Inside The World of SOPHiE

As the owner of one of York’s most loved independent coffee shops and cocktail bars, Sophie Knight had always dreamed of running her own business. With years of hospitality experience — and countless days spent baking lemon drizzle cake at the Coach House Coffee Shop, previously owned by her parents — business was in her blood. She brought that dream to life with her first riverside venue at Lendal Bridge. 

Since opening the first SOPHiE coffee shop and cocktail bar over four years ago, she has achieved many goals, from launching a podcast that champions women in business to opening a second venue at Skeldergate Bridge, hosting a regular book club, and supporting local charities and independent brands.

Here, she shares her advice on business, the creativity behind running SOPHiE, and a few clues about where you might spot your next SOPHiE.

1.  What is the inspiration behind your seasonal menus?

We always aim to be in line with the changing seasons, so whether it’s the warmth of autumn, fresh and lighter options for the summer time or cosy and indulgent for winter. We try to think about what people might crave at certain times of the year, then we try and give it all a fun and tasty twist to make it a little different. 

We also like to get input from the SOPHiE team and even customers — after all, they’re the people who are eating it! This way we find it keeps things constantly changing and never boring. We’re not scared to try new things.

2. How did you blend York’s historic charm with a modern cafe experience?

York is full of history and character and our SOPHiE locations are no exception. I genuinely believe both Lendal and Skeldergate Bridge are two of the most outstanding buildings in the city. 

When creating the vision, we made sure we honoured this whilst also offering some hints of a ‘trendy coffee shop’. We’ve kept things warm, cosy and inviting and focused on the stunning original features. It’s important to us all that SOPHiE keeps its character and historical features, somewhere that fits with the city’s history, but also brings something a little exciting to the independent scene, like our flamingo wallpaper.

3. Why did you choose Lendal and Skeldergate Bridge in York as your cafe locations?

Both locations felt like the perfect fit for what I want SOPHiE to be: Relaxed and part of the everyday flow of a busy city. Skeldergate, our newest location, has this tucked away alongside the river charm that gives it a local feel, almost like a hidden gem. It felt like the right next step for the brand to open SOPHiE Skeldergate Bridge here. 

Lendal Bridge, on the other hand, has always given us the opportunity to be a bit more central and visible, right in the heart of the city. It’s a busy spot with the tourists as we are only a stone’s throw away from York’s biggest hotels and the train station. Both locations are uniquely York, and I think that’s what makes them work so well for us.

4. Are there any dream locations you would like to open SOPHiE?

While York will always be the home of SOPHiE, I do sometimes think about where we could go next. I’d love to venture into another city or town one day. The dream is to grow the brand without ever losing that personal, independent feel.

5. What has been the biggest challenge in running SOPHiE, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge has been learning to balance everything. I’m four years in and I still struggle with this. Running SOPHiE means wearing so many hats: managing the day-to-day, working full time across both locations, supporting two teams, staying creative, and still finding time for myself outside of work. 

In the beginning, I wanted to do everything myself, which just isn’t realistic. I’m trying now to trust my team and be a bit kinder to myself when things aren’t perfect. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m trying to create some boundaries to help the business grow more healthily.

6. What makes SOPHiE more than just a coffee shop?

SOPHiE is about creating a space where people truly feel welcome and want to come back, not just customers but even the SOPHiE team. We’ve built a little community here. It’s also about the small details, the friendly chats and smiley faces, the working and championing other brilliant local businesses in the city — the little things that make all the difference.

7. What’s your go-to drink/ favourite dish on the menu?

Hands down, my favourite dish is the Toasted Banana Loaf with peanut butter, coconut and banana (even though more people are opting for Nutella these days!) Every time we sell one, I just want to eat it myself. 

My go-to drink is either the SOPHiE Aperol, genuinely the best I’ve ever tasted, or an iced coffee if I need a caffeine boost.

8. What advice would you give to someone wanting to open their own coffee shop?

Go for it, but have a plan. It’s easy to romanticise the idea of owning your own business — and don’t get me wrong, it is rewarding, but it’s also a lot of hard work, sacrifices and constant learning. Be confident in your brand and vision, in what makes you different. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help, surround yourself with people who support you and just enjoy it — It’s your journey!

9. Is there a particular moment or milestone that stands out in SOPHiE’s journey so far?

Opening our second location, SOPHiE Skeldergate Bridge, last year was a big ‘pinch me’ moment for me. We had only been trading for three years before we picked up the keys and it still feels surreal today, one year later!

10. What’s next for the future of SOPHiE? 

I hope we continue to grow, however that looks. I hope people, new and familiar, keep coming to SOPHiE and they enjoy it as much as I enjoy running it. 

In 10 years, maybe we’ll have more locations — who knows! As for me, I hope I’m still doing what I love, but also finding more balance in life. If the SOPHiE journey continues like this, I’ll be happy. 

Next time you’re in York, swing by Lendal or Skeldergate Bridge to experience SOPHiE for yourself. Choose from a sweet cocktail, freshly baked cakes or a healthy açai bowl — there’s a seat waiting for you.

Author: Sally Seaton