Cross Keys, York

The Cross Keys is a large L-shaped pub with seating area either side of the central entrance. The L-shaped bar counter on the rear wall faces the entrance and seating to the right rear. behind the bar, at the rear of the pub, is a separate seating room and out the back are some covered picnic tables. Televisions throughout were playing muted cricket via Sky Sports whilst some background music played. Standard and premium keg were available from the bar and I counted seven hand pumps on the front section that were drawing Rudgate’s Ruby, Black Sheep’s Best and Respire Carbon Neutral Cask, TT Landlord, Adnams’ Secret Springs, Nicholson’s Pale Ale and Sharp’s Doom Bar. Some of these are doubled up on the four hand pumps on the right-hand section of the bar. I’m used to Nicholson’s pubs being very popular so I was very surprised to be one of only three customers in here on a recent Thursday evening. There was obviously no atmosphere, and I think it would take a lot to generate any due to the large open plan interior. This pub isn’t on my revisit list.

A bit of a disappointing Nicholson's house, this one. The interior is tidily done up, with several separate areas, including a room that can be curtained off, and a patio area at the rear, but somehow the place felt a bit too corporate and rather soulless. This was perhaps not helped by some particularly naff music and the loud clattering of crockery. The beer selection was adequate, with the usual sort of Yorkshire selection, but sadly the Rudgate Ruby Mild was not in very good form at all. Tolerable but could be very much better.

Usually Nicholsons’ pubs have an interesting range, not this one. Had a look along the counter and only saw disappointment and dreariness, I didn’t stop. Hopefully this is a temporary situation and will be resolved after the pandemic.

Called into this pub last month and found a solid range of cask ales from the Nicholsons group. Chose Vocation Cooler Shaker which was fine.

an imposing red brick pub at the junction of some popular old streets and the minster, inside it’s another well kept Nicholsons classic. A solid selection of real ales and ornate interior. Small beer garden at the side.

A late Sunday afternoon stop for lunch and a pint. I choose the Cross Keys as its a Nicholson's pub and also does good pies which suited what the wife wanted for lunch, oh and they always sell a good and varied selection of ales....a double tick then. A large open plan with a smaller room to the side of the bar, at the rear is a garden and smoking area. We ordered said lunch and I enjoyed a pint of Sharps Two Tides @ 4.6%. The beer was good as were the pies so no disappoint on that front. Pretty busy with food being popular, nicely decorated and had a decent buzz about it. This was my first visit but I doubt it’ll be my last.

Good selection of real ales marred only by Doombore and John Smiths Cask. Good Nicholsons house and we had a decent 5.5% pale ale. Would revisit.