The Blue Bell, York

A very small, old-fashioned (in a good way) pub featuring a compact bar at the front, a couple of seats by the closed serving hatch in the corridor and a (slightly) larger Smoke Room to the rear. Traditional furniture and decor throughout. Seven hand pumps on the tiny front counter, with offerings including Farmer's Bitter and Blonde (£3.40) from Bradfield, Landlord, Rooster's Azacca, Acorn Eggcracker and Rudgate Ruby Mild. Very little in the way of food, just a few sandwiches and pies at lunchtimes, but features a basket of artisan breads for sale. Understandably, perhaps, given the size of the place, its layout and city-centre location, they have a strict policy about not letting any big groups in (and several got turned away whilst I was there). If you can get in, it is certainly well worth a visit.

A fantastic, unspoilt old pub consisting of a couple of bars served by a central bar counter. This was my favourite of all the pubs we visited during our long weekend in York, and there is some pretty stiff competition. Food looks to be limited to a jar of pickled eggs on the end of the bar, although a chalk board advertised a few sandwiches that were available at lunchtimes only. The rear bar is known as the smoking room and this had dark wood panelling on both the ceiling and the walls with the latter looking as though it had been varnished in some way, a tiled fire-place with a fire blazing away (gas I think though), various caricature pictures on the walls as well as old black and white photos of sports teams. Tables were of the round, copper topped variety and there was etched glass on the internal doors. Access to the rear of the servery was via a small hatch with frosted glass partitioning blocking off the rest. We didn’t investigate the front bar but did notice various accolades on the wall including a Pub of the Year award. Locals and barmaid all seemed friendly. Beers on tap were Timothy Taylor Landlord, Farmer’s Blond and Farmer’s Bitter from Bradfield, Acorn Eggcracker, Ruby Mild, Great Heck Simcoe, and Rooster’s Azaca. After all that, the cider choice was a little uninspiring with just Stowford Press being available. All in all, well worth seeking out on any visit to York.

For once I was in York when the racing wasn't on and managed to enter the pub. Proper old style bar and lounge serving 7 real ales on my visit.

Left my other half in here with Durham Black Velvet while I explored the area, but I was soon back to join him over an Acorn 7seas. This is truly a great pub to get into for friendliness, and we are so pleased it has got its place back in the 2015 Good Beer Guide.