18 of the Best Beer Gardens in York

The Star Inn the City

In showcasing how York brings together the charm of history and flair of modern food and drink, look no further than The Star Inn the City. This renowned brasserie-style eatery is famed for its stunning riverside setting and efforts to offer the best locally produced, sustainable produce from the coast of Yorkshire to the Moors.

Featuring in the Michelin Guide in previous years and known as one of York’s best restaurants, it’s no surprise why this is a favourite amongst locals and people looking for the perfect alfresco dining spot and beer garden in York.

Museum St, York YO1 7DR – 01904 619208 

The Red Lion

Sitting on one of the city’s most popular streets Merchantgate, it’s hard to miss this classic British pub. Offering a wide range of cask ales, draft beer, and gins. Follow these up with staple pub grub dishes on their beer garden terrace. The inviting atmosphere and even more inviting prices makes this one of the best beer gardens in York.

2 Merchantgate, York YO1 9TU – 01904 640418

Brew York

Brew York, a renowned independent business brewing its own fantastic variety of booze is a favourite amongst beer fans. Their riverside beer garden in York is a hidden gem tucked behind the Enterprise Complex on Walmgate through the metal gates.

Enjoy their own creations with everything from chocolate stout to sour lingonberry beer. And if you’re feeling peckish there are some fantastic Japanese and Asian-inspired dishes from Yuzu street food.

Unit 6, Enterprise Complex, Walmgate, York YO1 9TT – 01904 848448 

Chapter House Bar at The Refectory Kitchen

The Refectory Kitchen is well known for its commitment to serving scrumptious seasonal dishes. Their Yorkshire Terrier ale-battered haddock to name but one! The adjoining Chapter House Bar and terrace must not be missed either, serving an impressive selection of wines, spirits, and ales.

Enjoy some of their local twists on cocktails, sipped on their terrace garden, among favourites are the Yorkshire Fizz and the Butterfly Kiss. Cheers!

Station Rd, York YO24 1AA – 01904 688699

Judge’s Lodging

Boasting one of the most stylish rooftop terraces in York there’s no better place to enjoy your favourite drink of choice. Offering an appealing array of drinks from their cask ale bar to their medicinal cabinet loaded with the finest gins and whiskies.

Soak in the sun on top of this restored Georgian townhouse just a short walk from the River Ouse. A stylish offering from one of the best beer gardens in York.

9 Lendal, York YO1 8AQ, 01904 638733 

The Habit

The Habit is a no-fuss bar and eatery, known locally for its relaxed atmosphere and regular hosting of live music. Serving a classic range of beers, ales, and whiskies from Scotland to Japan you can’t go wrong with this one. They’ve got the cutest roof terrace, and the views of York Minster are what really pushes this into being one of the best beer gardens in York.

40 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF – 01904 611072

Eagle & Child

Another local main staple surrounding York Minster is the Eagle and Child, highlighting again the best of York’s historic offerings. Built-in 1640, the Grade II* listed Leeds Brewery Company pub prides itself on its locally supplied seasonal dishes, offers the best range of beers, spirits, and gins, and boasts a fantastic Sunday roast. Plus the Rolling Stones once hung out here!

9 High Petergate, York YO1 7EN – 01904 631536

Thors Tipi

Take a trip to the White Isle at this seasonal pop-up spot in the gardens of the York Principal Hotel. Well-known for their delicious slushies and fantastic food, it’s not one to miss for beer gardens in York.

This year, Frango Eduardo is joining the team again to serve up the best Portuguese piri-piri chicken and halloumi wraps. Enjoy a number of their great selection of drinks under their impressive Sperry tents with outdoor fire pits and beautifully lit terraces. The perfect place to enjoy something different in York.

The Churchill Hotel

The Churchill Hotel is rightly renowned in York and it’s easy to see why. A beautiful Grade II* listed Georgian mansion built in 1827 with equally beautiful rooms and a brasserie-style eatery. You’ll have no problem kicking back in their garden chairs, soaking in the sun.

Or take a trip to the Arctic, well almost. The Churchill’s got some funky garden igloos for the colder months, so you’ll have no choice but to keep coming back all year long. A beer garden for all seasons is something we can all get behind!

65 Bootham, Clifton, York YO30 7DQ – 01904 644456 

Love Cheese

If you love cheese then you’re going to love, Love Cheese! A fantastic deli specialising in, you guessed it, cheese! And a staggering selection of wines for every occasion. All enjoyed in their cosy backyard garden. A cheese-lovers paradise if you’re looking for cheese-themed beer gardens in York.

16 Gillygate, York YO31 7EQ – 01904 622967 

Guy Fawkes Inn

The birthplace of the infamous plotter yes, but much more! Sitting literally next to York Minster you’ll find this special place serving up some of the best blends of classic and modern pub grub.

A very comforting pub with original gas lamps and exposed wooden beams stocks the best in several real cask ales and locally sourced AA Rosette awarded seasonal food. You cannot go wrong with their famous steak and a pint.

25 High Petergate, York YO1 7HP – 01904 623716

Kings Arms

The Kings Arms, a York institution for over 100 years now and is a staple for locals. Renowned for its classic beer offerings and digital detoxes courtesy of Samuel Smiths, Yorkshire’s oldest brewery established in 1758. Sup down these greatly priced beers – as low as £2.30 a pint and watch the boats pass by. If you’re looking for the best beer gardens in York that’s close to the water’s edge, this is it.

3 King’s Staith, York YO1 9SN – 01904 659435

Gray’s Court

Who doesn’t love to indulge in a little period fantasy? Feel the pride, and leave the prejudice at home. When you’re lapping up the sun – prosecco in hand, try to remember you haven’t slipped off to Bridgerton. This is the epitome of historic luxury.

The award-winning hotel and restaurant located behind the Minster is the perfect place for a luxurious drink in one of the most beautiful court gardens in York.

Chapter House St, York YO1 7JH – 01904 612613 

Walmgate Ale House

Adjoined with The Chopping Block upstairs which serves traditional French dishes made with the best locally sourced produce. The downstairs Ale House reflects a similar flare for their love of all things local. A traditional ale bar stocked with Yorkshire-produced cask and keg beers; they pride themselves on their huge selection of craft ale. Get yourself down to their York beer garden and take the joy outside!

25 Walmgate, York YO1 9TX – 01904 629222

The Phoenix Inn

The Phoenix prides itself on being a traditional institution, retaining so much of its old charm this independently run pub is steeped in history and is known for its fantastic ales and hosting some of the best live jazz around. You’ll not find a TV or jukebox here.

This charming pub that sits alongside the York City walls is great for those looking to get away from the rabble and enjoy a pint of great ale in peace.

75 George St, York YO1 9PT – 01904 656401

The Fox

Boasting one of the biggest beer gardens in York, The Fox is well worth a visit. Situated just outside of the city centre, this traditional pub specialises in serving the best local real ales and hosting the best family-friendly events. Next time you’re looking for a beer garden in York why not give this one a go?

168 Holgate Rd, Holgate, York YO24 4DQ – 01904 787722

DON’T MISS…

Save up to 38% this month on vouchers & experiences across Yorkshire