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A Pint Through the Centuries: Exploring York
I spent the day exploring York with Neil from Neil’s Real Ale & Pub Page, visiting a fantastic mix of historic pubs, modern taprooms and breweries, each with its own story to tell. From beautifully restored railway buildings and centuries-old timber-framed inns to quirky beer bars and welcoming brewery taprooms, every stop offered something different. Along the way I enjoyed a brilliant range of cask ales, craft beers and even a sparkling mead, while taking time to appreciate the history and character behind every venue. It was one of those days where York reminded me why it’s one of my favourite cities for a pub crawl, with great beer and fascinating history around every corner.
York’s got nearly 2,000 years of history packed into its streets, but it never feels like a museum. The Romans set it up as Eboracum, the Vikings turned it into Jórvík, and later the Normans built the stunning York Minster. Medieval traders left behind crooked timber houses and narrow lanes like The Shambles, which still feel alive today. Over time the city’s seen wars, plagues, and plenty of change, but it’s always kept its character. Walk the old city walls, duck into hidden snickleways, or grab a pint in a centuries-old pub — York’s past and present sit happily side by side.
York Tap
My first visit in York yesterday was to York Tap.This occupies the former tearooms of York station, built in 1906 during the station’s Edwardian expansion. For decades, these grand refreshment rooms served travellers tea and light meals under a striking dome and stained glass windows. In the 1980s, after falling out of use, the space found new life as Rail Riders World, later known as the York Model Railway, delighting visitors with miniature trains for nearly three decades. When the exhibit moved in 2011, the building was carefully restored and reopened in 2012 as the York Tap, preserving its historic fabric while turning another page in its long, varied life.
Inside the York Tap, it feels bright, airy, and a little grand. The high domed ceiling and stained glass give it a touch of old railway elegance, while polished wood, tiled floors, and a sweeping central bar keep things warm and lively. Big arched windows let in plenty of light, and there’s usually a buzz of conversation carrying through the space. It strikes a nice balance between stylish and relaxed — somewhere you can admire the architecture while still feeling comfortable with a pint in hand.
An impressive 20 cask lines, 12 keg lines and even more choices available in bottles and cans. I went for Blonde by Timothy Taylor’s Brewery, a blonde ale with delicate citrus notes and a light, refreshing finish.
House of the Trembling Madness- Lendal
A walk over the river brought me onto House of the Trembling Madness on Lendal. This opened in 2018 inside a Georgian townhouse with a long history. For about 170 years it was home to Robson & Cooper, a saddlery and harness maker, but before that it hosted some notable York residents, including the astronomer John Goodricke and Recorder of York Sir Thomas Widdrington. The building, part of a Grade II* listed terrace, was restored by York Conservation Trust and went on to win a York Restoration Design Award the same year it reopened. Its unusual name comes from an old phrase for the “trembling madness” of drink.
Step inside the Trembling Madness on Lendal and it feels like part pub, part curiosity shop. Spread over five floors, each space has its own vibe — from cosy corners with old wood panelling to a room centred on a striking green-and-copper fireplace uncovered during restoration. One floor is decorated with taxidermy, giving it a quirky, slightly gothic feel, while the staircases are lined with oddities like vintage medical models. Light pours through tall Georgian windows at the front, balancing out the darker, hidden alcoves upstairs. It’s a mix of historic charm and eccentric detail that makes exploring the place fun.
A great selection on the downstairs and upstairs bars showcasing 11 keg lines and 3 cask lines. I went for Hopside by Brass Castle Brewery, a pale ale with bright citrus hop notes and a fresh, crisp finish.
House of the Trembling Madness- Stonegate
A short walk away brought me to House of the Trembling Madness on Stonegate. This is rooted in York’s medieval past. The rear of the building includes part of a stone house built around 1180, one of the city’s earliest Norman dwellings. The timber-framed frontage was added around 1600, and together they’ve stood through centuries of upheaval, from fires to street-widening schemes. Today it’s a Grade II* listed site, a rare survivor that shows how York’s streets have layered history on top of history.
Step inside the House of Trembling Madness and it feels like York’s past is still alive. The crooked timber beams and uneven floors give away its age straight away, while low ceilings and creaky stairs add to the charm. Upstairs is a cosy medieval hall with long wooden tables, animal heads on the walls, and the vibe of an old hunting lodge. Downstairs, shelves are stacked high with craft beers and spirits from around the world, making it part historic pub, part treasure trove. It’s quirky, a little chaotic, and exactly the kind of place you stumble into and remember.
A great selection of 9 keg lines, 4 cask lines along with the hundreds of bottles and cans downstairs which can be drunk in. I went for Future Folklore by Pentrich Brewing Co., an English pale ale with vibrant stone fruit and citrus flavours and a crisp, moderately bitter finish.
The Market Cat
After having a look around the Shambles Market I headed to The Market Cat which sits on Jubbergate, right by Shambles Market, in the heart of York. Before becoming a pub in 2018, the building housed Herbert Brown & Son, a long-standing Yorkshire pawnbroker. The structure itself wasn’t especially loved—locals remember it as a pretty plain 1970s block—but the renovation gave it a new lease of life. Spread across three floors, it was designed to echo York’s mix of old and new, blending in with the surrounding historic streets. Today, the Market Cat feels like part of the city’s fabric, tucked neatly between centuries of York’s trading and market history.
Step inside The Market Cat and you’re surrounded by dark wood panelling, brass details and deep leather sofas that give it a relaxed, classic feel. The ground floor has a central U-shaped bar, a cosy snug tucked at the back, and booths by the big windows overlooking Shambles Market. Upstairs, the first floor feels lighter and more open, with high windows, long benches and a garden-room vibe. Head up again and you’ll find quieter booths with great views across York. One neat feature: glass panels give a peek into the cellar, so you can see the workings behind the scenes.
A fantastic line up of 8 cask ales, alongside a wide variety of keg options showcasing different styles. I went for Hoppy Pale by Oakham Ales, a collaboration with Thornbridge Brewery, brewed as a light gold pale ale with bold citrus, tropical fruit and stone fruit hop flavours and a fresh, zesty finish.
York Refectory
Next I walked around to York Refectory by NORTHERN MONK. York Refectory stands at the Stonegate end of Little Stonegate, one of York’s oldest and most historic streets in the heart of the city centre. Little Stonegate has been part of York’s medieval street network for centuries, connecting the bustling Stonegate with the wider city. The building itself has welcomed visitors in various forms over the years, continuing the long tradition of hospitality found in this part of York. In late 2025, it became the home of Northern Monk’s York Refectory, bringing together a craft beer taproom and Slice Culture Pizza. Today, it continues to offer a welcoming place to eat, drink and meet in one of York’s best-loved historic streets.
Inside has a stylish, spacious feel that blends modern design with the character of the historic building. Exposed brick walls, large sash windows and timber floors are paired with deep green panelling, brass-effect columns and soft lighting to create a warm, welcoming space. The long tiled bar is a real focal point, with a wide range of taps and illuminated beer boards behind it. Seating is varied, with booths, high tables, benches and quieter corners spread across different rooms. Original beams and high ceilings add plenty of character, while natural light pours in through the large windows.
Drinks wise on the bar a choice of 2 cask ales, alongside 18 keg lines offering a variety of different styles and strengths. I went for SUP // GOLDEN ALE by Northern Monk, a golden ale with subtle citrus and pine notes and a light, easy-drinking finish.
Little Ale House
Back onto Stonegate and right next door to House of The Trembling Madness is Little Ale House. The Little Ale House opened on Stonegate in December 2025, bringing a traditional ale house into one of York’s most historic streets. It occupies the upper floors of the Grade II* listed buildings at 46–50 Stonegate, with parts of the property dating from the 15th century and around 1600. Before the pub arrived, these rooms were home to Little Bettys café for many years. The owners carefully restored the historic interior, keeping many original features while creating a welcoming place to enjoy cask ale. Today, it combines centuries of York’s history with a genuine appreciation for traditional pubs and local beer.
Inside is full of character, with low ceilings, uneven wooden floors and original timber beams showing the age of the building. Dark painted walls, exposed brickwork, old fireplaces and sections of historic plasterwork give each room its own distinctive feel, while simple wooden tables and chairs keep everything relaxed and traditional. The main bar is on the first floor, where large sash windows bring in plenty of natural light. Upstairs, the second-floor seating area feels quieter, with exposed timber framing, long shared tables and cosy corners that make it easy to settle in and soak up the building’s history.
A great selection of 6 cask ales and 12 keg lines to choose from on the bar. I went for Yorkshire Legend by Helmsley Brewing Co., a classic Yorkshire bitter with toasted malt, dark berry notes and a smooth, satisfying finish.
Ye Old Shambles Tavern
Back towards The Shambles to drop into Ye Old Shambles Tavern. Ye Old Shambles Tavern which sits on York’s most famous medieval street, The Shambles. The building dates back centuries, with a major refurb in the 1700s, but you can still spot original features like timber beams and the old butcher’s hooks outside. Before opening as a pub in 2013, it went through a fair few lives — butcher’s, art gallery, bike shop, sports shop and even a café. These days it’s the only pub actually on The Shambles, offering a cosy spot that blends historic character with York’s lively street atmosphere.
Inside Ye Old Shambles Tavern you’ll find a snug, welcoming space that feels part pub, part café. The interior keeps much of its old character – low timber beams, uneven walls, and a bit of that medieval wonkiness The Shambles is famous for. It’s not a huge place, so it feels cosy rather than sprawling, with nooks where you can tuck yourself away. The décor is simple and relaxed, more about letting the history of the building shine than over-dressing it. There’s a friendly, laid-back feel, with plenty of chatter from visitors mixing with locals who pop in.
Drinks wise a selection of 6 cask ales, 3 being house beers, alongside a variety of keg options, and a great selection of cans and bottles. I went for Shambles Tavern Stumbler by Rudgate Brewery, a blonde ale with light citrus hop notes and a smooth, easy-drinking finish.
The Last Drop Inn
Next up in York was to The Last Drop Inn. The Last Drop Inn stands at 27 Colliergate in York, housed in a Grade II listed building with layers of history. The earliest part dates to the late 1500s, when timber framing and panelled rooms were typical. A brick-built extension followed in the late 1600s, reflecting changing tastes as York shifted towards sturdier Georgian styles. In the early 1700s the structure was altered again, and by the 20th century the ground floor was refitted with a shopfront, later adapted for pub use. Behind its modern role as a pub, the building shows four centuries of York’s evolving architecture and trade.
Inside, The Last Drop Inn feels like a proper old York pub — snug and characterful rather than flashy. Exposed beams, uneven walls, and a mix of wood and brick remind you the building has been standing for centuries. The layout includes tucked-away corners and communal tables, giving it a balance between cosy chats and lively evenings. Décor is simple and traditional, with warm tones and historic charm carrying the atmosphere. Light filters in from the street through a classic shopfront, while the creak of floorboards adds to the sense that this is a place steeped in lived-in history.
This has been taken over as of Friday afternoon, and it was fantastic meeting and chatting to Chris and I wish them all the best. Drinks wise on the bar a choice of 8 cask ales, alongside a variety of keg choices. I went for Everytime by Bristol Beer Factory, a session IPA with juicy tropical fruit, stone fruit and citrus hop notes and a fresh, easy-drinking finish.
Pivni
Pivni York was my next visit. This lives in a crooked 16th-century timber-framed house on Patrick Pool, right in the heart of York. The building was originally a merchant’s townhouse, built when the city thrived on trade, and its sloping beams and winding staircases still show its age. Over the centuries it’s seen many uses, including shops and lodging, before becoming a pub in 2007. That opening marked a new chapter, breathing life into one of York’s oldest surviving houses. Today, stepping inside feels like stepping back in time, with each uneven floorboard a reminder of the city’s long and layered past.
Step into Pivni and it feels like you’ve wandered into a crooked little time capsule. The 16th-century timber beams slope at odd angles, and every stair creaks as you climb through its three floors. The ground floor is snug and lively, usually packed with chatter. Head upstairs and you find low ceilings, slanted windows, and corners perfect for hiding away with friends. The top floor feels almost secret, with plenty of character in every uneven wall. It’s not polished or modern, but that’s the charm—an old York townhouse turned pub, full of history and atmosphere in every room.
Drinks wise on the bar a selection of 3 cask ales, 2 ciders and a wide choice of keg options. Lots more available in cans and bottles from the fridges behind the bar. I went for Cats Eyes by Bini Brew Co., an English pale ale with citrus and stone fruit notes, a touch of spice and a clean, refreshing finish.
Valhalla
Directly opposite is Valhalla York. This isn’t an ancient Viking hall, but a lively bar with a theme rooted in Norse mythology. It opened in 2017, created by two friends who wanted a place where people could drink ale, eat hearty food, and enjoy a Viking-inspired vibe. The name comes from Valhalla, the great hall of Odin in Norse legend where warriors go after death. York itself has deep Viking connections—founded as Jórvík in 866 by the Great Heathen Army. Valhalla celebrates that heritage, mixing modern hospitality with echoes of York’s past. It’s become a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
Step inside Valhalla and you’re dropped into a Viking hall with a modern edge. Long wooden tables and benches fill the space, while shields, axes, and Norse symbols decorate the walls. The lighting is warm and low, with candles and lanterns giving everything a cosy but dramatic glow. Rock and metal music hum in the background, adding to the atmosphere without drowning conversation. It feels part museum, part mead hall, but all relaxed hangout. Whether you’re into Viking history, Norse mythology, or just love a unique spot with character, Valhalla makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
A great selection of beers with 3 cask ales, 2 still ciders and a variety of keg options, including a sparkling mead (and a great choice of Meads to enjoy). I went for Nectar Sparkling Session Mead by Afon Mêl, a sparkling session mead with light honey sweetness, a fresh, zesty character and a clean, refreshing finish.
The Blue Bell
Another short walk in York brought me next to The Blue Bell. The Blue Bell on Fossgate is one of York’s tiniest pubs, but it’s bursting with history. The building itself dates back to around 1600, when it was just a timber-framed house. By the late 18th century it had done a stint as a warehouse, before becoming a pub in 1798. Its big moment came in 1903, when George and Annie Robinson gave it a smart Edwardian refit — the cosy wood panelling, stained glass and little snugs you see today are all from then. Their daughter Edith ran the place for decades, fiercely protecting its old-world charm. That stubbornness paid off: the Blue Bell is now Grade II* listed, a rare survivor with much of its 1903 interior intact.
Step inside the Blue Bell and it feels like stepping back a century. It’s famously small, with just two snug little rooms split by a polished bar. Dark wood panelling, stained glass, and gleaming brass fittings give it a cosy Edwardian vibe. The service hatches and partitions are original, so you still get that sense of privacy old pubs were built for. There’s no blaring music or fruit machines—just conversation, beer, and atmosphere. You might even have to shuffle up close with strangers, but that’s part of the charm. It’s York pub heritage in miniature, warm and wonderfully preserved.
A great selection as always on the bar with 5 cask ales, including a 8% DIPA from Wensleydale Brewery along with a choice of ciders and keg options. I went for Trip Hazard by Wensleydale Brewery, a hazy double IPA with juicy Galaxy and Mosaic Cryo hop flavours, a creamy mouthfeel and a bold tropical finish
Brew York Tap Room & Beer Hall
My next visit in York was to Brew York Tap Room & Beer Hall / Brew York. Brew York was founded in 2016 by friends Wayne Smith and Lee Grabham, who shared a love of craft beer and Yorkshire’s brewing heritage. They set up in York’s historic Walmgate area, creating a brewery and taproom inside a refurbished 19th-century warehouse overlooking the River Foss. The name “Brew York” nods both to the city and to their playful, creative style. From the start, they focused on bold, flavour-packed beers with quirky names and colourful artwork. Over time, they expanded into larger sites, launched a beer hall, and became one of Yorkshire’s best-known independent breweries.
The Beer Hall at Brew York has a big, open, Bavarian-style feel with long wooden benches and plenty of room to gather. Bright murals, retro details, and warm lighting give it a lively yet relaxed vibe, while big windows bring in lots of natural light. The space has a communal atmosphere, making it feel welcoming whether you’re there with a group of friends or just soaking up the buzz. It’s family-friendly, dog-friendly, and designed to be a fun, social spot where you can enjoy the character of Brew York in a laid-back setting.
The Brew York Taproom is where it all began back in 2016, when founders Wayne and Lee turned an old Walmgate warehouse into their first home. It’s still got that stripped-back, industrial feel — exposed brick, steel beams, and the buzz of tanks and brewing kit right there in view. The space has grown with the brewery but kept its roots, with colourful murals and a laid-back vibe that makes it feel like part of York’s modern beer story. It’s friendly, unpretentious, and a place where you can really sense the journey from small startup to one of Yorkshire’s favourites.
Between the two venues a huge array of cask and keg options to choose from and a style for everyone. I went for Pining For the Fjords by Brew York, an American pale ale with pine, grapefruit and tropical fruit notes and a crisp, bitter finish. I also went for Citrus Cinema by Brew York, a collaboration with OSO Brew Co., brewed as an orange and lemon fruited pale ale with bright citrus flavour and a refreshing finish.
Walmgate Ale House
Over the road brought me into Walmgate Ale House. This is one of York’s quirkiest pubs, set in a timber-framed building from the 17th century. It first housed a rope-maker, later serving as a family home, shop and bakery. The crooked beams and uneven floors tell their own story, making it one of the street’s oldest survivors. After careful restoration, it’s kept its historic character while adding a welcoming, modern feel. These days, it’s a cosy spot for proper Yorkshire food and local ales, where the past lingers in every corner.
Inside you get that perfect mix of old and cosy. The timber beams, creaky floors and exposed brickwork remind you it’s a proper historic York building, while the lighting and rustic furniture make it warm and inviting. Downstairs has the feel of a snug pub, ideal for a quiet pint, while upstairs is a relaxed dining room with loads of character. But the real gem is the secret beer garden tucked out the back – a little hidden escape where you can sip an ale in the fresh air. It feels like York’s best-kept secret.
Drinks wise a choice of 5 cask ales to choose from, alongside a number of keg options. I went for Bitter by LHG Brewpub, a classic English bitter with caramel and toffee malt flavours, a hint of fruit and a smooth, bittersweet finish.
The Rook & Gaskill
The Rook and Gaskill was my next pub visit. The Rook & Gaskill stands just outside Walmgate Bar on Lawrence Street, in a building that dates from around the 1840s. It originally traded as the Queen Inn, serving the growing area beyond York’s city walls before later being renamed. The unusual name remembers Peter Rook and Leonard Gaskill, who were executed nearby in 1676 after being convicted of sheep stealing. Today, the pub blends its historic character with modern brewing, housing its own on-site brewery that produces beers served alongside a wide range of guest ales, helping make it a popular stop for both locals and visitors.
Inside has a traditional feel, with dark wooden panelling, exposed beams and well-worn timber floors giving it plenty of character. The different levels and cosy seating areas help break the pub into smaller spaces, while booths, tables and stools provide a good mix of places to sit. Framed pictures, vintage signs and artwork celebrating the pub’s history add interest without feeling overdone. Warm lighting keeps everything feeling welcoming, and the small on-site brewery can be seen through an internal window. Outside, a compact enclosed courtyard offers a quiet spot, with brick walls, simple seating and hanging plants adding a little extra charm.
On the bar a selection of 3 cask ales, 3 ciders and a huge 20 line keg wall behind the bar offering a range of different styles and strengths. I went for Bridgend Pale Ale by The Coach Brewing Co., a British pale ale with floral hop notes, hints of grapefruit and a fresh, balanced finish.
The Phoenix Inn
A short 8 minutes walk brought me next in York to The Phoenix Inn. The Phoenix Inn has been welcoming drinkers on George Street since the early 19th century, with the building dating from the late 18th century. Standing just inside York’s city walls beside Fishergate Bar, it takes its name from the nearby Phoenix Foundry, once an important local employer. The pub became closely linked with York’s cattle market, serving farmers, traders and market workers for many years. It is the last surviving pub inside the city walls that originally served the cattle market held within Fishergate Bar before it moved in 1827. Today, this Grade II listed pub remains proudly independent and full of traditional character.
Inside has all the character of a traditional local, with separate rooms creating a cosy and welcoming feel. Dark wooden floors, timber panelling and comfortable bench seating sit alongside large windows that fill the rooms with natural light. The compact bar is packed with pump clips and period features, giving it plenty to catch your eye, while framed pictures and original details add to its charm. A traditional bar billiards table sits within one of the seating areas, adding another classic touch. Outside, a peaceful courtyard offers plenty of seating beneath large umbrellas, surrounded by colourful plants and overlooked by York’s historic city walls.
A great selection of beers on the bar with 5 cask ales, alongside a choice of keg options. I went for Cafe Amsterdam by Yorkshire Dales Brewing Co., a blonde ale with bright Citra hop notes, gentle citrus flavour and a clean, refreshing finish.
Hop
Next up was Hop York on Fossgate. This is housed in a striking late-Victorian building that once traded as a fishmonger’s. Built in the late 1800s, it’s known for its red-brick frontage and the bold eagle sculpture above the door, a symbol that’s been turning heads for more than a century. After years of changing hands and uses, the building was restored and reopened in 2013 as The Hop by Ossett Brewery. While today it’s a lively venue, its roots lie firmly in York’s commercial past, reminding visitors that Fossgate has always been a street where trade and community meet.
Step through the door and you’re met with high ceilings, wooden floorboards, and plenty of open space — it doesn’t feel cramped. Big windows up front let daylight spill in, softening the exposed brick and traditional tiling. There’s a rustic-yet-refined energy: vintage fixtures, warm lighting, and cosy nooks for small groups. The layout has a relaxed vibe — wooden tables of various sizes, some communal benches, some more intimate corners. Live music nights draw people in toward the stage area, but overall the space manages to balance bustle and comfort really well.
A huge drinks selection starting with 8 cask options and a bar lined with keg choices. Lots to choose from. I went for Trip Hop #6 by Ossett Brewery, an Australian pale ale with strawberry, raspberry, orange and mango hop notes and a bright, refreshing finish.
Fossgate Tap
Walking to the end of the road brought me to Fossgate Tap. This sits in a handsome old building on Fossgate that’s been part of York since the late 1700s. Originally built around 1796, it went on to spend almost a century as the Army and Navy Store, serving locals with all sorts of goods. Later it became Sutlers, borrowing its name from the traders who once supplied army camps. Today it’s the Fossgate Tap, and although the name and purpose have changed over time, the building itself has kept much of its original charm.
Inside has that perfect mix of old York charm and modern comfort. Think exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and plenty of little nooks where you can tuck yourself away. It’s spread over a couple of floors, so you’ve got cosy booths, open tables, and even a dining room with a big farmhouse table that feels made for gatherings. The lighting’s soft, the vibe’s relaxed, and there’s enough quirky detail to remind you the building’s been around for centuries.
On the bar a great line up of 3 cask ales, a cider and a fantastic line up of keg choices to choose from. I went for Titan by Left Handed Giant, a gluten-free cask pale ale with sweet orange, pressed grape and bright pine notes and a light, refreshing finish.
The Ackhorne
Taking a walk back over the river brought me to The Ackhorne. The Ackhorne is a tucked-away York pub down St Martin’s Lane, just off Micklegate. The site goes back to 1783, when John Hill bought a house and yard there and turned it into an inn called “The Ackhorne.” Over the years the name shifted to “The Acorn,” but in 1993, after a refurbishment, the old spelling was proudly brought back. The building itself is 18th-century, with wooden floors, stained glass, and vaulted cellars that hint at its long life. Today it’s known as a hidden corner of York history, full of character and a strong sense of continuity.
Step inside The Ackhorne and it feels instantly old-world and lived-in. Wooden floors creak underfoot, low ceilings give a cosy feel, and light filters through stained glass windows that add a splash of colour. The layout is snug, with a traditional bar at the heart and smaller corners that make it feel welcoming rather than cramped. The vaulted cellars beneath hint at centuries of use, while the mix of historic features and homely touches keep it down-to-earth. It’s the kind of place that feels comfortably familiar, as though it’s been waiting for you all along.
A great selection of 7 cask ales on the bar, including a house bitter from Half Moon Brewery and range of keg beers. I went for Citra by Rudgate Brewery, a pale ale with bright citrus and grapefruit hop notes and a crisp, refreshing finish.
The Golden Ball
Up next was Golden Ball York. This has been serving pints since at least 1773, making it one of the city’s oldest pubs. The main building you see today took shape in the 1800s, with a big revamp in 1929 that added the tiled frontage and some stylish touches inside. Over the years, it passed through the hands of Braime’s Brewery and later John Smith’s, but it’s always kept its community feel. In 2012, locals set up a co-op to buy and run it themselves, so now it’s not just a historic pub, but also proudly community-owned.
Step inside the Golden Ball and you’ll find a proper old-school pub with bags of character. The 1929 refit gave it high ceilings, tiled walls, and a distinctive glazed-brick bar that still sets the tone today. There are cosy rooms to tuck into, each with their own quirks, and it hasn’t been opened up into one big space like many modern pubs. The atmosphere is relaxed and sociable, with board games, local art, and live music adding to the charm. It’s the kind of place where conversation flows easily and the beer tastes all the better for it.
A great line up on the bar of 6 cask ales, alongside a range of keg beers. I went for Freehold Pale by Rudgate Brewery, an English pale ale with bright, zesty citrus notes and a clean, refreshing finish.
The Slip Inn
A short walk heading out of the centre brought me to Slip Inn. The Slip Inn has been part of Clementhorpe for almost two centuries. The original pub opened in 1836, serving workers from the busy riverside area, where boat building played an important role in York’s industry. The present building dates from around 1840 and was rebuilt in 1902 by the Tower Brewery Company. Its name comes from the nearby slipway, where boats were launched into the River Ouse, and it is the last surviving building linked to the old Clementhorpe shipyard. Today, The Slip Inn remains a friendly independent pub, proudly reflecting the history and community spirit of this part of York.
Inside has the feel of a traditional local pub, with several cosy seating areas spread across different rooms. Dark wood panelling, deep red upholstery and polished wooden furniture give the interior a classic look, while framed photographs, old maps and local artwork add plenty of character to the walls. The bar sits at the heart of the pub, with comfortable bench seating tucked into quiet corners and a brighter conservatory providing extra space beneath roof windows. Outside, the enclosed beer garden offers a mix of seating, colourful hanging baskets and planted borders, making it a pleasant spot to enjoy a drink.
A great selection on the bar with 7 cask ales and 12 keg lines with a selection of styles. I went for Slip by Trig Brewery, a pale ale with bright citrus and tropical hop notes and a clean, refreshing finish.
The Swan
Next up was The Swan. The Swan has been part of Bishopgate Street since 1861, when it first opened as a beerhouse and grocery serving the growing community just outside York’s city walls. It was bought by Joshua Tetley & Son in 1899 and given a major refurbishment in 1936, creating the distinctive interior that survives today. The pub is now Grade II listed and is recognised as one of the best-preserved 1930s pub interiors in the country, with many original features still in place. More than 160 years after opening, The Swan remains a much-loved traditional pub, full of character and local history.
Inside is packed with original character, with separate rooms still arranged around the central bar and traditional serving hatches linking the spaces. Dark wood panelling, glazed screens and leaded windows give the pub a timeless feel, while fixed bench seating and textured walls add to its 1930s charm. Historic photographs, old brewery memorabilia and even the original bell-pushes help preserve its character without feeling like a museum. The rear room is bright and comfortable, while outside a peaceful, leafy beer garden provides a quiet place to sit beneath mature climbing plants, making The Swan feel every bit the classic traditional pub.
A great selection of 7 cask ales were available on the bar, alongside a variety of keg options. I went for Swan Session Blonde by Half Moon Brewery, a session blonde ale with light citrus hop notes and a clean, refreshing finish.
Angel on the Green
Just down the road was Angel on the Green. Angel on the Green opened in 2016, bringing new life to a prominent corner building on Bishopthorpe Road, one of York’s best-known independent shopping streets. Rather than converting an old pub, the owners transformed three former shop units into a welcoming community bar and café. The name was inspired by the building’s history, as one of the shops was home to Angel & Co., a pork butcher that traded here during the late 1920s and early 1930s. Before and after that, the premises housed a variety of businesses including a chemist, grocer, laundrette and, more recently, Cycle Heaven. Today it continues that tradition as a friendly place where people come together.
Inside has a relaxed, welcoming feel with soft sage green walls, dark wooden floors and decorative ceilings adding plenty of character. The space is arranged across several connected rooms, giving it a cosy atmosphere without feeling cramped. A traditional wooden bar sits at the front, while a mix of wooden tables, benches and chairs provides comfortable seating throughout. Framed artwork, houseplants and warm lighting give the pub a homely touch, with large front windows bringing in plenty of natural light. Outside, pavement seating wraps around the corner, making it a lovely spot to watch Bishopthorpe Road go by on warmer days.
Drinks wise a choice of 2 cask ales, a cider and a variety of keg options to choose from. I went for Wyrd Sisters by Castle Rock Brewery, a collaboration with Burton Bridge Brewery, brewed as a black IPA with bright citrus and ripe berry hop notes and a smooth, subtly bitter finish.
The Falcon
Last up was The Falcon on Micklegate. This has been pulling pints since 1715, when it first popped up in York’s records. Back then, it was one of the city’s key coaching inns, welcoming travellers long before trains rolled into York. Once the railway station opened in the 1800s, stagecoaches faded and so did the Falcon’s fortunes. The building was rebuilt around 1842, with the pub at No. 94 and shops and housing next door. A golden falcon carving from its early days still survives. After a few quiet years, it was lovingly restored and reopened in 2022 by Turning Point Brew Co.
Step inside and you’ll immediately feel like someone’s revived an old favourite: lots of light and clean, modern touches, but with original features showing through. The front bar room is cosy — small tables, friendly elbow-room, perfect for meeting mates or just sipping craft beers. The rear room opens up, more spacious, better for groups or chilling for longer periods. The décor nods to its past — the golden falcon at the entrance, bits of old wood and brick, sash windows upstairs. The beer selection is solid: Turning Point’s own brews, guest taps, cask ales. No kitchen, but good pie options, and small outdoor seats up front for nice days.
A great choice of 3 cask ales and 9 keg beers, in a mixed range of styles to choose from. I went for Wavelength by Turning Point Brew Co., an American pale ale packed with Mosaic hops, bringing juicy mango, peach and pine notes with a crisp, refreshing finish.
Micropub Adventures 