15 of the Best Beer Gardens in York
15 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, especially when it comes to beer gardens in York.
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 are 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.
SORA Sky Bar
This laid-back, sophisticated setting is ideal for romantic dates, casual dinners, or “just one drink” with your favourite people. Soak in the breathtaking views and savour the pan-Asian sweets and savoury dishes in this laid-back but sophisticated setting.
All paired with cool vibes and vibrant entertainment from resident DJs and visiting performers. This has to be one of the best cocktail bars in Yorkshire.
Where? 2 Rougier St, York, YO90 1UU, 01904 946060
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.
Where? Chapter House St, York YO1 7JH – 01904 612613
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.
Where? 2-4 High Petergate, York YO1 7EH – 01904 612078
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 Boho Bar. Drink up the range of craft beers, fine wines, and spirits at Piccadilly Tap.
To complement your great drinks enjoy food from across the globe; gourmet burgers from Baby Boys’s Burgers, adventurous Asian fusion at Knori and more. Consisting of 23 up-cycled shipping containers on two levels, there’s plenty of space to take a seat alfreso.
Where? 17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB – 01904 217555
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.
Where? 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.
Where? 2 Merchantgate, York YO1 9TU – 01904 640418
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.
Where? 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.
Where? 40 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF – 01904 611072
Eagle & Child
Another favourite pub neighbouring York Minster is the Eagle and Child, offering a lovely cosy pub with a suntrapped terrace area in the summer.
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!
Where? 9 High Petergate, York YO1 7EN – 01904 631536
Thors Tipi
Thorps Tipi is a popular seasonal pop-up spot in the gardens of the York Principal Hotel, or in the Museum Gardens.
Well-known for their booze infused slushies and comfort street food, it’s not one to miss for beer gardens in York.
The perfect place to enjoy something different 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. A cheese-lovers paradise if you’re looking for cheese-themed beer gardens in York.
Where? 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, they pour plenty of cask ales and serve delicious seasonal dishes.
You cannot go wrong with their famous steak and ale pie and a pint. There’s sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas if that’s more up your street too.
Where? 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 affordably priced beers, as you soak up the sun 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.
Where? 3 King’s Staith, York YO1 9SN – 01904 659435
The Fossgate Social
Up next on our list is The Fossagate Social, making our guide for it’s extensive cocktail list and craft beers on draft. Genuine, friendly service from their close knit team and a small but intimate outdoor area for a drink or two – it doesn’t get much better really.
Perfect for a pre-dinner drink or a date night spot, this is one of our favourite beer gardens in York.
Where? 25 Fossgate, York, YO1 9TA, England
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.
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.
Where? 75 George St, York YO1 9PT – 01904 656401
DON’T MISS…
Pizza & Pint or Glass Of Wine at Grappa Sheffield
266 Glossop Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2HS- Stylish Italian Restaurant and Bar
- UK’s largest selection of Grappa
- Choice of pizzas made in their traditional Gianni Acunto oven
- SAVE 22% off
Sunday Lunch at Hotel Du Vin Harrogate with drink
11 Prospect Pl, Harrogate HG1 1LB- AA Rosette award-winning bistro
- Start with their French Market buffet before enjoying a roast cooked over fire
- SAVE up to 19% off
£40 Rise York Restaurant Voucher
Station Rise, York YO1 6GD- AA Rosette-awarded restaurant & terrace
- Expect modern British dishes with a Yorkshire twist
- SAVE 25% off
Prosecco Afternoon Tea at Hotel Du Vin Harrogate
11 Prospect Pl, Harrogate HG1 1LB- Afternoon Tea in the heart of Harrogate
- Valid 7 days a week
- SAVE up to 21% off
Written by
31/03/2025