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17 of the Best Beer Gardens in York

17 of the Best Beer Gardens in York

Great drinking spots have been the main staple in this city for hundreds of years, and that still rings true today. And with the best-preserved relics of history in all of Yorkshire, you’re going to want to enjoy your drinks outside this summer! But I get it, there’s too many to choose from. So, we’ve rounded up all the best beer gardens in York this city has to offer. Get yourself down to any one of these, you’ll be chuffed to bits with what you find.

Lamb and Lion york beer garden re-opening April 2021

The Fat Badger

The Fat Badger sits on a narrow picturesque lane a stone’s throw from the iconic York Minster and next to the city’s original Roman walls. Enjoy a wide selection of drinks from real ales to fantastic spirits and classic pub grub. All enjoyed on their hugely popular beer garden. Cosy and traditional, you can’t go wrong here.

2-4 High Petergate, York YO1 7EH – 01904 612078 

Spark-York CIC places to eat in York

Spark:York

Spark:York is proud to always offer an eclectic mix of food and drink from around the world. Showcasing a fantastic range of local and independent businesses. Enjoy a deliciously fruity peach bellini served by the piano at Bohemian Bar. Drink up the range of craft beers, fine wines, and spirits at Bar No. Nine. And to complement your great drinks enjoy food from across the globe; gourmet burgers from Sloppy’s Burgers, adventurous Asian fusion at Shori and more. Consisting of 23 up-cycled shipping containers on two levels, there’s plenty of space to take a seat alfreso.

17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB – 01904 217555 

Star Inn the City 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 2021 and 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 - Best beer garden in York

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 in 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 - best beer gardens in York

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’s some fantastic Japanese and Asian inspired dishes from Yuzu street food.

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

Refectory York offer outdoor terrace area image

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. And enjoy some of their local twists on cocktails, sipped on their terrace garden, among favourites are the Yorkshire Negroni and the Yorkshire Sunrise. Cheers!

Station Rd, York YO24 1AA – 01904 688699



Judge’s Lodging - best beer gardens in York

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 - best beer gardens in York

The Habit

The Habit is a no-fuss bar and eatery, known locally for its relaxed atmosphere and regularly hosting 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 and Child - Best Beer Gardens in York

Eagle and 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 - Best beer gardens in York

Thors Tipi

How could we talk about the best beer gardens in York without throwing it back to the Vikings? Turn back time a few centuries with this Nordic-inspired seasonal pop-up for summer and winter. They usually team up with great local street food traders, last year this was the brilliant Shambles Kitchen bringing their famous smokehouse meaty treats to the table. 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 - best beer gardens 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 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 - best beer gardens in York

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.

16 Gillygate, York YO31 7EQ – 01904 622967 

Guy Fawkes Inn york beer garden

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 6 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



King’s Arms York - best beer gardens in York

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 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 - best beer gardens in York

Gray’s Court

Who doesn’t love to indulge in a little period fantasy? Feel the pride, 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 - best beer gardens in York

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 - best beer gardens in York

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


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Written by

Zachary Lee

13/04/2021

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