It’s inevitable that most students will spend Freshers’ Week in the club, absolutely battered. But after a few nights of acid-blue VKs and Jason Riley’s famously ‘varied’ DJ sets, you’ll probably be craving a bit of a break.
A night out with friends at one of the local pubs is always a great way to spend an evening. We’re in the perfect city for it because York is famous for its pubs – there’s an urban legend that the city has 365, one for each day of the year – so there’s plenty to choose from.
Speaking as a wise-old third-year, I honestly prefer a trip to the local over the club… even if that makes me sound really old. You can actually chat with your friends without losing your voice screaming over the music, and there are usually no sweaty sports socials – what’s not to love!
As a first-year stuck on campus, I think I only ever made it to the Charles, Dusk, and Spoons, but there are so many hidden gems to explore. I’d highly recommend a good old pub crawl to fit them all in.
THE GOLDEN BALL
Down a winding lane off Micklegate you can find York’s first community co-operative pub. The building has a cosy Victorian interior and a small urban beer garden. They specialise in hand-pulled cask ales if that’s your thing, and there’s always a great range of drinks on offer.
Vibes 8/10 – Garden 7/10 – Affordable 6/10 – Drinks 8/10
THE ACKHORNE
A short walk from the Golden Ball, this is another spot tucked away from the bustle of the town. The pub has a very warm traditional interior, which I love, with a fully stocked bar and stained glass details on the windows. Reasonable prices and a great range of beers and ciders.
Vibes 8/10 – Garden 4/10 – Affordable 6/10 – Drinks 8/10
LENDAL CELLARS
One of York’s most unique pubs, Lendal Cellars is located in the wine cellars of a 13th century abbey. The pub has a great ambiance – inside it is dimly lit with fairy lights festooned across the brick walls. You can
find all the keystones of a British pub in the historical setting. As a Greene King pub you can find the popular pints like Level Head, as well as Lilley’s Cider (a personal favourite).
In the toilets, you can find the phrase “This pub smells bad!” scratched into the door, and although it still has the smell of a dusky cellar, that’s part of its charm!
Vibes 9/10 – Garden 5/10 – Affordable 7/10 – Drinks 7/10
VALHALLA
Of course York has its very own Viking Pub! Its unique decor, metal soundtrack, and extensive selection of craft beverages make it a must-stop! You need to try mead while you’re living in York, it’s a sweet fermented honey drink similar to wine, often it contains added fruit and spices for flavour. I have loved every single one that I’ve tried and where better to enjoy them than in a Viking drinking hall! It’s a great place to take your friends and family next time they visit you at uni!
Vibes 10/10 – Garden 1/10 – Affordable 4/10 – Drinks 10/10
THE WAGGON AND HORSES
If I told you to picture a classic pub in your head, you’d probably be imagining the Waggon. Friendly staff, an excellent range of pints, and great music – it’s everything you want from a pub. It’s just outside the city walls on Lawrence Street, making it a short walk from most student neighbourhoods.
Vibes 7/10 – Garden 6/10 – Affordable 6/10 – Drinks 8/10
Some honourable mentions: The Eagle and Child, The Three Legged Mare, The Black Horse, The House of Trembling Madness