17 Recommended Pubs In York!
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It is well known that York has a lot of places to drink! With over 365 pubs & bars in York, you won’t have any problem finding somewhere to quench your thirst. But with so much choice it can be hard to know where is the best place to go, so we have put you a little mini-guide together.
Brew York Tap Room & Beer Hall
The Brew York Tap Room & Beer Hall offers a European feel with its bold art decor and industrial-style furniture, but the best thing about it is the variety of drinks on offer. The Tap Room area has seven cask beers on rotation alongside nine keg beers and three ciders, while the Beer Hall boasts 40 taps with a selection of brews from York and the surrounding area. To top it off you can also soak up the beer with some amazing food from Yuzu Street Food also based at Brew York.
The Kings Arms
Based on the river, The King’s Arms is the perfect place to sit and watch the boats go by. With a dedicated outdoor seating area just a step away from the edge of the river you can enjoy watching the views of the river whilst taking in the fresh air and a cold drink. The pub itself was built in the 17th Century and offers a very traditional feel inside.
The pub floods, on average, four times a year, and does not hold flood insurance. Historically, it would remain open for regulars even when flooded, but this is no longer permitted, as the river water may be contaminated. In 1982, the brewery put a new flood protocol in place. A flood gate is put across the front door, and customers are served in the back bar. Once the floodwaters reach the back door, the pub is closed, and all the fixtures and fittings can be dismantled and stored upstairs. The beer and electrics are all upstairs and so are not damaged even by floodwaters 4.5 meters above usual river levels. A chart on the wall marks historic flood heights, the highest being 2000, when floodwater nearly reached the ceiling of the bar.[4]
The Lamb & Lion
The Lamb & Lion is an old English Inn that is adjoined to one of York’s Roman gateways ‘Bootham Bar’. Inside the inn the owners have done a great job of combining traditional with modern, creating a lovely atmosphere all round. But one of the best features of this pub is its ‘secret garden’ which offers a pretty seating area with fantastic views of the York Minster.
The House of Trembling Madness
The original Trembling Madness pub is famed for its unbelievably small kitchen, impressively huge collection of beers, & its rich and varied history, the medieval alehouse will always be associated by its visitors for its quirky taxidermy animal collection, and the staff who truly embody the spirit of “Madness”! And if that isn’t enough the food is quirky but very tasty, and there is the house of trembling madness off-license downstairs that sells a vast amount of alcohol from around the world!
Valhalla
It wouldn’t be right to visit York without heading into a Viking-themed pub, and Valhalla is just that! A cosy, and rustic pub that offers good food, beer, cask ale, rock music, mead, coffee, and all things Viking! So why not head to this quirky pub to join them all in the halls of Valhalla. ”Where the Brave shall live Forever.”
The Golden Fleece
Claiming to be the most haunted pub in York, The Golden Fleece dates back to the 16th century. It is a very traditional pub with some quirky features including a skeleton propping up the bar. The pub does good food, real ales, and regularly has live music on in the back bar.
Pivni
Pivni is another definite for those who are connoisseurs of real ales looking to visit some of the more unique pubs in York. Set just off The Shambles the three-story 16th-century building has lots of character, space, and a large variety of drinks to choose from.
Eagle & Child
Another pub with a hidden gem of a garden! The Eagle & Child is a quaint pub housed in a beautiful grade II listed building with a cosy terrace adorned in fairy lights at the back. Priding themselves in using locally sourced produce, Eagle & child have a varied menu of delicious dishes to offer, as well as a bar filled with wines, beers, gins, and spirits.
Ye Olde Starre Inn
York’s Ye Olde Starre Inn is believed to be the oldest licensed bar in York, and is another pub based in a beautiful 16th-century building. The pub itself isn’t obvious at first as you have to go down a cheery little ginnel to reach it, however, there is no missing its famous sign that stretches across the top of Stonegate. If you want a cosy space with a good ale then this is definitely one to visit.
Guy Fawkes Inn
Named after the notorious plotter Guy Fawkes, the Guy Fawkes Inn is a medieval inn based close to the famous York Minster. It offers a cosy, traditional feel, with a lovely decorated garden to the rear. The food comes highly recommended and there are always some good beers available. Out of all the pubs in York this is certainly one to visit.
Walmgate Ale House
The Walmgate Ale House is a pub with a welcoming, cosy atmosphere, that offers a good variety of real ales. Feeling hungry? The alehouse has the added benefit of having the fantastic Anglo-French restaurant the ‘Chopping Block’ upstairs!
The Market Cat
A traditional pub with a modern twist, The Market Cat, is definitely a contender as one of the best pubs in York. They stock a large range of craft beer, sustainable and organic wines, and over 17 different gins! On top of this, they make amazing fresh Milanese style pizza’s that give even an Italian restaurant a run for their money!
The Hop
The Hop successfully combines character with a modern twist, real ale with more cosmopolitan drinks, and simple but delicious food with live music to create an innovative vibe, making this the place to be for all ages and drink tastes!
The Duke Of York
Located close to the Shambles the Duke Of York is a pub packed full of history and charm. It has a traditional, warm atmosphere, and wonderful food made with local produce, which makes this pub popular with the visitors of York.
York Tap
The York Tap is a bar located in a quirky and stunning Edwardian building located in the York Train Station. It serves real ales and cask beers, and is perfect for those who have just hopped off a train or are waiting on their train to arrive!
SPARK: York
SPARK in York is a little different from the other bars we have mentioned so far. Instead of it being just a bar it is actually a collection of start up’s who offer food, drink, retail, art, and social enterprise. However, we felt it still deserved a mention as the rooftop bar area is not only different but very popular with visitors of York too.
The Habit
Last but certainly not least is the lovely ‘Habit’ with its cosy bar, regular live music, and rooftop terrace with fantastic views of the Minster. The friendly bar staff, the welcoming atmosphere, and the great choice in food and drink, means this bar is definitely not one to be missed!
Not looking for pubs in York head to our blog page for more York inspiration!
