The Ackhorne, York

Splendid old-school pub up a side alley with a strong local following. There are three areas joined into one, all with a glorious mismatch of old benches and stools. A bar billiards table stands at one end and there are tables out in the yard behind. Some surviving glasswork adds to the character and it is generally a fine place for a pint or several. This is helped by half a dozen handpumps offering a good and changing selection of mainly local ales. A serious ale drinkers' pub.

Tucked away down a little alley - this is a locals pub. A bit rough and ready inside but Good Beer Guide recommended and friendly locals and pub dog - who likes to lick your shoes, by way of introduction.

really charming, well run traditional pub down a narrow street off Micklegate. Really good choice of real ales on, had an excellent Rudgate Ruby Mild and I was certainly surprised to find it was pubco owned. a chatty, cosy ale house well hidden away, certainly one for the serious ale drinkers. Staff, customers and the dog roaming around the pub were exceptionally friendly.

Called in this pub last month and chose Bad Co Yorkshire Bitter from the cask ales available. This appears to be a traditional locals pub with games, quizes and live music.

A serious drinkers' pub hidden down a cobbled lane off Micklegate. My only real grumble is that people naturally tend to congregate on the bit of bar nearest the door, which makes getting in and out tricky. Once you have fought your way through, there is a fair amount of nice old pub beyond, as well as a courtyard area to the rear. A good range of ales is usually on offer with various local examples.

Not that good a choice of ale last night for once but as the range is usually decent I'm not marking it down at all. A good pub off the beaten Micklegate track.