The Best Pubs in York

The Best Pubs in York City Centre

This historic northern treasure is practically overflowing with possible spots to eat and drink. From wood-fired pizzas to secret gin bars and independent breweries. Perhaps no other city in Yorkshire captures the range of exciting independent businesses and well-known traditional pubs better than York. But we’ve done the hard work for you don’t worry. We have compiled a list that truly showcases everything York has to offer!

Brew York Tap Room & Beer Hall

Brew York, a renowned independent brewery that create their own amazing variety of beers is what makes this one of the best pubs in York. This place is extremely passionate about what they do and what they make, hosting many beer festivals, brewery tours and tasting events. Enjoy any of the 20 lines of craft beer they serve, ciders and wines. Especially their own unique concoctions with everything from a gooseberry fool sour to commemorative Star Wars craft.

Hungry after all that beer? We don’t blame you. Well, it good thing Yuzu Street Food has you covered with authentic bao buns, katsu curry and rice bowls to die for.

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

The Kings Arms

So, if you’re looking for the best pubs in York to watch boats pass on the River Ouse then look no further. The Kings Arms has been a York staple for over a century now. And did we mention you can get a pint for as low as £2.30? No, we’re not lying, promise. This no-fuss pub does the basics better than most. It’s prime riverside location is a hotspot for locals and tourists alike and bringing in crowds on the warmer days, so you’ll be lucky to get a seat outside in the summer months.

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

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You may also like our guide to the Best Beer Gardens in York

17 of the Best Beer Gardens in York

House of Trembling Madness

For the past 170 years, 14 Lendal has housed the old saddlery & harness maker, Robson & Cooper, and so it’s only fitting that an existing York “institution” takes up the reins of this magnificent Georgian building. The Trembling Madness crew has managed to transform this neglected building, with help from the York Considerations Trust, into a magnificent craft beer Mansion. The bar is equipped with a whopping 22 kegs of craft beer and ale, so it’s the perfect place if you want to delve into the depths of the craft beer world, or just enjoy some good quality beer with family and friends.

14 Lendal, York, YO1 8AA 

Angel on the Green

The Angel on the Green is a well-known and well-loved institution for locals in this area of York. They truly have something for every type of York visitor and frequenter here. A seriously impressive array of handpicked local beers, wines and spirits? Got it. A plethora of authentic home-cooked Italian food? Yes! Got it! All this can be enjoyed in their homey laid back setting, or visit on an evening with live music that everyone is sure to love.

2-4 Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 1JJ – 01904 866073

Pivni

You really cannot miss Pivni, literally. Just off the historic Little Shambles and hidden away from Shambles Market sits this stunning three-storey 16th-century free house serving real ale and world beer. And lots of it at that, boasting an impressive array of cans and bottles of the best beer around, even multiple gluten-free and alcohol-free ones! They’ve also got a carefully curated selection of premium cider, wine and spirits from across the globe. This is truly one of the best pubs in York.

6 Patrick Pool, York YO1 8BB – 01904 635464

The Fat Badger

Sat within the beautiful and historic city walls stands one of Yorkshire’s most-loved inns, The Fat Badger. Their secret beer garden is an ideal pitstop in between sightseeing and shopping, and where better to soak up the summer sun than with the view of the York Minster? It’s the perfect spot for a quick lunch or romantic dinner under the stars. Dogs are also welcome at The Fat Badger, which makes them even more popular than others!

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

Eagle and Child

Eagle and Child sits in a beautiful Grade II* listed building that dates back to 1640, with a cosy terrace at the back donned with fairy lights and a great atmosphere. This timber-framed pub pride themselves on their locally sourced produce, making the best in seasonal dishes. Trust me, you’re going to want to try their Sunday Roast. Spread over three floors, they have an assortment of space for both small and large groups of drinkers. And with a fully stocked bar filled with beers, wines, gins and spirits you’d be a fool to miss this pub in York.

9 High Petergate, York YO1 7EN – 01904 631536

Walmgate Ale House

Now, you’ve heard of The Chopping Block and the divine traditional French dishes they make with the best local produce. Along with one of the best Sunday roasts in York. Well, they carry their love of local produce and fantastic service downstairs at the Walmgate Ale House. Serving many locally sourced cask and keg beers, cans & bottles. And if you’re peckish they also make their own bar snacks!

25 Walmgate, York YO1 9TX – 01904 629222 

The Market Cat

They say it best themselves, “a traditional city centre pub with a modern twist”. It is that and so much more! They stock an overwhelming range of craft beer both cask and keg, the best of sustainable and organic natural wines and 17 gins! Or why not try their tasty Milanese style pizzas made fresh every morning using authentic Italian pizza flour? Get yourself down to this contender for one of the best pubs in York.

6 Jubbergate, York YO1 8RT – 01904 637023

The Fossgate Social

Fossgate is described as a new up-and-coming scene, and The Fossgate Social sits at the heart of that. Oozing with independent charm and spirit, this small but perfectly formed bar are serving up cocktails, craft beer and coffee all year round. Priding themselves on their locally sourced, seasonal no-fuss food. Washed down perfectly with any of their wonderful array of craft beers, especially Space Craft courtesy of their very own Ice Cream Factory brewery! Certainly one of the best pubs in York.

25 Fossgate, York YO1 9TA – 01904 625844 

Duke of York

Another offering off the historic Shambles. If you are looking for the epitome of a traditional pub setting, then look no further than the Duke of York. Sitting in the heart of medieval York, this member of the Leeds Brewery family does not disappoint. They pride themselves on the range of their beer selection and on their locally sourced food. So whether you want to pop in for a pint, grab a bite to eat or simply need to relax for a few hours, this is the spot for you.

Kings Square, York YO1 8BH – 01904 676065

The Red Lion

Another classic British pub run expertly well in the heart of historic York. The classic black and white Tudor style building has it all. An amazing range of draft beers, cask ales, gins and spirits. Serving no-fuss classic British pub food. Did we mention great prices!? This is one of the best pubs in York for a reason.

2 Merchantgate, York YO1 9TU – 01904 640418 

The Phoenix Inn

You’re looking for an escape from the modern rabble of the city, to get away from tv screens and blaring music? Take a step into this unspoilt, independently-run little pub that lies next to the city walls. Priding itself on being a traditional institution fit with unspoilt original charm. Enjoy a pint of any of their five real ales on tap alongside a fantastic pork pie. In the summer you can take advantage of the paved, sun-trap beer garden or sit peacefully in front of the log fire during the winter. All year round The Phoenix stands proud as one of the best pubs in York city centre.

75 George St, York YO1 9PT – 01904 656401 

The Hop

The Hop is known for its commitment to the atmosphere, with some of the best local live music around. They do this by ensuring there really is something for everyone, from traditional real ales, an impressive range of spirits, artisan gins and wines. Oh and wood-fired pizzas! All of this and its beautiful authentic interior truly make this one of the best pubs in York.

11-12 Fossgate, York YO1 9TA – 01904 541466

The Golden Slipper

Another Grade II listed pub in York is non-other than The Golden Slipper, which was originally built as a house around 1500. After several different owners and pub names, it was finally named The Golden Slipper in the 20th-century. There are many stories of the pub being haunted, with a story dating to 1984 when a Mediaeval children’s shoe was found during construction work in the pub. After an evening of drinking in The Golden Slipper, you’ll see why it’s considered one of the best pubs in York.

20 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LG – 01904 651235

Ye Olde Starre Inne

The Ye Olde Starre Inne on Stonegate is claimed to be the oldest pub in York, with a long serving license that dates back to 1644. In 1733, an agreement was made to hang a sign to advertise the pub, and has been on this street ever since. In 1954 the pub was Grade II listed and since has become a popular drinking spot for locals and tourists alike. With a charming interior, real ales and delicious comfort food, you simply can’t fault one of the best pubs in York.

40 Stonegate, York YO1 8AS – 01904 623063

The Old White Swan

On Goodramgate is a pub that dates back to the 16th Century, The Old White Swan. With a very colourful history and becoming Grade II listed, it is one of the oldest pubs in York. Their tempting pub dishes are everything you’d expect to find and enjoy, from old favourites like a Sunday roast to new seasonal mains. They also pride themselves on having a well-crafted selection of cask ales, sweet spirits and delightful cocktails.

80 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF –  01904 540911

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