deeply grateful for all they do. For more than 20 years, they have relied on the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme to give that crucial bit of extra help,” Archbishop Cottrell said in a statement issued on Saturday.

🎄 Meadowbeck care home hosting Christmas fete - Meadowbeck Care Home on Acomb Road is hosting a festive fete for the local community. It’s a chance for residents to enjoy seasonal activities and for the neighbourhood to get involved. Details on dates and times available from the home. (Gazette Herald)

🎉 York Manor care home marks first anniversary - York Manor Care Home is celebrating its first year with a James Bond-themed event. The care home’s been settling into the community nicely, and they’re marking the milestone in style. Residents and families welcome to join the celebrations. (Yahoo News UK)

💼 BUSINESS

📊 York Business Festival launched at university - York St John University has kicked off the York Business Festival running until November 28, bringing together businesses across York and North Yorkshire. The week-long programme features keynote speeches from UK Small Business Commissioner Emma Jones and Retail Champion Clare Bailey, plus workshops, advice clinics, and networking on Lord Mayor’s Walk campus. Topics include finance, innovation, digital transformation, and leadership development. (Gazette Herald / York St John)

🏃 SPORT

🏉 York Knights to kick off Magic Weekend at Everton
History incoming! York Knights will play in the opening match of the 2026 Super League Magic Weekend at Everton’s stunning new Hill Dickinson Stadium on July 4-5. It’s the Knights’ first-ever Magic Weekend appearance as they face Huddersfield Giants. The festival returns after the stadium’s sell-out success hosting the Ashes Test with 52,106 fans. Six matches across the weekend include three classic derbies: Hull KR v Hull FC, Bradford Bulls v Leeds Rhinos (their first Magic clash since 2012), and the traditional finale Wigan Warriors v St Helens. Liverpool replaces Newcastle as host city. Pre-register for tickets at superleague.co.uk. (Sky Sports / Yorkshire Post)

🔵 York Knights secure experienced trio ahead of debut Super League season
The Knights are building their squad for their historic first Super League campaign. Paul McShane, Ben Jones-Bishop, and Jordan Thompson have all signed deals with the club. It’s a proper statement of intent as they gear up for the big time. More details to follow as the club announces the full squad. (Yorkshire Post)

That’s your Wednesday wrapped!

From County Hall shake-ups to winter sparkle arriving, from Yemen Heaven’s triumph to archaeological treasures beneath our feet – York’s buzzing as usual. Don’t forget to wrap up warm out there, check your travel documents twice (cheers for the reminder, Thomas!), and if you fancy a renovation project, that Bad Bargain Lane house auction ends at 2pm today.

See you tomorrow for another cracking edition of The York Brief!