Live Music Pubs in York

This traditional 18th century pub, with six cask ales, is hidden off the beaten track down a narrow cobbled lane at the bottom of Micklegate. Partially open plan, with separate areas up a couple of steps or through an archway. There's a pleasant beer garden on a raised area to the back of the pub. Appeals to all age groups with a friendly "family" atmosphere on Sunday offers lunch and a regular evening quiz.

Ainsty

59 Boroughbridge Road, York YO26 5SQ

CAMRA Discount

A roadhouse-style pub, built by York brewer J J Hunt in 1930 to serve the proposed ring road, which never materialised. It has now been opened-up, although some areas still retain elements of the former individual rooms, creating a measure of privacy for drinkers.

Artful Dodger

47 Micklegate, York YO1 6LJ

A lively pub located towards the city centre end of Micklegate. The real ales come from from Yorkshire microbreweries; there is also guest real cider. This narrow pub, with its long bar, features music and televised sports – there are even mini TVs attached to the keg fonts.

Bay Horse

55 Blossom Street, York YO24 1AZ

Not far from the city walls, this interesting 17th century pub with unspoilt interior has a central bar and three separate seating areas. Popular with locals, it can get very busy on race days.

Beagle

169 Foxwood Lane, York YO24 3PG

Converted from a smallholding bungalow and opened in December 1977, this pub has a bar and a large lounge with a conservatory recently added. There are attractive gardens with a children’s play area, karaoke on Friday evening and Sunday lunch time and live entertainment on Saturday evening. Popular with locals and for family functions.

Beeswing

55 Hull Road, York YO10 3JP

A bustling local on the busy main Hull Road. The clientele are predominantly locals giving the pub a strong community feel. Central bar serving large U shaped room. Recently reopened following refurbishment.

Black Bull

Hull Road, York YO10 3LF

A large, family-friendly, food-oriented pub. It is part of the Sizzling Pub Company with good value pub food is available all day. The real ales are also very reasonably priced. There are two large screen TVs showing sport and a pool table.

Black Swan

23 Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PR

A 17th century, timber-framed house, turned into a pub in the 18th century and altered since but still wood panelled with many original beams and sloping floors. There are three separate rooms downstairs with an upstairs function room where the Black Swan Folk Club meets and live jazz is featured on alternate Wednesday evenings. A pleasant, decked, outside drinking area is to the rear.

Blacksmiths Arms

56 The Old Village, York YO32 9RB

This pleasant village local has been changed slightly to meet the needs of today’s customers, with a dedicated dining room. Feature walls with inbuilt electric stove add to the homely feel of this pub. The beer range is one of the best in the area. Well-supported by the village and passing trade which seeks it out.

Bootham Tavern

29 Bootham, York YO30 7BW

A horseshoe-shaped bar in modern Victorian style. TVs throughout showing football or, on Fridays and Saturdays, Rugby League. Monday is quiz night and Thursday is poker night. A pub with a loyal local following.

Burton Stone Inn

34 Clifton, York YO30 6AW

Sports TV

Close to Railway Station

A Punch Taverns pub with a pleasant atmosphere and a town centre feel. It attracts locals and students for regular evening events such as quizzes, karaoke and pool.

Carlton Tavern

140 Acomb Road, York YO24 4HA

Converted in 1993 from a former hotel, this pub has a large, attractive, enclosed garden. The outdoor terraced area adjacent to the conservatory is reserved for meals; there is also a children’s play area. Emphasis is on family food at modest prices served daily 12.00- 8.45pm with a carvery on Sunday. Limited accommodation is in the lodge at the rear. Re-furbished summer 2013.

Corner Pin

17 Tanner Row, York YO1 6JB

400 year old, Grade II listed building on a back street off the popular club circuit of Rougier Street. The traditional side of the pub, which retains some original features, has three connecting rooms around a bar, a modern conservatory section opens onto the beer garden. The clientele consists of locals, tourists and some overspill from the disco pubs.

Cross Keys

32 Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1LQ

A large, usually lively, pub on a main road into the city. Popular with locals, students from the nearby college and race-goers before/after a day at the nearby racecourse. Good meal deals, Large outside area. Refurbished summer 2013.

Deramore Arms

Main Street, York YO10 5EA

Pleasant pub near York University. Two cosy, wood-panelled bar areas with more of an emphasis on food, plus two larger sections with wood and stone flagged floors. Guest ales from the likes of; The Hop Studio, Treboom, Ilkley, Kirkstall, Rudgate and Wold Top.

Derwent Arms

39 The Village, York YO10 3NP

A hard-working village pub catering for all ages, very family-friendly. Holding regular music and quiz nights, it draws people in from surrounding areas. Its small caravan site provides a quiet base close to the University and city. A good range of home-cooked food and its own marquee make it a popular place for celebrations

Edinburgh Arms

25 Fishergate, York YO10 4AE

This warm and friendly local pub is one for the sports enthusiast with matches shown on TV, pool tables and darts board. Good spot for real ale drinkers who want to combine their beer and sporting interests.

Watergate Inn

24 Walmgate, York YO1 9TJ

Pleasant interior with some wood panelling and the odd nautical decoration, offset with bright carpets. There is also a small outdoor area which is pleasant in good weather. Reopened in May 2019 featuring Polish vodka, karaoke and live music.

HogsHead

Huntington Road, York YO32 9PX

Built in the 1980s to serve the village of New Earswick, it is actually situated in the parish of Huntington due to a covenant placed on New Earswick which keeps it a dry village. Well-supported by locals from both there and the lower end of Huntington. There is a large, split-level lounge area and separate bar with pool table and is a modern locals’ local, hosting summer barbecues. The two guest beers change weekly and are often from local breweries.

Fulford Arms

121 Fulford Road, York YO10 4EX

Refurbished in July 2014. The bar has now been moved to the left hand side of the pub with a stage and 2 bar billiards tables at the right hand end. Six real ales are available. Regular live music events and quiz nights each week. Large car park and garden at the rear.

Golden Ball

2 Cromwell Road, York YO1 6DU

In the residential Bishophill district, this is a fine Victorian street-corner local. It has an impressive glazed brick exterior and was extensively refurbished by John Smith's in 1929. Identified by CAMRA as having a nationally important historic pub interior and is Grade II listed, it has four very different rooms - a main bar, back room, comfortable lounge and snug. Outside is a large south-facing beer garden. This is now a community pub (run by a cooperative) where several local societies hold their meetings. There are seven handpumps with three permanent ales plus three changing guests. Bread and fresh eggs from local suppliers are on sale in the bar as well as selection bar food and nibbles are available such as scotch eggs, pork pies, and nuts. The pub hosts traditional bar billiards games and community group meetings, as well as open mic, folk and quiz nights and exhibitions by local artists.

Golden Fleece

16 Pavement, York YO1 9UP

One of the oldest inns in York, made more famous by the Most Haunted TV programme. It retains an olde worlde feel: the walls display a myriad of interesting historical information, photographs and tales about the city. There is a small area at the front with a larger bar and beer garden to the rear.

Golden Slipper

20 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LG

An unspoilt historic pub built in the 15th or 16th century with the Victorian brick façade added in the 19th. There are four seating areas including a snug and the library. A coffin drop was located in the snug to allow bodies to be passed outside via the side passage before buildings were added next door. In 1984, workmen found a medieval leather slipper which has been put on display, hence the pub’s name.

Guy Fawkes

25 High Petergate, York YO1 7HP

Hugely atmospheric inn with up-market chic accommodation in the shadow of York Minster. Timber floors and plentiful oak furniture are lit by candles and gas lamps to complete the old world experience with a flourish. Six handpumps dispense 4 rotating local ales alongside the two regular beers. Gastro-type pub grub is served in the rooms adjoining the bar.

Habit

40 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF

Compact pub on two floors; the roof terrace gives a unique view of the Minster. Good live music at weekends.

Punch Bowl

134 Lowther Street, York YO31 7ND

Kennedy's Bar

1 Little Stonegate, York YO1 8AX

Function Room

Evening Meals

Modern bar and restaurant in the busy Stonegate/Swinegate area of town. Now serves one real ale, often Buxton Moor Top. Also serves Yorkshire lager from the Great Yorkshire Brewery.

Last Drop Inn

27 Colliergate, York YO1 8BN

This split-level single bar resembles some of the older pubs in the city with its predominantly wood and brick interior. Large glass windows afford fine views of King’s Square, a popular spot for street entertainers. Close to the historic street known as The Shambles and the town market, this is an ideal stopping-off point for shoppers and tourists. Reopened as a bottle shop in Oct 2020, but reverted to a pub in Oct 2021.

Leeman Rose

47 Stamford Street East, York YO26 4YE

A friendly backstreet local – akin to Coronation Street – serving the local community in the immediate terraced streets. Opened in 1885 and named after George Leeman, Chairman of the North Eastern Railway and Lord Mayor of the City. Now a two-roomed establishment – one of which is grandly titled a lounge – but which is an intimate snug.

Blue Boar

5 Castlegate, York YO1 9RN

Recently refurbished and modernised city centre pub with two Yorkshire cask beers.

Maltings

Tanners Moat, York YO1 6HU

A very popular pub close to the station. The cask ales from micro-breweries, both local and from further afield, change regularly. At any one time customers can choose from seven real ales and four traditional ciders. The three permanent beers are from Black sheep, Treboom and York breweries. The four changing beers always include a beer from Roosters. And there is a good selection of bottles and craft beer as well. An extension has provided more seating and a small outside area, while maintaining the original character. York Cider Pub of the Year 2020.

Gibsons

129 Micklegate, York YO1 6LB

Evening Meals

Description to follow

Mount

72 The Mount, York YO24 1AR

Single-roomed Marston's pub.

O'Neill's

10 Low Ousegate, York YO1 9QU

Fomer O'Neills bar now refurbished and rebranded as the Merchant Tavern. Located in centre of York close to Ouse Bridgr.

Old White Swan

80 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF

A large three-roomed Nicholson's pub in the City Centre. A seated courtyard area at the front of the pub leads to the Georgian Dining room on the left, Tudor bar straight ahead and Stagecoach bar to the right - which in turns leads to outdoor smoking area at the rear. Eight handpumps serve a variety of styles and strengths of beer from around the country (regularly includes beers from local breweries). Good quality pub food served daily from 10 til 10.

Pivni

6 Patrick Pool, York YO1 8BB

Dog Friendly

The founding bar of the Pivovar UK group, in a beautiful three-storeyed timber-framed building dating back to 1190. It serves five regularly rotating cask ales sourced from across the UK, usually including one from their brewery, Tapped Brew Co in Sheffield. There is also a changing range of seven craft keg beers mostly from Europe, the US and the UK, four real ciders and over 40 varied bottled beers. There are bar games available, fresh coffee, a jukebox and it is child and dog friendly. Bar snacks, including local pork pies, are on offer.

Plough

48 Main Street, York YO10 4PX

Smart pub with open plan bar, featuring home-made food. Pleasant beer garden at rear. Monday quiz, with beer vouchers as the prize, and occasional live music. Resident pub cat George can often be seen in the bar.

Red Lion

2 Merchantgate, York YO1 9TU

An attractive, historic pub which, although partly opened up, still has several different drinking areas served from a central bar. It is possible to work out the original layout of the interior from the exposed wooden beams and fireplaces. There are plenty of tables provided outside in its large beer garden.

Roman Bath

9 St Sampsons Square, York YO1 8RN

Single-room pub on the site of an old Roman bath. There’s a charge for entry to a museum under the pub where the remains of the bath can still be seen. The pub walls are decorated with modern Roman murals. Licensed eating area in adjoining St. Sampson’s Square. Live music most nights

Rook & Gaskill

12 Lawrence Street, York YO10 3WP

Many would walk past this little gem without realising that would be a mistake. The unassuming exterior hides a thriving pub that is home to locals, students and beer aficionados. There is always a wide range of ales, many of which are local, dark to light and very reasonably priced. Real ciders are available and multiple key keg taps to ensure all tastes are catered for. A menu of fresh cooked foods feature generous portions and reasonable prices. This was the CAMRA branch pub of the year in 2018, if you visit, you will see why.

Rose & Crown

13 Lawrence Street, York YO10 3BP

Recently renovated Punch pub just beyond the barbican in the city walls. 5 ales on offer. A former Tetley Ale House which had its own brewery, the pub has been opened out but still has separate areas surrounding a central bar; a room with a real fire is particularly popular with families.

Royal Oak

18 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LG

CAMRA Discount

Function Room

One of York’s oldest pubs, built circa 1591; this was a coaching house entwined with the building next door. Formerly the Blue Boar in 1772, it has also been known as the Blue Pig under landlord John Dickinson. Its mock Tudor frontage was added in the 1800s. It still retains a lot of original features, with a snug, lounge and public bar.

Heworth Inn

64 Heworth Green, York YO31 7TQ

A large Victorian pub on the main road, it has a single bar, a wood-panelled pool room and a large, outdoor smoking area. One of the largest beer gardens in York with a children’s play area at one end. Large screen TV, quiz and theme nights provide entertainment. Renamed in autumn 2018 to reflect its now vegan menus.

Slip Inn

Clementhorpe, York YO23 1AN

York Pub of the Year 2020, the Slip Inn is an independent free house that’s a thriving community local, with two bars, a snug, and a sheltered courtyard beer garden. A big scheme of investment in the buildings in 2019 has doubled the beer range on the bar and created a dedicated outside festival bar. The pub hosts regular beer festivals and events each year, including one jointly run with The Swan just up the road. The pub supports traditional pub games including darts, dominoes and cribbage.

Snickleway Inn

47 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LS

Dog Friendly

A very old, historic pub, this has been called many names since it was known as the House of Tudor. During the siege of York in 1644 it was used as the Royalist magazine. Reputed to be the most haunted pub in York, especially in the cellar where a malevolent spirit causes havoc at times.

Spread Eagle

98 Walmgate, York YO1 9TL

A partially opened up, three-roomed pub situated within the city walls close to Walmgate Bar. The back room has a pool table and darts board. Patio garden and smoking area to the rear

Stone Roses

4 King Street, York YO1 9SP

Sports TV

Pinball

Stone Roses themed music bar, situated close to the river Ouse in the centre of York.

Sun Inn

35 The Green, York YO26 5LL

A welcome source of beer variety in the Acomb area of York, this attractive, traditional pub overlooks Acomb village green, opposite the bus stop for links east to York city centre. It has a lunchtime menu, a very comfortable lounge, a quiet side bar and a public bar with dartboard and TVs for sporting events, and tables outside at the front and a rear courtyard. Live music features, with open-mike and jam sessions. A friendly community pub.

Black Horse

29 Monkgate, York YO31 7PB

Imposing Flemish-style pub dating from 1897, which has now reverted to its original name. Spacious split-level interior, with separate lounge area featuring bookshelves and elegant fireplace. Pub Quiz on Wednesday nights.

Thomas's

3 Museum Street, York YO1 7DT