The Swan, York

This pub is both a Grade II listed building, and on the CAMRA National Inventory of pubs with unspoilt interiors, mainly because everything from a 1930s refit (multi rooms; corridor with serving hatch; attractive glazing; bell pushes, etc,) still remains in situ. An attractive feature is the stained glass depiction of the pub's name above the front door. I liked this pub a lot. It pretty much had everything going for it - comfortably furnished, attractive features, decent beer, friendly staff. I would be delighted to have the opportunity to visit this one again.

The main servery is in a long corridor which connects with two carpeted rooms, front and back. Service also is available from the rooms via hatches. Leaded windows link the main drinking corridor with the rooms and there are tilt-opening windows, also leaded, over the doorways. The back "Smoke Room" has an attractive tiled fireplace which may see some use on colder days as there was a fireguard in front of it. A mirror is above the mantelpiece and nearby was a framed montage to the Salamander Brewing Company. The corridor has a nice Tetley mirror and other décor included nice pictures and a drawing of the pub. We sat in the back room which had the old bell pushes built into the seat backs. Another cracking York pub, I liked the old style layout a lot. Service was quick and efficient.

A street corner pub just outside the city walls, it has what I believe is a traditional East Riding layout with a central bar counter serving all rooms via a small hatch. Apparently it was the Yorkshire Camra Pub of the Year in 2009. Unfortunately a couple of the locals were rather unfriendly and seemed to take exception to a large group arriving in “their” pub, but other than that it seemed a decent enough establishment. To the right of the pub is a vertical drinking area which gives main access to the bar counter with the other two rooms located in front and behind. The rear room is known as the “smoke room” and has maroon paintwork, dark wood panelling on the lower part of the walls and an old service bell, although unfortunately this is no longer in use! There was a small tiled fire-place although this was not in use on our visit and leaded windows out to the corridor. Beers on tap were Timothy Taylor Landlord, Fifty Shades of Ale, Abbeydale Moonshine, Swan Special Blond, Tetley Cask and Moments to Remember. Ciders were Gwynt Y Ddraig Happy Daze and Broadoak Perry.

Quirky old style pub with the bar in the middle of the corridor and rooms either side. Six real ales on and two ciders. The pub is dog friendly. The pub makes a good triple header with the slip inn & the golden ball.