The Blue Bell, York

York’s smallest pub, it would be hard to elaborate on what has been written before: Grade II*-listed, with a historic CAMRA interior of *** and CAMRA citations on display. There were six pumps presided over by an engaging barman; ignore the warning of ‘Private Party’ and the like as this is designed to deter tourists; five of our seven crawlers happily sat around a table in the small rear room, drinking in not just the beer, my Brass Castle Blue Bell top notch. Go to smell the history and lick the wallpaper: just lovely.

A wonderful heritage pub and an absolute must visit when in York.Seemingly unspoilt by progress,the front tap room,two stools infront of a corridor bar opening and a quiet back room with a serving hatch are all noteworthy with traditional furniture,etched glass in the doors and features everywhere,it probably hasnt changed in over a century.There are some seats outside on the pavement ,maybe aimed at circuit drinkers who may offend the "no groups" rule which I feel is aimed at hen and stag parties rather than the pubsgalore crawlers. However don't barrel in together ordering halves,we drifted over in dribs and drabs to no complaint. The ale selection on my trip was Brass Castle Blue Bell House IPA ,Bradfiels Farmers Blonde,Rudgate Ruby Mild (NBSS 3.5),Wold Top Bitter and TT Landlord maybe not the most exciting line up but you come here for the interior and atmosphere of times gone by.Outstanding.

Official site of The Blue Bell - bluebellyork.com

Official site of The Blue Bell - bluebellyork.com

With more time touring York's pubs than I'd bargained for due to the postponement of a football match, I decided to return to a York favourite of mine which I hadn't been in since 2016. I chanced my arm to try to get a table in the tiny front bar and managed to succeed. Just 4 other customers were in there, leaving a small table next to the bar. The slightly larger rear room can be reached along a corridor. The Blue Bell is a classic unspoiled local boozer with a really friendly atmosphere. It's intimate nature means that you can't fail to get involve in group conversations with a young humurous gaffer holding court admirably. Despite being small, the Blue Bell can still manage to hold a decent real ale selection. The house beer is Brass Castle Blue Bell IPA. Other regular beers are Wold Top Bitter, Bradfield Farmer's Blonde, Rudgate Ruby Mild & Timothy Taylor Landlord. It looks like they stock guest beers at busier times. Boxed ciders were all from Weston's - Old Rosie, Rosie's Pig & Rosie's Pig Rhubarb. My Wold Top Bitter was in good shape. This is undoubtedly one of the highlights amongst York's wonderful list of pubs.

Just one question - how have I never posted a review before? A familiar haunt with guaranteed decent beers, made even better by a bunch of old regulars so it feels more like a proper pub than a beer tickers venue. Head for the back lounge rather than the tiny front bar if you can.