20 of the Best Pubs in York

York is full of pubs; choosing just a sample of the many is fairly subjective

What can be said is that you will find historic settings, real ales with micro-breweries increasing throughout Yorkshire on a regular basis. Here is a list of 20 pubs that are recommended, less than 10% of the choice you have while in York but sufficient to guarantee you will have a good time.

The Maltings

Close to York Railway Station, The Maltings is a previous winner of the City’s CAMRA Pub of the Year Award. It had to be extended to cater for its increased popularity with locals and visitors to the City. While there are limited hours when food is served and occasional folk nights are held, it is primarily a pub that is popular for its beer with guest beers regularly rotated.

Phone: +44 1904 655387

Booking: Click here for more information

Address: Tanners Moat, York YO1 6HU

The Drawing Board

The unique aspect of this bar is that the clientele has been encouraged to sketch and doodle on its walls creating a great and different atmosphere. The drinks on offer are equally creative with a cocktail menu the envy of other establishments. It opens from Sunday to Thursday and has hence become a favourite midweek spot.

Phone: +44 7999 786650

Booking: Click here for more information

Address: 10 New Street, York YO21 8RA

Evil Eye Bar & Restaurant

Another pub seeking to create an unusual interior is the Evil Eye; York’s cobbled streets seem a world away when you gaze on its paintings and carvings. With the colourful textiles reminiscent of South East Asia. The Bar offers an extensive range of drinks, some the staff’s creations for those feeling adventurous.

Phone: +44 1904 640 002

Booking: Click here for more information

Address: Evil Eye, 42 Stonegate, York YO1 8AS

The Eagle & Child

The Eagle and Child is a Grade II listed timber framed structure dating back to 1640. There are three floors in all with great views of York Minster from upstairs’ windows. The Pub has an excellent selection of guest beers and serves food throughout the day.

Phone: +44 1904 631536

Booking: Click here for more information

Address: 9 High Petergate, York YO1 7EN

Guy Fawkes Inn

Close to York Minster, on the spot where Guy Fawkes was born, this Grade II-listed building was built in the 18th Century. It has retained the character of an old building with exposed, wooden beams, the originals, timber floors and authentic gas lamps. It offers a fine collection of cask ales and other draught beers, including local products. With great pub grub, it’s a great place to spend a few hours.

Phone: +44 1904 623716

Booking: Click here for more information

Address: 25 High Petergate, York YO1 7HP

The Black Swan Inn

This former 16th Century Coach House is reputed to be haunted yet that does not seem to bother the diners in the two rooms at the front nor the drinkers in the rear bar. It is a very atmospheric place with dark wood, low ceilings and an open fire in the winter. There are always good ales on tap and although a little more expensive than some others in the City, the Black Swann Inn is worth a visit.

Phone: +44 1904 679131

Booking: Click here for more information

Address: 25 High Petergate, York YO1 7HP

House of the Trembling Madness

The DTs come from the Latin ‘’delirium tremens’’ effectively the shakes so the name is an interesting choice. The traditional look includes timber from a ship many centuries ago while the mounted animal heads are another feature. The beers and ciders on draught are locally produced while the food available includes cheese boards, local pork pies and meat platters.

Phone: +44 1904 640 009

Booking: Click here for more information

Address: 48 Stonegate, York YO1 8AS

Ye Olde Starre Inne

The oldest continuously licensed premises in York, the Inne has wood panelled rooms and a copper topped bar. Outside you will find more drinking room; beer “yards” not beer gardens. The choice of beers is excellent if you can find the place; down a small alley way off Stonegate.

Phone: +44 1904 623063

Booking: Click here for more information

Address: 40 Stonegate, York YO1 8AS

Pivni

This pub offers beers from all over the world, 70 or so in all, but it does not forget local brews. Among Pivni’s awards is inclusion in the 2014 CAMRA Good Beer Guide. It is a 16th Century building on two floors with a small downstairs bar and two larger rooms above.

Phone: +44 1904 635464

Booking: Click here for more information

Address: 6 Patrick Pool, York YO1 8BB

The Golden Ball

The Golden Ball is a typical cosy local with three and a half drinking rooms, one containing a billiards table and an outdoor seating area. There is regular live entertainment in the evening and plenty of choice in the drinks’ menu. Slightly out of the centre but not too far a walk, it attracts locals more than visitors to York.

Phone: +44 1904 849040

Booking: Click here for more information

Address: 2 Cromwell Road, York YO1 6DU

The Phoenix Inn

The Phoenix Inn is close to the City Walls and another that tourists rarely find. It exudes a pleasant atmosphere and sells competitively priced drinks. Live entertainment includes jazz three times a week and its proximity to the Barbican makes it ideal for a drink before or after a show.

Phone: +44 1904 656401

Booking: Click here for more information

Address: 75 George Street, York YO1 9PT

The Hop

The front section of the Hop looks like a 19th Century bathhouse but carry on and it opens up into a large hall area with bare brick walls and bench seating. Skylights allow natural light into the room and the seating is arranged in such a way that everyone can see its stage when live music is on offer. It belongs to Osset Brewery but also serves guest beers in rotation.

Phone: +44 1904 541466

Booking: Click here for more information

Address: 11-12 Fossgate, York YO1 9TA

1331

This bistro bar in the centre of York is the great place for a quiet dinner and drinks or just a round of drinks with friends. There is a relaxing atmosphere, with a courtyard providing outdoors seating for the summer. The drinks menu includes plenty of vodkas, gin and rum cocktails. A unique feature is a small cinema room in the attic which can be booked for dinner and a film.

Phone: +44 1904 661130

Booking: Click here for more information

Address: 9-13 Grape Lane, York YO1 7HU

The Blue Bell

The Blue Bell is a fairly small pub so not ideal for large groups. On the definite plus side is the feel it provides; its last renovation was a century ago and on entering you may think you have stepped back in time.

Phone: +44 1904 654904

Address: 53 Fossgate, York YO1 9TF

The Fossgate Social

Fossgate is one of the trendiest places to eat and drink in York. The interior has exposed piping, bare brick and a bar built from timber that has been reclaimed. Drinks include craft beers like Brooklyn Lager served in American-style 16oz glasses and classic cocktails. By day, you can drop in for coffee and pastries.

Phone: +44 1904 628692

Booking: Click here for more information

Address: 25 Fossgate, York YO1 9TA

The Habit

This bar attracts regulars, locals, musicians et al where talent is on show at every turn. The drinks on offer include several guest ales, draught and bottled as well as plenty of spirits. A terrace roof space is used in the good weather; a chance to great wonderful views of the Minster.

Phone: +44 1904 611072

Booking: Click here for more information

Address: 40 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF

Sotano

Despite being fairly new, Sotano has real character, down a staircase into a lowly lit interior. Its cocktails are worth the wait. Word of mouth has gradually increased Sotano’s popularity and although it may not become your regular local, give it a try.

Phone: +44 1904 620230

Booking: Click here for more information

Address: Little Stonegate, York YO1 8AX

Lamb & Lion

Close to Bootham Bar (the 11th-century portcullis gate), Lamb & Lion has a series of wood-panelled snugs where guests can enjoy a quiet drink. The pub is a throwback to bygone days with 12 guest rooms for those needing a room for the night. The elevated beer garden at the rear of the pub looks onto the walls and further to the Minster.

Phone: +44 1904 654112

Booking: Click here for more information

Address: 2-4 High Petergate, York YO1 7EH

Duke of York

This two-floor pub is a weekend favourite because of its atmosphere and its rotating selection of craft beers. You can have a small taste from a mini jug before you buy. A good wine list and selection of spirits adds to the pub’s appeal. Homemade snacks include pork scratchings, pickled eggs, hazelnut brittle and mixed olives.

Phone: +44 1904 676065

Booking: Click here for more information

Address: King's Square, York YO1 8BH

The Postern Gate

This Wetherspoons pub is close to the medieval tower Fishergate Postern built around 1500. It sells a range of local brewed beers from Yorkshire micro-breweries at prices that have established the Wetherspoons brand nationwide for food and drink.

Phone: +44 1940 526220

Booking: Click here for more information

Address: 90 Piccadilly, York YO1 9NX