York pub and bar guide
Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of York - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.
The Maltings, York
Address: Tanners Moat, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 6HU [map]
Phone: 01904 655387
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Nearest train stations: York (0.2 miles), Poppleton (2.9 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Brigantes Bar and Brasserie, York
Address: 114 Micklegate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 6JX [map]
Phone: 01904 675355
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Nearest train stations: York (0.2 miles), Poppleton (2.9 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Excellent food and beer, good atmosphere, reasonable prices. Feels more like a pub than a restaurant, staff very friendly.
21 Feb 2010 23:08
Good food reasonable prices. Good ales again at reasonable prices. Real good attempt at creating a old feel in a new place.18 Feb 2010 17:13
Excellent food and ales. Well worth a visit. Congratulations on making a new bar such as this so good. 17 Feb 2010 17:43
The Blue Bell, York
Address: 53 Fossgate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9TF [map]
Phone: 01904 654904
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Nearest train stations: York (0.6 miles), Poppleton (3.3 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Can't believe its the first time I have had a drink in this gem of a pub, but I have looked in when visiting York before without buying a drink. Made it to the bar this time and enjoyed Moorhouses Pride of Pendle and Rudgate Ruby Mild. Lovely friendly atmosphere in the front bar.
A few old guys sat around, very relaxing, read my paper.
Beer - 7 real ales were available a good choice too including a dark mild and a lager beer from Harviestoun. I had a pint of Adnams served at a hint below room temperature (possibly the ideal heat) and very good it was too.
The multitasking barmaid/landlady was busy cleaning away as well as being a good hostess.
A good hideaway 7.
1 Jan 2010 23:39
Nice enough pub this. Serves a range of ales, which are well served. Food is more snacks than 3 course dinner, but adequate if you want a quick bite with your beer.14 Dec 2009 16:04
Sneeked in here whilst wifey was shopping in M&S. Walked into the small front bar with its Edwardian interior, dark wood walls, big old fireplace, grandmother clock stopped at 9.39 and flowers on the bar (how sweet).A few old guys sat around, very relaxing, read my paper.
Beer - 7 real ales were available a good choice too including a dark mild and a lager beer from Harviestoun. I had a pint of Adnams served at a hint below room temperature (possibly the ideal heat) and very good it was too.
The multitasking barmaid/landlady was busy cleaning away as well as being a good hostess.
A good hideaway 7.
16 Oct 2009 10:21
The Swan, York
Address: 16 Bishopgate St, York, North Yorkshire, YO23 1JH [map]
Phone: 01904 634968
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Nearest train stations: York (0.6 miles), Poppleton (3.3 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Went here last summer and had a good couple of hours or so. A very historic building. A Tetleys pub but sold other brews as well including Landlord and Golden Pippin. A friendly place. I would definately return.
19 Feb 2010 09:21
There's hardly anything I can usefully add to the justifiably enthusiastic reviews for one of the most cheerful and charming alehouse I've ever had the pleasure. A stunning contrast to the gloom of seeing that nearly every other near-by pub was either for sale or boarded up, and then coming across this visually arresting, vibrant, popular and so obviously valued local. The quality starts as soon as you enter the corridor which in itself is as much a place of repose as the two bars - a great feature. It's also a joy to be able to drink some class act ales in a place where the staff seem to actually enjoy their work, of course they may be accomplished actors, but I thought the service they gave was excellent. One of York's very best and that's truly saying something.2 Feb 2010 21:58
Love this pub so much I called in at the start of my real ale crawl yesterday, and finished there too, and some guest ales had changed. All beers in first class condition and a great atmosphere. Football on the telly but conversation still flowed without the sport taking over the room. Love the corridor bar too. Enjoyed Salamander Crimbo Bimbo and Moorhouses Lap Prancer on the first visit, and had them again with Yorkshire Dales Holly Bush and Brass Monkey 3 Wise Monkeys on the second visit. 27 Dec 2009 10:00
Pivo Cafe Bar, York
Address: Patrick Pool, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8BB [map]
Phone: 01904635464
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Nearest train stations: York (0.5 miles), Poppleton (3.2 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Continental-style bar occupying an historic Tudor building in the centre of York. It's split across three levels and has quite a bit of character, from the beams to the wonky flooring, although there is more than a nod to the contemporary in the name and the atmosphere.
An impressive array of foreign beers plus Thornbridge avaialble (the bar is owned by the same oweners of Sheffield's Tap.) The pumps were being cleaned on my visit so no handpumped beer- not a great pity considering what else was available, though some might mark them down for this. Very busy but also very expensive, it's not a pub as such but I enjoyed it and would return.
Timmermann's strawberry beer was a delight, and my partner was on the hard stuff.
Great beer , but this place is in danger of trying too hard to be bijoux.
Otherwise, good things come in small packages, will go again.
An impressive array of foreign beers plus Thornbridge avaialble (the bar is owned by the same oweners of Sheffield's Tap.) The pumps were being cleaned on my visit so no handpumped beer- not a great pity considering what else was available, though some might mark them down for this. Very busy but also very expensive, it's not a pub as such but I enjoyed it and would return.
10 Mar 2010 18:32
One of my personal favourites in York. Great selection of Belgian beers, awesome guest ales, brutal stouts on occasions. Can be a danger to start there too early...it's always a struggle to leave...8 Feb 2010 19:53
Previously missed this little gem as it looked sleazy, but you can't judge a book by the cover ...Timmermann's strawberry beer was a delight, and my partner was on the hard stuff.
Great beer , but this place is in danger of trying too hard to be bijoux.
Otherwise, good things come in small packages, will go again.
22 Jan 2010 13:23
The Guy Fawkes Hotel, York
Address: 25 High Petergate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7HP [map]
Phone: 01904 671001
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Nearest train stations: York (0.5 miles), Poppleton (3 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Good, lively old fashioned pub with an excellent selection of ales but let down
(on our visit) by the smell. Was as if someone had opened several packets of shitbiscuits.
(on our visit) by the smell. Was as if someone had opened several packets of shitbiscuits.
2 Feb 2010 12:30
Called in on 23rd as we found this pub on our last visit to York when there was a beer festival on so wanted to try it again, and we found an excellent choice of beers on the bar. Enjoyed Naylors Pinnacle Blonde, Rudgate Battleaxe and Ossett Treacle Stout. Called in again on Christmas Eve and the beers were running out, but managed Cropton Rudolphs Revenge and Copper Dragon Golden Pippin before going over to the midnight service in the Minster. Very busy and lively but a good cheery atmosphere. Shortage of loos only fault for a pub with so many rooms and drinking areas. Only 1 ladies toilet led to queues, and I believe the gents had little capacity too.25 Dec 2009 23:02
Visited while on holiday in York, and this wasn't really on my list of must see's, however, I'm glad we popped in. There is a lively, but friendly atmosphere with plenty of Real Ales to try. The bar staff, whilst flirting with a bunch of guys, managed to keep everyone happy, I loved the still working gas mantles, the comfortable rooms, good stuff. This has brought the pub amongst some of the better pubs in York.18 Sep 2009 11:01
The Yorkshire Terrier Inn, York
Address: Stonegate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8AS [map]
Phone: 01904676722
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Nearest train stations: York (0.5 miles), Poppleton (3 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Went here on a Thurs night last June and had a very enjoyable time. Like the Three Legged Mare it's owned by the York Brewery. Of the two I prefer this one. Most of the York ales appeard to be available. I had Guzzler and Constantine. It was a warm evening and sitting where I was could see the blue sky through the conservatory ceiling.
Everyone was very pleasent a special mention must go to the Aussie barman.
Took part in the pub quiz and felt we did ok considering there were only two of us! It's obviously quite a tradition as the place filled up considerably.
Hope to return again this year.
There is also an unpretentious, basic food operation, which is thoroughly on the backburner as beer is the main draw here.
My pint of Guzzler was in fien form and very quaffable.
This pub has a great range of beers and is less tourist-oriented than its near-neighbours on Stonegate, and is definitely worth a visit on an York trip.
Everyone was very pleasent a special mention must go to the Aussie barman.
Took part in the pub quiz and felt we did ok considering there were only two of us! It's obviously quite a tradition as the place filled up considerably.
Hope to return again this year.
19 Feb 2010 09:46
York brewery's most recent pub is on the bustling, historic Stonegate in the centre of the city. At the front a shop displays the brewery's wares, whilst the pub is accessed via a side corridor. It's opened out and unremarkable, save for the conservatory roof (must be fine in summer) and wood-burning stove at the rear. Traditionally furnished throughout and unpretentious, it offers a very strong range of ales- all the York brewery ones, as you'd expect, plus guests from Tring and Tirril microbreweries making up the 10 or so handpumps.There is also an unpretentious, basic food operation, which is thoroughly on the backburner as beer is the main draw here.
My pint of Guzzler was in fien form and very quaffable.
This pub has a great range of beers and is less tourist-oriented than its near-neighbours on Stonegate, and is definitely worth a visit on an York trip.
10 Feb 2010 16:10
Enjoyed our visit to this pub again. Good choice of their own York beers and plenty of guest beers. We enjoyed 2 York beers, Yorkshire Terrier and Guzzler, 2 Summer Wine beers, Dambusters and Helios, and Abbeydale White Xmas. Someone who asked for coffee was told they did not do coffee but could have Mulled Wine instead. A bit strange as most pubs, especially those serving food, do serve coffee. Think the chef had failed to get in so they were losing out on food as well. Good pub with a great atmosphere though.25 Dec 2009 23:10
The Ackhorne, York
Address: St. Martins Lane, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 6LN [map]
Phone: 01904 671421
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Nearest train stations: York (0.3 miles), Poppleton (3 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Nice backstreet pub, decent beer, off the beaten track so not packed (but still busy).
The honey roasted peanuts were very nice too.
21 Feb 2010 23:11
I always visit this pub while in York, but although it is a friendly pub it always seems quiet. Hardly anyone in and due to its size there was a cold feel to it. Had Old Bear Estivator and Wylam Northern Kite. The Old Bear was not at its best and I wondered whether there is a large enough clientelle to keep the large range of ales moving. Won't stop me popping in though. They are holding a party for New Year's Eve and I reckon it would be seen at its best then.27 Dec 2009 10:04
This pub is well worth seeking out, although really it is only a short walk off a main town centre road. It was very quiet when we popped in - 3pm on a Thursday afternoon but there was an interesting range of beers on and the one I tried was superb.The honey roasted peanuts were very nice too.
24 Nov 2009 17:39
The Tap and Spile, York
Address: 29 Monkgate, York, North Yorkshire, YO31 7PB [map]
Phone: 01904 656158
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Nearest train stations: York (0.9 miles), Poppleton (3.3 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Great boozer with friendly atmos & staff. It's a pleasure to find a pub that allows you to have a swift pint or two with the company of your DOG after a hard days toil. Good selection of beers and the occasional live band makes it a fantastic local... will miss it when we move! There should be more pubs like this!!
If it's the 'German Shepherd' I'm thinking of, which it isn't a German Shepherd, then the chances are it & his owner came in after service had been stopped. Any dog mess outside the pub will not be due to dog owners at the pub but rather those who use the Jobcentre just up the road! We all know they use Staffies as status symbols!
14 Feb 2010 11:29
The Tap & Spile, York, is a great pub. One of the things that makes it great, is that after a long walk with the dogs, you can go in & refresh both yourselves & the dogs, including snacks for the dogs. If 1953bloke doesn't like dogs, that's his problem but he cannot knock dog owners or a pub because it has a relaxed policy. If it's the 'German Shepherd' I'm thinking of, which it isn't a German Shepherd, then the chances are it & his owner came in after service had been stopped. Any dog mess outside the pub will not be due to dog owners at the pub but rather those who use the Jobcentre just up the road! We all know they use Staffies as status symbols!
13 Feb 2010 17:46
This Pub is spoilt by one thing. They allow DOGS inside! I was happily drinking there one afternoon when I got the shock of my life as a man came in with a huge German Shepherd. The barmaid begain feeding it bar snacks. This in a pub that serves food. All I could imagine was what if every dog owner decided to drop in at the same time? And what about the health and safety implications? Needlesss to say I havent been back. PS watch your step on the pavement outside as I have observed this is used as a dog toilet. 4 Feb 2010 11:40
The Three Legged Mare, York
Address: 15 High Petergate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7EN [map]
Phone: 01904 638246
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Nearest train stations: York (0.5 miles), Poppleton (3 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Visited last summer. Can't fault the beers at all, not surprising as it's owned by the local brewery! Constantine, Guzzler and Wonky Donkey were all sampled. There was also a new brew to coincide with the Ashes test series available as well as several non York brewery ales.
Other than a group of tourists and a few mates of the barstaff there weren't many people present.
A light and airey place it was ok but there are better places in York I'd go to first.
The name of the pub refers to a device that could hang three criminals at the same time!
Other than a group of tourists and a few mates of the barstaff there weren't many people present.
A light and airey place it was ok but there are better places in York I'd go to first.
The name of the pub refers to a device that could hang three criminals at the same time!
19 Feb 2010 09:36
Good selection of ales this visit, and we found a table beside the spiral staircase down to the toilets. Both York ales and guests available, and we enjoyed the Summer Wine Treason and York Wonkey Donkey. 1 Jan 2010 23:44
York brewery seem to do a very good job with their pubs, this does have a cafe type atmosphere, but it is comfortable and the beers are very decent, with the usual York fare plus guests. I like the place.18 Sep 2009 11:34
The Golden Ball, York
Address: Cromwell Rd, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 6DU [map]
Phone: 01904 652211
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Nearest train stations: York (0.5 miles), Poppleton (3.2 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Paid another visit to this, one of York's finest historic gems, and good to see nothing has changed and bar billiards still in operation.
Was also pleased to see the excellent York Guzzler on offer alongside the bigger names that are usually on offer-hopefully more to come?
A must visit for any pub lover visiting York.
Was also pleased to see the excellent York Guzzler on offer alongside the bigger names that are usually on offer-hopefully more to come?
A must visit for any pub lover visiting York.
10 Feb 2010 16:14
One word...bar billiard! Awesome pub, with BBQ hire out the back. 8 Feb 2010 20:07
Lovely pub with many rooms and was packed when we called in one evening. The garden was well decorated for Christmas and was nice to walk through to the toilets. Beer range could be better, but we found nothing wrong with the Everards Tiger and Theakstons Mild.2 Jan 2010 00:06
The Snickleway Inn, York
Address: 47, Goodramgate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7LS [map]
Phone: 01904 656138
See full pub details
Nearest train stations: York (0.6 miles), Poppleton (3.2 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
A lovely old pub with, most importantly, a very satisfactory selection of ales and a friendly atmosphere.
Can highly recommend and will definitely be visiting again.
Will def be back next time i'm in town. Highly recommended.
Can highly recommend and will definitely be visiting again.
7 Jan 2010 20:17
Went here last weekend after walking past and thinking it looked nice... once inside it was more than nice - a lovely old-style pub with high ceilings and immense character. Old Speckled hen was very very good - probably the best pint i've had from a pub to date.Will def be back next time i'm in town. Highly recommended.
14 Oct 2009 22:49
This pub has lots of character and is well worth a visit. There were 3 real ales on when we visited and the John Smith's which we tried was spot on!!14 Jul 2009 20:33
The Phoenix, York
Address: 75 George Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9PT [map]
Phone: 01904 656401
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Nearest train stations: York (0.8 miles), Poppleton (3.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Live Jazz this Thursday from 8.30. Performed in the back area of the pub so there is still cozy seating away from the bustle if you are wanting a quiet drink.
Real Ales currently are, Moorhouse: Broomstick Black Sheep: Best Bitter Copper Dragon: Golden Pippin Timothy Taylor: Landlord Cider: Stowford Press
Real Ales currently are, Moorhouse: Broomstick Black Sheep: Best Bitter Copper Dragon: Golden Pippin Timothy Taylor: Landlord Cider: Stowford Press
26 Jan 2010 15:15
Brilliantly re-furbished with warm colours, lit by an open log fire and candles. They offer traditional bar foods including pies, pickled eggs and sandwiches. There are also great live jazz performances on Thursdays and Sundays. Friendly bar staff too.26 Jan 2010 00:56
When I went in it was very quiet, but it was a nice pub with a lot of potential. Hopefully people will spread the word about it.28 Nov 2009 01:25
The Blacksmiths Arms, Lastingham
Address: Front Street, Lastingham, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 6TL [map]
Phone: 01751 417247
See full pub details
Reviews by BITE users:
Loved this place. Located in a tiny beautiful village.
Front bar is very small and cosy with a real fire. Nice low beamed ceiling.
Very tasty / large food portions.
If you get a chance check out the historic church directly accross from the pub. Has an ancient crypt downstairs.
Front bar is very small and cosy with a real fire. Nice low beamed ceiling.
Very tasty / large food portions.
If you get a chance check out the historic church directly accross from the pub. Has an ancient crypt downstairs.
27 Oct 2009 12:13
Had been recommended to try this place, so popped in for a drink whilst passing through. I wouldn't recommend it - 3 beers on, all stronger than average ( bad if you're driving) including Old Speckled Hen which I can get just up the road from where I live. Beer quality nothing special at all, landlord's attitude poor, and all the nice seats at the front of the pub were reserved for smokers! Lovely old building in a nice village, but not what I expected and not deserving of being in the Good Beer Guide.24 Aug 2009 08:31
Having read other good reviews on the Internet I decided to try this place for lunch recently. I didn't particularly get a warm greet from the landlord but the bar area was lovely with a good selection of real ales, so looked promising. There were plenty of blackboards with daily food specials so decided to stay (and it was busy with diners which is always a good sign). However, though the food was slightly better than the average pub it was nothing to write home about either. I ordered the slow cooked belly pork, described as having crisp crackling; sadly the crackling was soft and chewy, the vegetables/ side dishes boring and I finished with an okayish pudding. I understand from speaking to someone else, who has been to this pub many times in the last few years, that she has found the place is not quite as good as it used to be. Perhaps trading off its past reputation?9 Aug 2009 09:06
The Rook and Gaskill, York
Address: 12 Lawrence Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO10 3WP [map]
Phone: 01904 628488
See full pub details
Nearest train stations: York (1.1 miles), Poppleton (3.8 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
One of York's best ranges of real ale, which is saying something- 12 handpumps including a real cider line the bar.
The pub is located just outside the city walls on the and as such avoids falling into the tourist trap category. One basic, long room is split-level and has an attractive tiled floor. There is also a conservatory area at the back. Traditional games such as chess and cards are offered and bands sometimes play on the raised area at the back.
The pub is the northernmost Castle Rock outlet, and as such features their range of ales including the excellent Harvest Pale.
This is a must visit pub for the York real ale enthusiast and can now be combined with the nearby Waggon and Horses and Phoenix for a rewarding crawl of pubs around the Eastern city walls.
The pub is located just outside the city walls on the and as such avoids falling into the tourist trap category. One basic, long room is split-level and has an attractive tiled floor. There is also a conservatory area at the back. Traditional games such as chess and cards are offered and bands sometimes play on the raised area at the back.
The pub is the northernmost Castle Rock outlet, and as such features their range of ales including the excellent Harvest Pale.
This is a must visit pub for the York real ale enthusiast and can now be combined with the nearby Waggon and Horses and Phoenix for a rewarding crawl of pubs around the Eastern city walls.
10 Feb 2010 14:29
An impressive bank of handpulls line the bar in this interestingly laid out pub. A real ale drinkers version of a sweet shop, of which my £2.30 pint of Harvest Pale was very agreeable indeed. Unfortunately I totally missed the friendly vibe frequently reported by previous posters so I can only conclude I visited on an off night. I drank up quickly as I felt distinctly uncomfortable here. Still it's range of ales was second to none.2 Feb 2010 21:07
Another visit to York, so popped in to see what was on offer, and had Hook Norton Hooky Gold and Leeds Ale Mary, both in good condition.1 Jan 2010 23:35
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A spit and sawdust type place.
The clientele was very mixed in dress, age and gender. Some people were just having a swift one or two after work others appeared to be in for the duration.
Good atmosphere and plenty of real ale.