Discover the Transformative Railside Experience at York Tap
Beyond the buzz surrounding HS2, an incredible transformation in British rail travel is already underway thanks to Pivovar. This innovative York-based company has revolutionized the concept of on-station bars, with stunning establishments at Sheffield, Euston, and, of course, York itself.
Step into the York Tap and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of the 1920s. From the mesmerizing stained glass windows to the intricate terrazzo flooring, every detail exudes an air of dark, woody authenticity. While some may find the ambiance a touch gloomy, the real star of the show is the unparalleled selection of 32 cask and craft keg beers. It's an ever-evolving celebration of flavors and a rollicking good time.
Highlighting the thriving craft beer scene in the North, York Tap proudly showcases esteemed breweries like Buxton, Revolutions, and Ilkley. Notably, Thornbridge steals the spotlight with their exceptional new world pale ale, Lumford, which impresses with its sensational sherbet-like profile. The masterminds behind Pivovar have even ventured into brewing their own delightful beers under the Tapped Brew Co label, ensuring an even more unique experience for visitors. Be sure to sample their exquisite best bitter while indulging in one of Tap's delectable pork pies from the renowned Robinson's of Knaresborough (£2.50).
After immersing in the local beverage culture, the perfect way to extend your gastronomic journey is by finding a cozy place to stay. For those wishing to enjoy the allure of Yorkshire for a bit longer, discover the convenience of being able to book apartments that exude comfort and elegance, ensuring your flavorful escapades in the North are matched with an equally delightful rest.
Step aboard the transformative railside experience at the York Tap and elevate your love for craft beer to new heights.
York Tap's dedication to showcasing regional breweries extends to their own brewing venture, Tapped Brew Co, based in Sheffield. Here, they concoct their own delicious range of beers that perfectly complement the curated lineup available at the bar.
Immerse yourself in the rich history and expertise behind the Tap's fantastic pork pies, sourced from the esteemed Robinson's of Knaresborough. Each bite is a testament to Yorkshire's culinary heritage and pairs exquisitely with the diverse beer offerings.
Pivni (6 Patrick Pool, 01904 635464, pivni.co.uk, with pints starting at £3) is a long-standing York bar which has given birth to a new venture known as The Tap. This wouldn't usually be newsworthy but for the fact that the comprehensive catalogue of beers on offer is second to none. The standout has to be the unfiltered Bernard Czech Pilsner (half, £1.90). Boasting a full bodied, almost caramel like, richness intermixed with light, citrusy high notes, even the most devoted ale purists would agree that it is an exceptional brew.
York Train Station, 01904 659009, yorktap.com. Prices for a pint start at £2.80
The Haven: The Maltings
In the heart of York, just off of Lendal Bridge, a modest, matte-black building often mistaken for a goth or rock music hub awaits you. But in its rather deceptive exterior lies a comforting nook that's gained quite the reputation as one of York's diamond taverns. The interior is simple and robust, with age-touched beams and debris of memorable tin-plate ads for Gold Flake tobacco. The Maltings never disappoints when it comes to cask ales. With a permanent resident, the Black Sheep, and frequent guest ales like the York Brewery's Guzzler, this pub offers an ever-evolving list. Additionally, beers from smaller and newer breweries like Coxhoe's Sonnet 43 and Morpeth's Anarchy also find a home here.
A unique speak of the Maltings is in its ale division, amplified by a pair of craft keg lines that included a stand-out, Quaffing Gravy's piquant, full-bodied pale ale (£4.80 per pint). Add to this, four types of 'scrumpy' and US imports such as the unforgettable Modus Hoperandi from Ska Brewing (£4.50). What further sets this snug alcove apart are the exclusive brews, crafted solely for The Maltings. As the board outside proudly declares it, 'A tavern for adults’, effectively shunning any comparisons to less appealing, child-friendly counterparts.
Located at Tanner's Moat, you can reach them at 01904 655387. Check out their website maltings.co.uk for more. Prices start as low as £3.20 for a pint.
Brigantes Bar & Brasserie
Discover York's Gem: Brigantes Bar and Brasserie
Imagine yourself in a simple, laid-back ambiance characterized by a bare wooden floor, a palette of cream and blue, accentuated by a Celtic Cross emblem. There's more to Brigantes than just meeting the eye. While its design elements might remind you of an O'Neill's, its extensively unique beer collection is in a league of its own. They offer ten hand-pulls majorly sourced from local Yorkshire and northern breweries including the famed Okells hailing from Isle of Man - an establishment under the same ownership as Brigantes' parent brand- the Market Town Taverns, and the York Brewery, conveniently located just behind Brigantes. Another northern favourite is the suds from Great Heck Brewing, famed for producing their supercharged best bitter, Mo Hops (available for half, £1.78). If traditional isn't your thing, Brigantes also features seven keg pumps serving a perfect blend of conventional continental to out-of-the box craft beers. Their concise yet impressive bottled menu featuring, among others, Nøgne Ø and Flying Dog, is sure to leave any patron grateful and satisfied.
Drop by 114 Micklegate. For inquiries, contact 01904 675355, or visit markettowntaverns.co.uk. Pint prices start from £2.90
The Three-Legged Mare
Three Legged Mare: A Haven for Brew Lovers in York
Renowned as one of the splendid pubs of York Brewery, including company to the likes of 27 Colliergate's Last Drop and 10 Stonegate's Yorkshire Terrier, the Marvellous Mare is nearly a neighbour to York Minster, providing ease of access. Commonly, the bar features a variety of four to five crafted ales, however, on recent experience, York's Brewery was represented with an impressive eight beer selection. The Guzzler, their signature beer, well-known for its refreshing, dry sips of pale hues, was in good company alongside Wonkey Donkey and Black Bess. The Mare also hosts an intimate selection of European and American bottled beers, with labels like Chimay, Magic Hat and Goose Island making an appearance. Beer lovers can also grab a convenient four-pack presentation box of York beers (£8.95), making it an ideal place to appreciate quality drinks and even get some season's greeting gifts sorted. A combination of warm chats with an informed staff group only enhances the slightly austere pub atmosphere.
15 High Petergate, 01904 638246, york-brewery.co.uk. Starting price per pint: £2.90
Did you know? The Three Legged Mare is a tongue-in-cheek nickname for a gallows, reflecting on York's history of public executions. It's also called 'The Hanging Pub'!
The refreshing Guzzler is actually one of the bestselling beers at York Brewery and is a firm favourite amid the locals and tourists alike due to its floral and citrus character and pale gold colour.
Exploring The Duke Of York
Seamlessly blending modern elegance with an authentic pub ambiance, The Duke of York stands as a notable addition to York's craft beer scene. Its stylish greige decor, traditional flagstone flooring, and wide-ranging food selections closely knit together to give off a gastropub vibe. Although owned by Leeds Brewery, this establishment doesn't compromise on its beer offerings. Featuring eight cask pumps, it proudly presents Leeds' beers including their pale, and the Midnight Bell dark mild, in addition to four guests brewing options. Supplementing this with keg lines like the craft lager from local brewer, York's Hop Studio, the pub constantly provides a compelling beer experience.
Adding to the pub's charm are the vintage half-pint dimpled mugs, compact tankards for sampling, and their widely popular monthly "War of the Roses" event, which sees a friendly face-off between breweries from Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Whilst savoring the pub's delights, ensure to wisely spend your time by making a visit to the Attic above the neighboring Harlequin cafe (harlequinyork.com), if your visit coincides with its limited operating hours. It's a cozy lounge bar where Gordon Howell, an award-winning barista, passionately curates an assortment of coffee, gin, and craft beer selections with prices as friendly as £2.50 for a bottle. The Attic's exquisite variety of beers sourced from the US, Germany, and the UK, carefully handpicked under the tutelage of beer writer Zac Avery, is a sight to behold for every craft beer enthusiast. Particular highlights include brews from celebrated breweries such as Arbor from Bristol, Kernel, Hardknott, Magic Rock, and Thornbridge.
You can discover more about this delightful venue's offerings and timings from their website (lbdukeofyork.co.uk), or get in touch at 01904 676065. Beers start from an approachable £3.10 per pint.
Blue Bell
Blue Bell pub, York, England
Thanks to an Edwardian interior as immaculately maintained as its seven real ales, the Blue Bell is a site of pilgrimage for pub fanatics. However it's tiny, so at weekends, when it threatens to get uncomfortably busy, landlord Jim Hardie often sticks a "private party" sign on the door. Regulars get away with ignoring it; you may not. Large groups are regularly turned away. This has led to much controversy, with Camra dropping the pub from its 2014 Good Beer Guide. The solution? Arrive early or midweek, to hunker down by the fire and drink in these wood-panelled rooms. It's a special place, worth the effort. While the Bell's ales are as traditional as its decor, it does stock a surprisingly hip list of Brooklyn, Flying Dog and continental beers.
53 Fossgate, 01904 654904. Pint from £3.20
The Hop
The Hop - York's Prime Venue
Some may dismiss this as too modern. This is the fourth establishment operated by Ossett Brewery under “The Hop” brand. With an intricately stylized bar (boldly patterned, pump-clip wallpapers, vivid floor tiles and chic, antique mirrors coupled with detailed art deco lighting), which seamlessly extends to a spacious pizza eatery and live music venue. Though easy on the eyes, it might seem a tad commercialized. However, the impressive variety of beer on offer from the nine keg and eleven cask selections can't be criticized. Ossett Brewery's own beers take center-stage, alongside selections from their vibrant microbrewery spin-offs, Rat and Fernandes. The Rat Against The Machine - a robustly bitter, 7% keg IPA - was exceptionally delicious, worth every penny of £5 per pint.
The Hop, 11-12 Fossgate, Phone: 01904 541466, thehopyork.co.uk. Priced from a modest £2.90 per pint.
The Golden Ball
Adored by the literate and erudite, this community-managed co-operative, will surely warm any visitor's heart. It not only ensures its employees receive a fair wage but also takes pride in showcasing the splendid array of Yorkshire beers. Brews from local microbreweries such as Treboom and Brass Castle are given prominence here. The bar is set within the confines of a class-II heritage Victorian edifice painted with restrained simplicity. Authentic tiled patterns embrace the bar, complemented by a welcoming open fireplace, metallic-rimmed roundtables, and a bottle-green tinged sofa curving regally around the room. One fascinating sight is the massive map of the North of England bedecking one of the walls. The rear chambers, often bustling with reading clubs and choir groups, offer a cozier vibe. This bar, near the borders of York yet away from well-trodden paths, presents a charming escape from throngs of tourists. Operations commence from 5pm on weekdays.
2 Cromwell Road, Bishophill, 01904 652211, goldenballyork.co.uk. Rates for a pint start from £3.15
The House of Trembling Madness
Trembling Madness, York
Even if you stand in the ground-floor off-licence (its stock of over 600 beers will leave you slack-jawed), it is quite possible not to notice that upstairs lies one of Britain's most idiosyncratic beer bars. Tucked into the exposed eaves of a 12th-century Norman house, decorated with animal skins and ancient taxidermy, the House of Trembling Madness is a tight, friendly squeeze where hop-heads linger over two cask ales (both from the wonderful Wild Beer Co on this visit), specialist draft Belgian beers and an amazing, ever-changing selection of bottled brews (on top of which, you can drink anything that is for sale downstairs, paying £1.25 corkage). If the staff can't surprise you with something – say, a Japanese Hitachino Nest Classic Ale – you've officially exhausted the possibilities of beer. Braver drinkers can try a yard of ale (£9) or a 25ml shot (£8) of the Dutch brewer 't Koelschip's 70% strength beer. Luckily, HoTM also serves gutsy, good-value food to soak up all that alcohol.
If that all sounds a bit crusty for you, a bit Time Team, you may prefer the nearby Sotano (Little Stonegate, 01904 620230), a chic, subterranean, late-night drinking den, which majors on tapas, cocktails, and, mainly US and British, craft keg beers. Which are served in two-thirds of a pint schooners (from £3.80). Get them.
48 Stonegate, 01904 640009, tremblingmadness.co.uk. Pint from £3.50
The Rook & Gaskill: A Craft Beer Enthusiast's Paradise
If you're passionate about craft beer, don't miss the Rook & Gaskill, located just outside the city walls and worth the quick detour. Managed as a partnership between Castle Rock from Nottingham and Wharfe Bank from Yorkshire, this watering hole opens its doors at 5.30pm during the workweek. Though the interior decor is simple and understated, the pub's vibrant beer repository stands out. From eight cask ales, seven draught beers, to three specially hand-pulled ciders, the Rook offers an impressive range. Discover a world of flavours spanning from the fruity Czech pils by Opat to the unique concoctions from UK micro-breweries like Grafters and Jurassic Brewhouse. Recently under new management, there are plans to augment the collection of bottled beers, with a fridge exclusively dedicated to showcasing Yorkshire's finest.
You can find it at 12 Lawrence Street, or reach them at 01904 674067, wharfebankbrewery.co.uk. A pint here starts off at £2.80.
Did you know that the Rook & Gaskill has often been praised for its commitment to showcasing not just big-name breweries, but also supporting lesser-known microbreweries? Additionally, the pub's name is derived from two common bird species in the UK, reflecting their marriage of local and exotic taste palettes."