The Best Pubs
in
York

Step into a legendary Viking hall where the mead flows freely and the Valhalla Pale Ale awaits your conquest! This three-story haven serves up hearty feasts from the Ragnaroc platter, alongside an impressive selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, all within a warm and dog-friendly space. With live music, ample outdoor seating, and a surprisingly spacious layout perfect for groups, it’s an unforgettable spot that even hosted a flawless wedding reception. Raise a glass and join the fun—Skal! 🍻

Tucked away and easy to miss, The Blue Bell is York’s smallest pub and a true time capsule of Edwardian charm, with its interior unchanged since 1903. This CAMRA Pub of the Year serves up expertly kept cask ales and proper pies in a snug, dog friendly setting with outdoor seating. The regulars are wonderfully chatty, making the cozy squeeze feel like a warm welcome rather than a tight fit. It’s an inexpensive, unpretentious spot for anyone who loves history, a great pint, or just a proper pub that knows exactly what it is.

Let the revelry begin at the House of the Trembling Madness, a beautifully chaotic Georgian mansion where you can get lost in a huge, quirky warren of rooms. The drinks list is a treasure trove of 19 draft beers, 50 spirits, and delicious wines, perfectly paired with dangerously good killer sandwiches and hearty stews. This dog friendly spot is ideal for groups, offering a wonderfully mad retreat for indulgence and pleasure that will have you planning your next visit before you've even left.

Discover the Masons Arms, a wonderfully preserved independent pub where history comes alive with every pint. This Grade II listed gem boasts a secluded beer terrace overlooking the River Foss, a cosy bar with panelling salvaged from a castle prison gatehouse, and a menu packed with hearty, freshly prepared dishes like famous Yorkshire puddings and hand crafted chips. With free parking, a warm welcome for dogs everywhere, and a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, it’s an affordable, characterful spot perfect for groups and relaxed meals alike.

Nestled between the York Art Gallery and the historic Minster, this traditional red brick pub is the perfect spot to refuel after a day of exploring. Dive into legendary oversized Yorkshire puddings loaded with roast beef and rich gravy, or share loaded fries and wings with a group of friends. With a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus live music and a warm, welcoming team, it’s an ideal place to gather for a casual drink or a hearty celebration.

Holding the title of York's oldest pub, Ye Olde Starre Inn has been welcoming guests since 1644, even serving as a hospital during the English Civil War. Today, it's a wonderfully spacious hideaway with three separate terraces for outdoor drinking and a menu packed with classics like steak and ale pie. Bring the whole group, including your dog, and settle in for a proper session with a fantastic beer flight or a perfectly mixed cocktail.

With its 16th century timber frame and sloping floors, the Golden Fleece is a pub that feels genuinely lived in, where suits of armour and a skeleton add to the delightfully quirky character. The two distinct bar areas mean you can grab a quiet drink up front or settle in for a fantastic meal in the rear dining room, all while enjoying a superb selection of ales, gins, and cocktails. Live music fills the space every night, and the lovely beer garden offers a welcome escape when the cozy interior gets busy. It’s a wonderfully authentic spot that perfectly balances a homely feel with a vibrant, welcoming energy.

Head to The Old White Swan, a cozy local where the crackling fire and hearty steak pie make you feel right at home. This welcoming spot serves up superb beers, wines, and cocktails, with live music and a lovely outdoor seating area perfect for groups and their four-legged friends. Whether you're grabbing a quick burger or settling in for a session, the friendly team ensures every visit is a treat. It's a true gem that keeps you coming back for more.

Descend into the Lendal Cellars, a fascinating historic pub tucked just steps below the street, where vaulted stone ceilings and a warm, welcoming glow create an unforgettable setting. This hidden gem is a true crowd pleaser, serving up a fantastic range of beers, wines, and cocktails, with a lovely beer garden and live music to keep the good times rolling. Perfect for groups and their four legged pals, it’s a wonderfully unique spot to grab a drink and soak in the rich character of this city.

For a cracking pint and a brilliant atmosphere, The Keystones is an absolute gem just outside the historic city walls. This quirky, cosy spot is a haven for sports fans with every major match on the big screens, plus a huge beer garden offering a stunning view of the ancient walls. The menu is packed with local craft beers, funky can cocktails, and dirty burgers, all at a very reasonable price. It’s dog friendly, perfect for groups, and whether you’re here for a bottomless brunch or a quiet pint, the service is top notch. You simply can’t go wrong!